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Pioglitazone / Glimepiride Coupon - Pioglitazone / Glimepiride 30mg/4mg tablet

pioglitazone / glimepiride

Generic n/a
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) is a combination medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It's meant to be taken along with healthy diet and exercise to lower your blood sugar. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily with the first main meal. Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can raise your risk of low blood sugar and cause symptoms such as dizziness, shakes, and chills. Make sure to carry glucose tablets or fast-acting sugars with you so you can treat low blood sugar when needed.

Last reviewed on April 3, 2023
basics-icon

What is Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)?

What is Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) used for?

  • Type 2 diabetes in adults

How Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) works

Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) is a combination of two medications:

  • Pioglitazone is thiazolidinedione. It works on the fat and muscle cells to help them become more sensitive to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls your blood sugar. When your body is able to better use insulin, it can help move more blood sugar into cells to be used for energy. Pioglitazone also works on the liver cells to lower the amount of sugar your liver produces.

  • Glimepiride is sulfonylurea. It works by attaching to certain pancreatic cells in your body that make insulin. When glimepiride is attached, it tells your pancreas to release more insulin into the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar.

Are you looking for information on pioglitazone (Actos) or glimepiride (Amaryl) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDuetact
Drug ClassThiazolidinedione / Sulfonylurea
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Shakiness, anxiety, and other symptoms of low blood sugar levels (13-16%)
  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (12-15%)
  • Weight gain (9-13%)
  • Swelling of the legs and feet (6-12%)
  • Headache (4-7%)
  • Pain while urinating, urinating more often, and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (6-7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Pain the hands and feet

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Worsening heart failure: trouble catching your breath, unusual swelling, tiredness, and sudden weight gain
  • Serious liver problems: feeling tired or weak, poor appetite, losing weight without trying, dark urine, eyes and skin turning more yellow, upper right stomach pain
  • Severe skin or allergic reactions: rash, blisters, sores, trouble breathing, swelling
  • Low blood sugar: shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, feeling very hungry

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Anxiety

bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

cool, pale skin

depression

difficult, burning, or painful urination

fast heartbeat

frequent urge to urinate

headache

increased hunger

increased weight

lower back or side pain

nausea

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

swelling of the feet or lower legs

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Accidental injury

loss of appetite

pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury

pale skin

stomach pain

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting

weight loss

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

cough

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

dryness or soreness of the throat

ear congestion

fever

hoarseness

joint pain

loss of voice

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

runny nose

sneezing

stuffy nose

swollen joints

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tooth disorder

trouble swallowing

voice changes

Less common

Dizziness

itching skin or rash

lack or loss of strength

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)

thumbs-up

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience

Only taken once a day

Can be used for people who have kidney disease

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take with the biggest meal of the day

More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes

Not a good choice for people with bladder cancer

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)

pharmacist
  • Take Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) at the same time every day with your first main meal. This helps to lower the risk of low blood sugar and to better absorb the medication into your body.

    • Tell your provider if you experience any changes in weight, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness, or swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs while taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride). Though rare, it's possible for this medication can cause or worsen heart failure. Let your provider know if you have a history of heart problems before starting Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride).

      • Talk to a provider if you notice blurry vision or vision changes while taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride). This is because Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can worsen an eye condition called macular edema, which is more commonly seen in people with high blood sugar. Make sure to get your regular eye exams so your provider can make sure this medication is safe for you.

        • It's important to eat healthy and exercise regularly to keep your blood sugar under control. Make sure to work with your provider on a diet and exercise plan while taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride).

          • If possible, it's best to avoid alcohol when you're taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride). Drinking alcohol with this medication can cause dangerously low blood sugar. If you drink alcohol regularly and it's difficult for you to cut it out completely, ask your provider what's a safer amount to drink.

            • Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can put you at risk of having low blood sugar. Your risk is higher if you're also taking insulin. Make sure you eat your meals consistently while you're taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. If you make any changes in your diet, talk with your provider because they might need to adjust the dose of your blood sugar medications.

