Pioglitazone-Glimepiride
Pronounced
"pie-oh-GLIT-uh-zone/glih-MEH-pih-ride"
Uses
This medication is a combination of 2 drugs, pioglitazone and glimepiride. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones or "glitazones." It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using pioglitazone-containing products.
Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas. It works by causing the release of your body's natural insulin.
Warning
Pioglitazone may rarely cause or worsen a certain heart problem (heart failure). Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of heart failure, including: shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.
This medication is not recommended for people with certain types of heart failure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart failure.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with the first main meal of the day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Colesevelam can decrease the absorption of glimepiride. If you are taking colesevelam, take this product at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis, and share the results with your doctor.
It may take up to 2 to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.