General Information on Duetact
Duetact, a combination of 2 prescription-based oral diabetes drugs, glimepiride and pioglitazone, is used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. You should buy Duetact only if your doctor has prescribed the drug for your treatment as it is a prescription drug.
The generic name of this drug is Glimepiride and Pioglitazone, based on the names of the two active ingredients present in the preparation. In addition to the two active ingredients, Duetact also contains croscarmellose sodium NF, l hydroxypropyl cellulose NF, actose monohydrate NF, polysorbate 80 NF and magnesium stearate NF.
Glimepiride falls under a class of drugs referred to as sulfonylurea and works by increasing the production of insulin by the pancreas. The other active ingredient, pioglitazone, falls under a category of drugs known as thiazolidinedione and works by curbing insulin resistance.
Duetact is to be used only for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and cannot be used by Type 1 diabetes patients.
Side effects of Duetact
It is important that you discuss all the potential risks associated with Duetact with your doctor before starting treatment. If you experience any side effects, immediately report them to your doctor.
The most common side effects of Duetact are: mild nausea, dizziness, gradual weight gain, tooth problems, diarrhea, blurred vision, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Apart from the above, other side effects of Duetact may include, but are not limited to: dark urine, black or tarry stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, low fever, pain in the upper stomach, painful urination, blood in the urine, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual or easy bleeding, sudden and unexplained weight gain, hallucinations, confusion, muscle weakness, or seizures.
Patients who are hypersensitive to glimepiride and/or pioglitazone should not buy Duetact. In addition, patients who have active bladder cancer or severe heart failure should also not use this oral diabetes medication. Do not use Duetact while you are experiencing a bout of ketoacidosis.
To ensure that Duetact is completely safe for you, inform your doctor about your medical history in advance, especially if you have or have had: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, or stroke.
Certain drugs can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or increase your risk of low blood hyperglycemia (above normal blood sugar), hypoglycemia (less than normal blood sugar), or certain side effects associated with Duetact. Therefore, it is essential that you inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking before you buy Duetact.
Duetact is listed under pregnancy category C. The effect of this drug on a developing fetus is unknown. Do not use Duetact without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant.
The safety of this oral debates medication in breastfeeding women has not been established. Consult a doctor before using this drug if you are breastfeeding a child.
Dosage of Duetact
Duetact oral tablets are available in two strengths: Duetact 30mg/2mg and Duetact 30mg/4mg. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage after taking into account certain factors such as your medical history, current medications, and response to treatment.