              • Make sure to keep fast-acting sugars, such as glucose tablets or boxes of fruit juice, with you at all times. This is so that you can take them if your blood sugar level drops too low. Check your blood sugar if you feel confused, shaky, or have a fast heartbeat. Make sure you know how to treat low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dL) and when you need to call 911.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)

                Can I take Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) if I'm over 65 years old?
                Maybe, but always follow your provider's guidance on how to best control your blood sugar. Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) should be used with caution in people over 65 years old with certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or heart failure. This is because Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can worsen these medical conditions because it can cause swelling and raise your risk for bone fractures. Your provider will likely ask you to come in for a check up if you have a possible bone injury or if you have symptoms of heart failure, such as trouble breathing or swelling in your ankles and feet. In addition, Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can also cause low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include confusion, nervousness, or fast heartbeat. Low blood sugar can lead to falls, which can be dangerous for older adults. If you're over 65 years old, talk to your provider about safe treatment options for you.
                Can Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) cause weight gain?
                Yes, weight gain is one of the more common side effects reported by people who took Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride). Both pioglitazone and glimepiride are known to cause weight gain. Some of the weight gained from Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) might be related to swelling from fluid because pioglitazone can cause your body to hold on to more fluid. This can be dangerous because it can lead to or worsen symptoms of heart failure. Your provider might ask you to check your weight regularly while you're taking this medication. It's important to let your provider know if you notice patterns of weight gain. They'll want to check to see if the weight gain is leading to any symptoms of heart failure. Talk with your provider if you're concerned about Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) and weight gain.
                Can Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) cause bladder cancer?
                It's not clear whether Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can cause bladder cancer. There's been evidence of a link to bladder cancer in some studies, but not in other studies. Because of this possible risk of cancer, your provider won't prescribe Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) for you if you currently have bladder cancer. And if you've had bladder cancer in the past, talk to your provider first before starting Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) because they might switch you to a different medication. If you have questions about Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) and bladder cancer, talk with your provider.
                Can Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) interact with other medications?
                Yes, Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can interact with some medications. Always let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start. For example, the cholesterol medication gemfibrozil (Lopid) can raise the level of Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) in your body. Taking this combination together can put you at higher risk of side effects related to Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride), such as swelling and headache. In this case, your provider might lower the dose of Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) to minimize the risk of these side effects. Or they might ask you to switch from Duetact to just taking pioglitazone and glimepiride separately to better adjust the doses of each individual medication.
                Can I take Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) if I'm pregnant?
                Speak with your provider about taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) hasn’t been well studied in human pregnancy. But animal studies showed that pioglitazone might be linked to certain health problems, such as slowed growth and low birth weight in babies. In addition, animal studies also showed that glimepiride caused dangerously low blood sugar in mothers and unborn babies. Because it's important to treat diabetes during pregnancy, your provider can discuss options that are safe for you.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)?

                Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Heart failure and swelling

                • *Risk factors: Heart failure | Heart problems | Kidney problems | Higher dose of pioglitazone | Using insulin at the same time *

                  Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can lead to heart failure, or worsen heart failure in people who already have it. This is because pioglitazone in Duetact can cause your body to hold onto more water, which leads to swelling around your heart. Discuss with your provider before starting Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) if you have one of the risk factors. Let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain. Your provider might ask you to stop this medication if you have symptoms of heart failure.

                  risk-warning

                  Low blood sugar

                  • Risk factors: Missing meals or having inconsistent meal times | Drinking alcohol | Intense or long periods of exercise | Using other diabetic medications | People age 60 or older | People with kidney or liver problems

                    Glimepiride in Duetact can cause your blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, and feeling very hungry. Make sure you and your family know how to treat low blood sugar and when they need to call 911. You might need to check your blood sugar more often to make sure it doesn't drop too much while taking this medication. It's best to keep emergency fast-acting sugars with you at all times, in case you need to bring your blood sugar back up to a safer range.

