Duetact (Pioglitazone/Glimepiride)

Do’s

• Take Duetact exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily with your first main meal.
• Use it consistently to get the most benefit. Aim to take it at the same time each day.
• Monitor your blood sugar regularly as instructed by your healthcare provider and share the results with them.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you're taking Colesevelam, as it can affect Duetact's absorption. Take Duetact at least 4 hours before Colesevelam in this case.
• Be patient with Duetact. It may take 2-3 months to experience its full benefits.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully when switching from separate diabetes medications to Duetact.

Don'ts

• Don't change your Duetact dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't skip or stop taking Duetact unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
• Don't expect immediate results. Duetact might take time to work effectively.

Common Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia
• Weight gain
• Edema (swelling)
• Exacerbation of diabetes mellitus
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects:

• New or worsening heart failure
• Fluid retention leading to swelling (edema) and weight gain
• Increased risk of serious heart problems
• Signs of liver disease, such as loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, and dark urine
• Mental/mood changes, such as hallucinations and confusion
• Seizures
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Signs of infection, such as a persistent sore throat or fever
• New/worsening vision problems
• Bone fracture
• Reddish-colored urine
• Urgent need to urinate, pain while urinating
• Increased risk of bladder cancer when taken for more than 1 year

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Duetact,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to pioglitazone, glimepiride, other "glitazones" or "sulfonylureas", or any ingredients in Duetact.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before using Duetact, especially regarding:

• Heart problems (heart failure)
• Fluid in your lungs or swelling (edema)
• Liver or kidney problems
• Thyroid problems
• Certain hormonal conditions
• Mineral imbalance (hyponatremia)
• Anemia
• Eye problems
• Bladder cancer

Duetact may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you feel normal again.

Limit alcohol consumption while taking Duetact as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Your blood sugar may be harder to control during stressful situations. Consult your healthcare provider for adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.

Duetact may increase sun sensitivity. Use sun protection measures like sunscreen and protective clothing. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience sunburn.

This medication may increase the risk of bone fractures in women. Be cautious during activities that could lead to injuries.

Older adults may be more susceptible to low blood sugar while using Duetact.

Duetact may affect your menstrual cycle and increase pregnancy risk. Discuss reliable birth control methods with your healthcare provider.

Duetact should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Insulin might be used instead during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Duetact due to potential risks to the infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Duetact may rarely cause or worsen heart failure. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience shortness of breath, swelling, unusual tiredness, or sudden weight gain (symptoms of heart failure).

Duetact is not recommended for people with certain types of heart failure. Consult your healthcare provider before using Duetact if you have heart failure.