Pioglitazone and Glimepiride (Cont.)

Effects of Pioglitazone and Glimepiride

Several studies have examined the effects of pioglitazone and glimepiride for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
 
Pioglitazone and Glimepiride: Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking pioglitazone in addition to a sulfonylurea (such as in pioglitazone and glimepiride) lowered their HbA1c by up to 1.67 percent, on average, while people taking only sulfonylurea did not see any decrease in their HbA1c levels.
 
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance is for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with pioglitazone and glimepiride, it may be possible to decrease the chances of developing these diabetes-related complications.
 
Pioglitazone and Glimepiride: Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of diabetes drugs. In studies, people taking pioglitazone in addition to a sulfonylurea (such as in pioglitazone and glimepiride) decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by 56.1 mg/dL, while people taking a sulfonylurea alone did not see any decrease in their fasting blood sugar.
 

When and How to Take Pioglitazone and Glimepiride

General considerations for when and how to take pioglitazone and glimepiride include the following:
 
  • Pioglitazone and glimepiride comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
  • You can take pioglitazone and glimepiride with or without food. If pioglitazone and glimepiride bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
  • Pioglitazone and glimepiride should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
  • For pioglitazone and glimepiride to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;