Pioglitazone is a selective antagonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in insulin-mediated target tissues such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. It thus controls glucose production, transport, and utilization of fats and lipids.
Through this mechanism, pioglitazone enhances tissue sensitivity to insulin and reduces hepatic glucose production.
Like all sulfonylureas, glimepiride acts as an insulin secretagogue. It lowers blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and by increasing the activity of insulin receptors within the cells.
Medical uses of Diotact 2/30 tablets
It is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. It is used when diet and exercise alone fail to control diabetes.
How to use Diotact 2/30 tablets
Take it with the first meal of the day.
For patients switching from a different sulfonylurea, hypoglycemia should be carefully monitored for 1 to 2 weeks due to the potential for drug interaction.
Individualize dosage based on safety, efficacy, and prior therapy.
The starting dose is pioglitazone 30 mg + glimepiride 2 mg tablets or pioglitazone 30 mg + glimepiride 4 mg tablets orally once daily.
Maintenance dose: The dose depends on the adequacy of the therapeutic response and tolerance of each individual.
Doses may be changed under special circumstances, so always follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more medicine than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a missed dose.
Side effects of Diotact 2/30 tablets
Although the following side effects are not common to everyone, some patients may complain of the following:
low blood sugar
weight gain
headache
muscle pain
anxiety
depression
increased heart rate
Nausea and diarrhea
Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing, and sore throat.
Use of Diotact 2/30 tablets during pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Helpful tips for diabetics
All carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels, so it's important to know which foods contain carbohydrates. Choose healthy carbohydrate-containing foods and be aware of the portion size (amount of carbohydrates) required.
Reduce your salt intake. Eating too much salt can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which in turn increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. When you have diabetes, you're already at greater risk for all of these conditions.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. This can help you get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs daily to maintain your health.
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as weakness, dizziness, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating, eating or drinking something containing sugar usually helps.
Warnings and precautions while using Diotact 2/30 tablets
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have ever had:
congestive heart failure or heart disease
fluid retention
bladder cancer
liver disease
kidney disease
A genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)
Eye problems caused by diabetes, heart attack, or stroke.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines including non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins, and nutritional supplements.
How to store Diotact 2/30 tablets
Store below 25°C.
Do not refrigerate the medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Must be stored in the original container to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the carton/blister/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Your health in numbers
Random blood sugar test: A blood sample will be taken at a random time. Regardless of when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher indicates diabetes. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL is considered normal, and a reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates diabetes risk.
Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after you fast overnight. A fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL is normal. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. If your blood sugar is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you may have diabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test: For this test, you fast overnight, and your fasting blood sugar level is measured. You then drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours.
For more information about pioglitazone and glimepiride
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Tamenni app
