Pioglitazone and Glimepiride

Pioglitazone and glimepiride is often prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower and control blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and helping the pancreas produce more insulin. Pioglitazone and glimepiride comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. Potential side effects of the medication include low blood sugar, upper respiratory tract infections, or weight gain.

What Is Pioglitazone and Glimepiride?

Pioglitazone and glimepiride (Duetact®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Pioglitazone and glimepiride is a combination of two different diabetes medications: pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos®) and glimepiride (Amaryl®).
 
(Click What Is Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Pioglitazone and Glimepiride?

Pioglitazone and glimepiride is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Work?

The components of the drug (pioglitazone and glimepiride) work differently and have different effects in the body:
 
  • Pioglitazone is part of a group of medications called thiazolidinediones (or sometimes called "glitazones"). It helps to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that it helps your body use its natural insulin better. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
     
  • Glimepiride is part of a class of diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. As a sulfonylurea, glimepiride helps the pancreas produce more insulin. It may also help cells respond to insulin better. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep diabetes under better control.
     
Pioglitazone and glimepiride cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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