CompositionGluconorm PG 1 Tablet PR is used to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes when two medicines have not been enough. It is a combination medicine containing glimepiride 1mg (a sulfonylurea), pioglitazone (a thiazolidinedione) and metformin in a prolonged-release form (a biguanide).
The three medicines work together: glimepiride helps the pancreas release more insulin, pioglitazone helps the body respond better to insulin, and metformin reduces the sugar made by the liver. Take it with your first main meal, swallowed whole, as prescribed, and do not skip meals after taking it.
Eating regular, balanced meals with controlled carbohydrates, staying active and keeping a healthy weight are essential. Carry glucose or a sugary snack, and check your blood sugar as advised.
Do not take this medicine if you have heart failure, a history of bladder cancer, or blood in the urine that has not been checked. Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, weight gain and a higher risk of bone fractures. This medicine can cause low blood sugar, especially if you miss or delay meals, drink alcohol or exercise more than usual; symptoms include shaking, sweating, hunger, a fast heartbeat and confusion, and should be treated straight away with glucose or sugar. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease or drink alcohol heavily, and about other medicines you take. Your doctor may pause it before surgery or scans using contrast dye, and if you become dehydrated or very unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea. Long-term metformin use can lower vitamin B12, so your doctor may check it. Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Seek medical help for rapid weight gain, swelling or breathlessness, or blood in the urine. Seek urgent help for unusual muscle pain, fast breathing, stomach pain, feeling very cold or extreme tiredness, which can rarely signal a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so.
