Safely Buy Duetact ( Pioglitazone/Glimepiride ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Duetact is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes.

Duetact is a combination of two oral antihyperglycemic agents, pioglitazone hydrochloride and glimepiride, which work together to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are already being treated with a proper diet and exercise regimen.

Duetact is meant to be taken along with a healthy lifestyle.

Use and Dosage

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with the first main meal of the day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Colesevelam can decrease the absorption of glimepiride. If you are taking colesevelam, take this product at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor.

It may take up to 2 to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

When switching from individual diabetes drugs to this combination product, your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar more often to make sure you do not have a sudden attack of low blood sugar (hypoglycemic reaction) when starting this product. (See also Side Effects section.) Follow your doctor’s directions carefully.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Serious side effects include:

• Pink or red urine, painful or difficult urination, or new or worsening urge to urinate
• Changes in your vision
• Sudden unusual pain in your hand, arm, or foot
• Liver problems–upper stomach pain, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Symptoms of heart failure–shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling in your legs or feet, or rapid weight gain

Common side effects of glimepiride and pioglitazone may include:

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nausea, diarrhea
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing, or sore throat

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to pioglitazone or glimepiride; or to other “glitazones” (such as rosiglitazone); or other sulfonylureas (such as glipizide, tolbutamide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as congestive heart failure), fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema, fluid retention), liver problems, kidney disease, thyroid problems, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone-SIADH), mineral imbalance (hyponatremia), anemia, eye (retina) problems, bladder cancer.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia).

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). In these cases, consult your doctor because you may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

This medication may increase the risk of bone fracture (such as upper arm, hand, foot, and ankle) in female patients. To lower the chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.

Older adults may be at greater risk for low blood sugar while using this drug.

This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during pregnancy. If this medication is used, it may be switched to insulin at least 2 weeks before the expected delivery date because the medication risks causing low blood sugar in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk, and it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Duetact is available in the following form and strengths:

• Pioglitazone/Glimepiride Tablet:
  • 15/1 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. A glimepiride and pioglitazone overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, nausea, tremors, sweating, confusion, trouble speaking, fast heartbeats, or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking glimepiride and pioglitazone?

Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Glimepiride and Pioglitazone could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/glimepiride-and-pioglitazone.html#side-effects
2. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f8b0c917-3fdd-4a28-a47d-6225b8195458
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-144983/duetact-oral/details
4. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021925s010s011lbl.pdf