Warnings


What may interact with Duetact?


-aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
-atorvastatin
-bosentan
-chloramphenicol
-clarithromycin
-diuretics
-female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills
-gemfibrozil
-isoniazid
-ketoconazole
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-medicines for cold or congestion
-medicines for high blood pressure like metoprolol, propanolol
-medications for weight loss
-methotrexate
-miconazole
-midazolam
-nifedipine
-NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
-other medicines for diabetes
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-phenytoin
-propene
-rifampin
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
-thyroid hormones
-warfarin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Duetact?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-bladder cancer
-diabetic ketoacidosis
-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
-heart disease
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-severe infection or injury
-swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, glimepiride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Duetact?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.
Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
This medicine may increase your risk of having certain heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.
This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.