GLIMEPIRIDE-PIOGLITAZONE

This drug is a combination of two antidiabetic medications—Glimepiride and Pioglitazone, that work in different ways.

Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It works by helping your body release more insulin from your pancreas. Once the sugar enters your cells, they’re able to use the sugar as fuel for your body. If your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin that it makes properly, the sugar will stay in your bloodstream. This causes high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. This drug improves how you respond to the insulin that your body makes. It also decreases the amount of glucose made by your liver. Pioglitazone doesn’t cause the body to make more insulin, so when it’s used alone it won’t cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Uses

Glimepiride/pioglitazone is a combination of two drugs in a single form that’s used to treat type 2 diabetes. Together with diet and exercise, it helps to control blood sugar levels

Warnings

Pioglitazone can cause your body to retain extra fluid. This can make some heart problems worse or lead to heart failure. People who have symptoms of heart failure or moderate to severe heart failure shouldn’t take this medication.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of heart failure, such as:

swelling or fluid retention, especially in your ankles or legs
shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down
fast weight gain
unusual tiredness

If you develop heart failure, your doctor may lower your dose or stop this medication.

Side Effects

Common side effects of this drug include: cold-like symptoms, such as upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinus infection, diarrhea, nausea, muscle pain, and sore throat.

Precautions

Precautions

Before you start this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

a sulfa allergy,
heart failure, kidney, liver or eye problem
bladder cancer
glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

You may not be allowed to take this drug by your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or don’t get regular menstrual periods. Your doctor may give you special instructions about this.

Interactions

Glimepiride/pioglitazone can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. That’s why your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to know more about this interactions.

Overdose & Brands

Call your doctor or go to emergency room right away if you think that you’ve taken too much of this medication or if the following symptoms happen to you:

mood changes, such as irritability, impatience, anger, stubbornness, or sadness
confusion, including delirium
lightheadedness or dizziness
sleepiness
blurred or impaired vision
tingling or numbness in your lips or tongue
headaches
weakness or fatigue
lack of coordination
nightmares or crying out in your sleep
seizures
unconsciousness

Available brands:

Asenza Plus
Zoliget