Pioglitazone and glimepiride

Pioglitazone and glimepiride combination is used with proper diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone works by helping your body use insulin better. Glimepiride stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas which will help your body turn food into energy.

pioglitazone and glimepiride is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).

• Store in the original container at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

• Glimepiride and Pioglitazone
• Glimepiride and Pioglitazone Hydrochloride
• Pioglitazone HCl/Glimepiride

• Antidiabetic Agent, Sulfonylurea
• Antidiabetic Agent, Thiazolidinedione

Hepatic impairment prior to initiation: There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; use with caution.

Hepatic impairment during therapy: If liver injury is suspected (eg, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine): Interrupt therapy, measure serum liver tests, and investigate possible etiologies:

If an alternative etiology is not identified and ALT >3 x ULN: Do not reinitiate therapy.

If an alternative etiology is identified and ALT elevated (but <3 x ULN) or total bilirubin elevated (but <2 x ULN): May reinitiate with caution.

Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and humidity.

Also see individual agents.

>10%:

Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (6% to 12%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Hypoglycemia (13% to 16%), weight gain (9% to 13%)

Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infection (12% to 15%)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (4% to 7%)

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (4% to 6%), nausea (4% to 5%)

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (6% to 7%)

Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia (≤2%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Limb pain (4% to 5%)

<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Bladder carcinoma (FDA Safety Alert, Dec. 19, 2016)

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Patient may experience headache, diarrhea, nausea, muscle pain, rhinitis, pharyngitis, or weight gain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of heart problems (cough or shortness of breath that is new or worse, swelling of the ankles or legs, abnormal heartbeat, weight gain of more than five pounds in 24 hours, dizziness, or passing out), signs of severe cerebrovascular disease (change in strength on one side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight), signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes), vision changes, pain with urination, blood in urine, polyuria, bone pain, dysphagia, loss of strength and energy, severe dizziness, passing out, tachycardia, arrhythmia, menstrual irregularities, signs of low blood sugar (dizziness, headache, fatigue, feeling weak, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating), or signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin [with or without fever]; red or irritated eyes; or sores in mouth, throat, nose, or eyes) (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.