Product Details: Duetact (Pioglitazone/Glimepiride)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a thiazolidinedione and sulfonylurea antidiabetic combination used to treat type 2 diabetes in certain patients. It is used along with diet and exercise.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH BREAKFAST or the first main meal of the day unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Tell your doctor before using this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to other sulfonamide medicine (such as celecoxib, hydrochlorothiazide, or glipizide). DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet if this medicine stops working well. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, liver function, and eye exams may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF BONE FRACTURE IN SOME WOMEN. Inform your doctor if you have a history of bone fracture, low calcium intake, osteoporosis, or weakened bones. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. It may increase your risk of low blood sugar. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar) when taken alone or with other diabetes medicine. Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. IT MAY BE HARDER TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR DURING TIMES OF STRESS such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk to your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. THIS MEDICINE CONTAINS A SULFONYLUREA. It may increase the risk of death from heart disease. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of this or other therapies to treat your condition. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE OVULATION in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. To decrease the chance of pregnancy, be sure to use effective birth control while using this medicine. This medicine may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine especially the risk of heart problems or low blood sugar. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, headache, limb pain, muscle aches, nausea, and weight gain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience upper respiratory tract infection; persistent sore throat; increased or painful urination; or unusual tiredness or weakness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever or chills, chest pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, sudden unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet), symptoms of low blood sugar (such as anxiety, increased sweating, dizziness or drowsiness, headache, chills, tremors, increased hunger), symptoms of liver problems (such as dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe or persistent nausea, unexplained vomiting or loss of appetite, stomach pain), unusual bruising or bleeding, or vision changes (including blurred vision). An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Pioglitazone/Glimepiride