                    risk-warning

                    Liver problems

                    • Risk factors: Type 2 diabetes | Heart failure | Heart problems

                      Though rare, there have been reports that people who took pioglitazone in Duetact experienced serious liver problems. It's unclear whether the liver problems were caused by pioglitazone or were linked to health conditions people already had. If you’re concerned about the potential for liver damage, talk with your provider so they can decide how you can take Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) safely. You might need to get blood tests done before and while you take Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) so your provider can check your liver health. Let your provider know right away if you experience extreme tiredness, weight loss, belly discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

                      risk-warning

                      Risk of bone fractures

                      • Risk factors: Weaker bones | Females

                        Some studies showed that females who took pioglitazone in Duetact might have a higher risk of bone fractures in their arms and feet. Before starting Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride), your provider will check your bone health to make sure this medication is safe for you.

                        risk-warning

                        Vision problems

                        People who took medications similar to pioglitazone in Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) have reported vision problems. Keep in mind that diabetes can also affect your vision, which is why it's important for you to get regular eye exams while taking this medication. If you experience cloudy, blurry, or dim vision while taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride), please talk with your provider right away.

                        risk-warning

                        Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)

                        People who took medications similar to glimepiride in Duetact have experienced hemolytic anemia. If you have a certain genetic condition that raise your risk of this problem, your provider will most likely consider a different medication for you. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, tiredness, or dizziness.

                        risk-warning

                        Serious allergic reactions

                        • Risk factor: History of allergy to sulfa medications

                          Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) can sometimes cause serious allergic reactions, such as rash, peeling or blistering skin, swelling, trouble breathing, and dizziness. The risk is higher if you've had a history of allergy to sulfa medications, such as glipizide or sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim. Before taking Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride), make sure to let your provider know about your medical history. If you experience an allergic reaction to Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride), stop the medication and get medical care right away.

                          dosage

                          Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 30 tablets of 30mg/4mg of Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) is $590.80 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          30mg/2mg30 tablets$590.80$19.69
                          30mg/4mg30 tablets$590.80$19.69

                          Typical dosing for Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)

                          • The typical dose of Duetact is 30mg/2mg (pioglitazone / glimepiride) to 30mg/4mg (pioglitazone / glimepiride) by mouth once daily with the first main meal of the day.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) and other drugs

                          Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                          How much does Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) cost?

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                          contraindications-icon

                          Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) will not be safe for you to take.
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride)
                          Used for:
                          • Type 2 diabetes in adults

                          $430.68 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • Type 2 diabetes in adults

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                          Duetact (pioglitazone / glimepiride) images

                          White Oval Sz 469 - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride / Glimepiride 30mg-4mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Sz 469".White Oval Sz 469 - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride / Glimepiride 30mg-4mg Tablet
                          White Round 4833G And 30 / 4 - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride / Glimepiride 30mg-4mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "30/4" And "4833G".White Round 4833G And 30 / 4 - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride / Glimepiride 30mg-4mg Tablet

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Alcohol and Diabetes.

                          American Diabetes Association. Hypoglycemia? Low Blood Glucose? Low Blood Sugar? Clinical Diabetes.

                          American Diabetes Association. (2020). 12. Older Adults: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2020. Diabetes Care.

                          View All References (13)

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Get Active!

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How To Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia).

                          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Diabetes During Pregnancy.

                          Costello, R. A., et al. (2023). Sulfonylureas. StatPearls.

                          Eggleton, J. S., et al. (2023). Thiazolidinediones. StatPearls.

                          MedlinePlus. (2023). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

                          National Cancer Institute. (2023). What Is Bladder Cancer?

                          National Eye Institute. (2023). Macular Edema.

                          National heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic Anemia.

                          Porter, D. (2023). What Is Macular Edema? American Academy of Ophthalmology.

                          Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2022). DUETACT- pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Tang, H., et al. (2018). Pioglitazone and bladder cancer risk: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Cancer Medicine.

                          U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA Drug Safety Podcast: Updated FDA review concludes that use of pioglitazone may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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