Pioglitazone And Glimepiride Tablet
FDA Label NDC 66993-821

• Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, which is a component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• After initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets must be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are already treated with a thiazolidinedione and sulfonylurea or who have inadequate glycemic control on a thiazolidinedione alone or a sulfonylurea alone [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Important Limitations of Use

Pioglitazone exerts its antihyperglycemic effect only in the presence of endogenous insulin. Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.

Use caution in patients with liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone, like other thiazolidinediones, can cause dose-related fluid retention when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications and is most common when pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate congestive heart failure. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets must be considered [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Glimepiride

All sulfonylureas, including glimepiride, a component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, can cause severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. These impairments may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or death.

Patients must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Use caution when initiating and increasing pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet doses in patients who may be predisposed to hypoglycemia (e.g., the elderly, patients with renal impairment, patients on other antidiabetic medications). Debilitated or malnourished patients and those with adrenal, pituitary, or hepatic impairment are particularly susceptible to the hypoglycemic action of glucose-lowering medications. Hypoglycemia is also more likely to occur when caloric intake is deficient, after severe or prolonged exercise, or when alcohol is ingested.

Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced in patients with autonomic neuropathy, the elderly, and in patients who are taking beta-adrenergic blocking medications or other sympatholytic agents. These situations may result in severe hypoglycemia before the patient is aware of the hypoglycemia.

Glimepiride

There have been postmarketing reports of hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with glimepiride, a component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, including serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, promptly discontinue pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, assess for other potential causes for the reaction, and institute alternative treatment for diabetes.

Glimepiride

The administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to treatment with diet alone or diet plus insulin. This warning is based on the study conducted by the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP), a long-term, prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The study involved 823 patients who were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups.

UGDP reported that patients treated for 5 to 8 years with diet plus a fixed dose of tolbutamide (1.5 grams per day) had a rate of cardiovascular mortality approximately 2.5 times that of patients treated with diet alone. A significant increase in total mortality was not observed, but the use of tolbutamide was discontinued based on the increase in cardiovascular mortality, thus limiting the opportunity for the study to show an increase in overall mortality. Despite controversy regarding the interpretation of these results, the findings of the UGDP study provide an adequate basis for this warning. The patient should be informed of the potential risks and advantages of glimepiride tablets and of alternative modes of therapy.

Although only one drug in the sulfonylurea class (tolbutamide) was included in this study, it is prudent from a safety standpoint to consider that this warning may also apply to other oral hypoglycemic drugs in this class, in view of their close similarities in mode of action and chemical structure.

Pioglitazone

There have been postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking pioglitazone, although the reports contain insufficient information necessary to establish the probable cause. There has been no evidence of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in the pioglitazone-controlled clinical trial database to date [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Patients with type 2 diabetes may have fatty liver disease or cardiac disease with episodic congestive heart failure, both of which may cause liver test abnormalities, and they may also have other forms of liver disease, many of which can be treated or managed. Therefore, obtaining a liver test panel (serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) and assessing the patient is recommended before initiating pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet therapy. In patients with abnormal liver tests, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be initiated with caution.

Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. In this clinical context, if the patient is found to have abnormal liver tests (ALT greater than 3 times the upper limit of the reference range), pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet treatment should be interrupted and investigation done to establish the probable cause. Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should not be restarted in these patients without another explanation for the liver test abnormalities.

Patients who have serum ALT greater than three times the reference range with serum total bilirubin greater than two times the reference range without alternative etiologies are at risk for severe drug-induced liver injury and should not be restarted on pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. For patients with lesser elevations of serum ALT or bilirubin and with an alternate probable cause, treatment with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets can be used with caution.

Pioglitazone

Tumors were observed in the urinary bladder of male rats in the two-year carcinogenicity study [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. In addition, during the three year PROactive clinical trial, 14 patients out of 2605 (0.54%) randomized to pioglitazone and 5 out of 2633 (0.19%) randomized to placebo were diagnosed with bladder cancer . After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were 6 (0.23%) cases on pioglitazone and two (0.08%) cases on placebo. After completion of the trial, a large subset of patients was observed for up to 10 additional years, with little additional exposure to pioglitazone. During the 13 years of both PROactive and observational follow-up, the occurrence of bladder cancer did not differ between patients randomized to pioglitazone or placebo (HR =1.00; [95% CI: 0.59–1.72]).

Findings regarding the risk of bladder cancer in patients exposed to pioglitazone vary among observational studies; some did not find an increased risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone, while others did.

A large prospective 10 year observational cohort study conducted in the United States found no statistically significant increase in the risk of bladder cancer in diabetic patients ever exposed to pioglitazone, compared to those never exposed to pioglitazone (HR =1.06 [95% CI 0.89-1.26]).

A retrospective cohort study conducted with data from the United Kingdom found a statistically significant association between ever exposure to pioglitazone and bladder cancer (HR: 1.63; [95% CI: 1.22–2.19]).

Associations between cumulative dose or cumulative duration of exposure to pioglitazone and bladder cancer were not detected in some studies including the 10 year observational study in the U.S., but were in others. Inconsistent findings and limitations inherent in these and other studies preclude conclusive interpretations of the observational data.

Pioglitazone may be associated with an increase in the risk of urinary bladder tumors.There are insufficient data to determine whether pioglitazone is a tumor promoter for urinary bladder tumors.

Consequently, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should not be used in patients with active bladder cancer and the benefits of glycemic control versus unknown risks for cancer recurrence with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be considered in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer.

