Duetact contains a combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone, two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
Duetact is for people with type 2 diabetes. Duetact is sometimes given with other diabetes medications when greater blood sugar control is needed.
This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Duetact may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Duetact if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, or if you have bladder cancer. Do not use this medicine if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Duetact is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Duetact can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Duetact if you are allergic to glimepiride or pioglitazone, or if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, or bladder cancer. Do not use this medicine if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure Duetact is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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congestive heart failure or heart disease;
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fluid retention;
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a history of bladder cancer;
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a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
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eye problems caused by diabetes;
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a history of heart attack or stroke; or
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liver disease.
Taking Duetact may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with this medicine.
Duetact may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
Women may be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking medicine that contains pioglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.
FDA pregnancy category C. Do not use Duetact if you are pregnant. Similar diabetes medications have caused severe hypoglycemia in newborn babies whose mothers had used the medication near the time of delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Duetact.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Some women using Duetact have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.
It is not known whether glimepiride and pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Duetact?
Take Duetact exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Duetact with your first meal of the day.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor"s office.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Use Duetact regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Duetact is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, vision exams, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A Duetact overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Duetact can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Duetact side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Duetact: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
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pink or red urine, painful or difficult urination, urinating more than usual;
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
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nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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changes in your vision; or
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sudden unusual pain in your hand, arm, or foot.
Common Duetact side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Duetact?
Tell your doctor if you use insulin. Taking Duetact while you are using insulin may increase your risk of serious heart problems.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Duetact, especially:
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gemfibrozil; or
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rifampin.
This list is not complete and many other medicines can increase or decrease the effects of Duetact on lowering your blood sugar. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
