Duetact Tablets – Pioglitazone and Glimepiride for Type 2 Diabetes – Dual-Action Oral Antidiabetic Treatment – Buy Online at EZ Chemist Pharmacy

Duetact is an oral antidiabetic medication combining pioglitazone and glimepiride, used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Suitable for patients who require dual therapy for better glycemic control.

Comprehensive Product Description: Duetact Tablets
Generic Name: Pioglitazone + Glimepiride
Brand Name: Duetact
Manufactured By: Takeda Pharmaceuticals / Generic manufacturers
Drug Class: Antidiabetic Combination (Thiazolidinedione + Sulfonylurea)
Dosage Form: Oral Tablets
Strengths Available: Duetact 30/2 mg, Duetact 30/4 mg
Availability: Buy Duetact Tablets Online – EZ Chemist Pharmacy

Active Ingredients
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride: A thiazolidinedione class antidiabetic that enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Glimepiride: A second-generation sulfonylurea that increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.

Other Popular or Common Names
Pioglitazone/Glimepiride Tablets

TZD + Sulfonylurea Combination

Dual Oral Antidiabetic Therapy

Duetact Generic

Diabetes Combination Therapy

Mode of Action
Pioglitazone:
Activates PPAR-γ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma), which modulates genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. It improves insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver.

Glimepiride:
Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by closing ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels, thereby increasing calcium influx and promoting insulin secretion.

Together, they reduce both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels effectively in type 2 diabetes patients not controlled on monotherapy.

Indications & Uses of Duetact
Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults

Recommended when blood sugar is inadequately controlled by pioglitazone or glimepiride alone

Helps delay or prevent diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease

Dosage and Administration
Always follow the prescribing physician’s guidance.

Initial Dose:

Typically starts with Duetact 30 mg/2 mg once daily

May be increased to Duetact 30 mg/4 mg once daily depending on blood glucose levels

Administration:

Take once daily with the first main meal

Swallow whole; do not crush or chew

Adjust dose every 2–4 weeks based on glucose monitoring

Elderly and Hepatic Patients:

Use with caution and dose adjustment

Prescribing Information
Monitor HbA1c every 3 months

Check liver function before initiation and periodically during treatment

Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, especially in elderly or renally impaired patients

Not for use in Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

Safety Information
Pregnancy: Category C – Use only if clearly needed

Lactation: Not recommended – Unknown if secreted in breast milk

Renal Impairment: Glimepiride component may accumulate – Monitor closely

Heart Failure Risk: Pioglitazone may cause fluid retention – contraindicated in NYHA class III/IV CHF

Common Side Effects of Duetact
Mild to Moderate:

Hypoglycemia (especially if taken with other antidiabetics or delayed meals)

Weight gain

Upper respiratory tract infection

Headache

Edema

Dizziness

Flatulence

Serious Adverse Effects:

Heart failure exacerbation

Hepatotoxicity (monitor ALT/AST)

Bladder cancer (rare, associated with long-term pioglitazone use)

Hypoglycemia (severe – especially in elderly or renal impairment)

Hematologic effects (reduction in hematocrit/hemoglobin)

Warnings and Cautions
Not for Type 1 diabetes or DKA

Increased risk of bladder cancer with prolonged pioglitazone use (avoid in patients with hematuria)

Monitor liver enzymes regularly

Use caution in elderly and patients with cardiovascular disease

Avoid alcohol – may increase hypoglycemia risk

Drug Interactions
Major Interactions:

Insulin or other sulfonylureas: Increased risk of hypoglycemia

CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): May increase glimepiride levels

Rifampin: May reduce pioglitazone efficacy

Gemfibrozil: Increases pioglitazone levels

Beta-blockers: May mask hypoglycemia symptoms

Drug Classification
Therapeutic Class: Oral Antidiabetic Combination

Pharmacologic Classes:

Pioglitazone: Thiazolidinedione (TZD)

Glimepiride: Sulfonylurea

ATC Code: A10BD05

Legal Category: Schedule H (Rx only)

Pregnancy Category: C

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Duetact used for?
Duetact is used to manage type 2 diabetes in adults who need a combination of pioglitazone and glimepiride to control their blood sugar levels.

How does Duetact work?
It improves insulin sensitivity (pioglitazone) and enhances insulin secretion (glimepiride), lowering both fasting and post-meal blood glucose.

Can Duetact cause hypoglycemia?
Yes, especially if taken without food or with other antidiabetic agents. It is important to take Duetact with a meal to minimize this risk.

Is Duetact safe for kidney disease patients?
Use with caution. Glimepiride may accumulate in renal impairment, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Close monitoring is required.

Is weight gain expected with Duetact?
Yes, mild weight gain can occur due to fluid retention and insulin-like effects. Regular exercise and dietary control are advised.