Glamor P

Pioglitazone commonly causes weight gain which may be dose-related. The reason for this weight gain could be fat accumulation. However, in heart failure patients it could be due to water retention in the body. Therefore, it is important to monitor weight in heart failure cases.

Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention which may aggravate or speed up heart failure. The doctor usually starts with the lowest available dose and increases the dose gradually while treating patients who have at least one risk factor for heart failure (previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, elderly). Heart failure is more common when Pioglitazone is used with insulin.

Yes, Pioglitazone can be used with metformin where sufficient blood sugar management was not possible with metformin alone. This combination of medicines can be used in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight patients with poor blood sugar control.

It is usually prescribed once daily and can be taken at any time of the day but preferably at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. You should take Pioglitazone exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Continue taking Pioglitazone as long as your doctor recommends taking it. Treatment for diabetes mellitus is long-term so you may have to take it lifelong. However, if you have to stop it then consult with your doctor who will suggest an alternative. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor as it may cause blood sugar levels to rise, which could be harmful to you.

Pioglitazone may increase the risk of bladder cancer, though it is very rare. Immediately consult your doctor if you experience blood in your urine, pain when urinating or a sudden need to urinate, during treatment with this medicine. Pioglitazone should not be used in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer or having bladder cancer.

Yes, Pioglitazone may cause an increase in liver enzymes, and treatment with Pioglitazone should be stopped if liver enzymes increase. Hence, levels of liver enzymes should be periodically checked while on treatment with this medicine. Pioglitazone should not be prescribed to patients with liver disease.

Pioglitazone belongs to the thiazolidinediones class of anti-diabetic medicines. It helps control blood sugar levels by improving how your body uses a hormone called insulin. This is done by helping your cells become more sensitive to the insulin your body makes.

Glimepiride itself does not cause sleepiness. However, it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetes medicine. Because of this you may feel sleepy or have problems in sleeping.

Glimepiride does not affect kidneys in patients with normal kidney function. However, its use should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease since Glimepiride is principally eliminated by the kidneys.

No, it is not known that Glimepiride causes memory loss. However, the use of Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar which may cause problems with concentration and reduced alertness.

Glimepiride should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it, have severe kidney or liver disease, have G6PD-deficiency (an inherited condition affecting red blood cells) or are due to have surgery. Additionally, patients who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus) should avoid taking Glimepiride.

Glimepiride takes about 2 to 3 hours to reduce blood sugar levels. You may not feel any difference, but this does not mean the medicine is not working. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor and if you have any concerns, discuss it with your doctor.

Usually, the treatment for diabetes is suggested for a long term. You may have to continue the treatment life long. Glimepiride only controls the sugar levels but does not cure it. Do not stop taking Glimepiride without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Glimepiride suddenly your diabetes may get worse.

Glimepiride is advised to be taken in the dose and duration suggested by your doctor. Generally, a single daily dose of Glimepiride is sufficient to control blood sugar levels. The dose should be taken whole with water shortly before or during breakfast. However, if you skip breakfast then the medicine should be taken shortly before or during your first main meal.

Glimepiride should be taken strictly as advised by the doctor. Overdose of Glimepiride may significantly decrease your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you think you have taken an excess dose and experience a dip in your sugar level, consume enough sugar (e.g., a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice or sweetened tea) and inform a doctor immediately. Severe cases of hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness and coma require immediate medical treatment and admission into hospital.