Duetact

Generic name:glimepiride and pioglitazone [ glye-MEP-ir-ide-and-PYE-oh-GLI-ta-zone ]
Drug class:Antidiabetic combinations

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 17, 2022.

What is Duetact?

Duetact contains a combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone, both are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Duetact is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Duetact is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Warnings

You should not use Duetact if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, active bladder cancer, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Duetact can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Duetact if you are allergic to glimepiride, pioglitazone, or sulfa drugs, or if you have:

• severe or advanced heart failure;

• active bladder cancer; or

• diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Pioglitazone 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 taking Duetact.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• congestive heart failure or heart disease;

• fluid retention;

• bladder cancer;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• eye problems caused by diabetes; or

• a heart attack or stroke.

Duetact may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking Duetact for a short time just before your due date.

Women may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking Duetact. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Pioglitazone may cause you to ovulate and get preg...