Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone
Information about Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone
Glimepiride + metformin + pioglitazone uses
How glimepiride + metformin + pioglitazone works
This is a combination of three antidiabetic medicines: Glimepiride, Metformin and Pioglitazone. They work by different mechanisms to provide better control of blood sugar when single or dual therapy is not effective. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea which works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose. Metformin is a biguanide. It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying glucose absorption from intestines and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione which further increases insulin sensitivity.
Common side effects of glimepiride + metformin + pioglitazone
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Nausea, Diarrhea, Headache, Edema (swelling), Bone fracture, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Upper respiratory tract infection, Dizziness, Vomiting, Flatulence, Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), Vitamin B12 deficiency, Indigestion, Abdominal discomfort, Vasculitis, Hypersensitivity, Abnormal liver function tests, Muscle pain, Sinus inflammation, Blood cell abnormalities, Hemolytic anemia, Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets), Bladder cancer, Visual disturbance, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Rhabdomyolysis, Lactic acidosis, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Drug eruptions
Available Medicine for Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone
Expert advice for Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone
- Take it with food to lower your chance of having an upset stomach.
- It may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
- Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemic symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, and anxiety.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Frequently asked questions for Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone
Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone
Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone?
No, it is not safe to drink alcohol while using Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone. Drinking alcohol may lower your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Also, it can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.
Q. What should I inform the doctor before taking Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone?
Before taking Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone inform your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney problems, liver problems, swelling of the back of the eye. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or a premenopausal woman. Let the doctor know if you are taking any prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Q. Can the use of Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, the use of Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as it contains metformin in it. On long-term use, it interferes with absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach.