What is glimepiride and pioglitazone?
Glimepiride and pioglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
Glimepiride and pioglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. Glimepiride and pioglitazone is sometimes given with other diabetes medications when greater blood sugar control is needed.
This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Glimepiride and pioglitazone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about glimepiride and pioglitazone?
Do not take glimepiride and pioglitazone for longer than recommended. Taking this medication for longer than 1 year (12 months) may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
Before taking glimepiride and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of bladder cancer, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremor, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glimepiride and pioglitazone.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking glimepiride and pioglitazone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glimepiride (Amaryl, Avandaryl) or pioglitazone (Actos), or if you have:
To make sure you can safely take glimepiride and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glimepiride and pioglitazone.
Some women using glimepiride and pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.
Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking medicine that contains pioglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.
Do not take glimepiride and pioglitazone for longer than recommended. Taking this medication for longer than 1 year (12 months) may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glimepiride and pioglitazone will harm an unborn baby. Similar diabetes medications have caused severe hypoglycemia in newborn babies whose mothers had used the medication near the time of delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking glimepiride and pioglitazone.