What is Duetact-pioglitazone?
Pioglitazone, marketed as Duetact in combination with glimepiride, is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the class of thiazolidinediones and works by increasing insulin sensitivity in the body. By enhancing glucose uptake into peripheral tissues, pioglitazone helps lower blood sugar levels. As Duetact, it combines with glimepiride, a sulfonylurea, which stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. This dual-action combination aims to provide better glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes.
What is Duetact-pioglitazone used for?
Duetact, also known as pioglitazone and glimepiride, is an oral antidiabetic combination medication. It belongs to the class of medications known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and sulfonylureas. The dual-action of Duetact works by enhancing insulin sensitivity in the body through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), thus facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
The first component, pioglitazone, acts as an agonist to PPAR-gamma receptors. Activation of these receptors enhances glucose uptake and utilization by muscle and adipose tissues, while also reducing hepatic glucose production. This ultimately leads to improved glycemic control in diabetic patients. The second component, glimepiride, is a sulfonylurea that works as an agonist to ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the pancreas. Stimulation of these channels causes closure of pancreatic beta-cell potassium channels, leading to cell depolarization and increased insulin secretion.
Duetact-pioglitazone is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, such as metformin. It has been found effective in reducing HbA1c levels and increasing insulin sensitivity without producing significant weight gain. However, due to concerns regarding cardiovascular safety and fluid retention, it is recommended to use Duetact with caution and under close monitoring of patient response.
Duetact-pioglitazone side effects
- Blurred vision
- Changes in fat distribution (e.g., increased fat in upper back and neck, called ‘moon shaped face’)
- Congestive heart failure
- Edema (swelling of feet or ankles)
- Fractures of the bones (notably of the spine, wrist, or hip) - these have been associated with treatment that increases bone turnover
- Gallbladder problems
- Increased fat in upper back and neck (buffalo hump), particularly in women
- Increased heart rate
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Restless legs syndrome
- Severe joint pain
- Sleep apnea or other breathing problems
- Swelling of the face, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Vision changes
Disclaimer
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided here is based on general research and may not apply to individual circumstances. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any content on this website. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or health routine.