Glimepiride+Pioglitazone+Metformin

When should one not use Glimepiride+Pioglitazone+Metformin

• If you are allergic to metformin, pioglitazone, glimepiride, or any other ingredient of Glimepiride+Pioglitazone+Metformin.
• If you have class III or IV heart failure.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have serious kidney failure or liver failure.
• If you have any metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body fluids) like lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic pre-coma.
• If you have dehydration, severe infections, shock and injections containing iodine.
• If you have had heart or lung failure, a recent incidence of heart attack and shock due to lack of oxygen supply.
• If you are an alcoholic.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Eye disorders
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste
• Fractures
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Muscle pain

Other General Warnings

• You have fluid retention, swelling or heart failure condition.
• You are an elderly person.
• You have or had bladder cancer or are at risk of developing bladder cancer, liver disease.
• You experience sudden weight gain, changes in blood parameters.
• You experience or have any eye disorder or visual disturbances.
• You have weak bones or are prone to fractures.
• You experience extreme hunger, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, restlessness, aggression, reduced alertness, confusion, shakiness or dizziness. These could be signs of low blood sugar. If you have any of these, immediately have sugar or sweet juice. Inform your doctor as you may need a change in your medicine's dose.
• You are experiencing pins-and-needles sensation, numbness and weakness.
• You are going to have a diagnostic imaging test that involves an injection of iodine.
• You have dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting or limited fluid intake.
• You have suffered through trauma.
• You have to undergo surgery in the near future.
• You have serious kidney problems, or undiagnosed blood in urine.
• You have thyroid disorders.
• You are overweight (specific diet restriction may be suggested).

How Does It Work?

• Glimepiride lowers the blood sugar level increasing release of insulin hormone from the pancreas. Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells.
• Metformin decreases the absorption of sugar in the intestine and production of sugar by the liver.
• Pioglitazone acts by improving the sensitivity of liver (hepatic) and peripheral (muscle) tissue to insulin
• All of these components are known to increase the insulin sensitivity of the body (allows the cells of the body to use blood glucose more effectively, reducing blood sugar).

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Glimepiride+Pioglitazone+Metformin works or Glimepiride+Pioglitazone+Metformin itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Especially if you are on other blood sugar medicine, heart medicine, blood pressure medicine, antibiotics, painkillers, medicine used to treat brain related disorder, blood thinners, antacids, or immunomodulatory medicines.

Overdose

• Overdose of Glimepiride+Pioglitazone+Metformin may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), nausea, vomiting, lactic acidosis (excessive lactic acid build-up), headache, dizziness, etc.
• If you experience these, immediately take glucose or juice or sugar-containing products (Sugar candy).
• Contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital if you have taken too much of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

• A missed dose may lead to high blood sugar levels, which includes symptoms like feeling thirsty, excessive urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, a fruity smell from breath, etc.
• If you have missed any dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.