Pioglitazone

In controlled clinical trials, edema was reported more frequently in patients treated with pioglitazone than in placebo-treated patients and is dose-related [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In postmarketing experience, reports of new onset or worsening edema have been received.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be used with caution in patients with edema. Because thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, can cause fluid retention, which can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be used with caution in patients at risk for congestive heart failure. Patients treated with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be monitored for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Patient Counseling Information (17)].

Pioglitazone

In PROactive (the Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events), 5238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to pioglitazone (N=2605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (N=2633) in addition to standard of care. During a mean follow-up of 34.5 months, the incidence of bone fracture in females was 5.1% (44/870) for pioglitazone versus 2.5% (23/905) for placebo. This difference was noted after the first year of treatment and persisted during the course of the study. The majority of fractures observed in female patients were nonvertebral fractures including lower limb and distal upper limb. No increase in the incidence of fracture was observed in men treated with pioglitazone (1.7%) versus placebo (2.1%). The risk of fracture should be considered in the care of patients, especially female patients, treated with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and attention should be given to assessing and maintaining bone health according to current standards of care.

Glimepiride

Sulfonylureas can cause hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Because pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets contain glimepiride, which belongs to the class of sulfonylurea agents, use caution in patients with G6PD deficiency and consider the use of a nonsulfonylurea alternative. There are also postmarketing reports of hemolytic anemia in patients receiving glimepiride who did not have known G6PD deficiency [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Pioglitazone

Macular edema has been reported in postmarketing experience in diabetic patients who were taking pioglitazone or another thiazolidinedione. Some patients presented with blurred vision or decreased visual acuity, but others were diagnosed on routine ophthalmologic examination.

Most patients had peripheral edema at the time macular edema was diagnosed. Some patients had improvement in their macular edema after discontinuation of the thiazolidinedione.

Patients with diabetes should have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist according to current standards of care. Patients with diabetes who report any visual symptoms should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist, regardless of the patient's underlying medications or other physical findings [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Pioglitazone

Over 8500 patients with type 2 diabetes have been treated with pioglitazone in randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials, including 2605 patients with type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease treated with pioglitazone in the PROactive clinical trial. In these trials, over 6000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for six months or longer, over 4500 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for one year or longer, and over 3000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for at least two years.

In six pooled 16 to 26 week placebo-controlled monotherapy and 16 to 24 week add-on combination therapy trials, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 4.5% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 5.8% for comparator-treated patients. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal were related to inadequate glycemic control, although the incidence of these events was lower (1.5%) with pioglitazone than with placebo (3.0%).

In the PROactive trial, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 9.0% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 7.7% for placebo-treated patients. Congestive heart failure was the most common serious adverse event leading to withdrawal occurring in 1.3% of patients treated with pioglitazone and 0.6% of patients treated with placebo.

Common Adverse Events: 16 to 26 Week Monotherapy Trials:

A summary of the incidence and type of common adverse events reported in three pooled 16 to 26 week placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of pioglitazone is provided in Table 2. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo. None of these adverse events were related to the pioglitazone dose.

A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in the PROactive trial is provided in Table 3. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo.

Congestive Heart Failure

A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure is provided in Table 4 for the 16 to 24 week add-on to sulfonylurea trials, for the 16 to 24 week add-on to insulin trials, and for the 16 to 24 week add-on to metformin trials. None of the events were fatal.

Patients with type 2 diabetes and NYHA class II or early class III congestive heart failure were randomized to receive 24 weeks of double-blind treatment with either pioglitazone at daily doses of 30 mg to 45 mg (n=262) or glyburide at daily doses of 10 mg to 15 mg (n=256). A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure reported in this study is provided in Table 5.

Congestive heart failure events leading to hospitalization that occurred during the PROactive trial are summarized in Table 6.

Cardiovascular Safety

In the PROactive trial, 5238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to pioglitazone (N=2605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (N=2633) in addition to standard of care. Almost all patients (95%) were receiving cardiovascular medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, diuretics, aspirin, statins, and fibrates). At baseline, patients had a mean age of 62 years, mean duration of diabetes of 9.5 years, and mean HbA1c of 8.1%. Mean duration of follow-up was 34.5 months.

The primary objective of this trial was to examine the effect of pioglitazone on mortality and macrovascular morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were at high risk for macrovascular events. The primary efficacy variable was the time to the first occurrence of any event in a cardiovascular composite endpoint that included all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) including silent MI, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, cardiac intervention including coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous intervention, major leg amputation above the ankle, and bypass surgery or revascularization in the leg. A total of 514 (19.7%) patients treated with pioglitazone and 572 (21.7%) placebo-treated patients experienced at least one event from the primary composite endpoint (hazard ratio 0.90; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.80, 1.02; p=0.10).

Although there was no statistically significant difference between pioglitazone and placebo for the three year incidence of a first event within this composite, there was no increase in mortality or in total macrovascular events with pioglitazone. The number of first occurrences and total individual events contributing to the primary composite endpoint is shown in Table 7.

Weight Gain

Dose-related weight gain occurs when pioglitazone is used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications. The mechanism of weight gain is unclear but probably involves a combination of fluid retention and fat accumulation.

Tables 8 and 9 summarize the changes in body weight with pioglitazone and placebo in the 16 to 26 week randomized, double-blind monotherapy and 16 to 24 week combination add-on therapy trials and in the PROactive trial.

Edema

Edema induced from taking pioglitazone is reversible when pioglitazone is discontinued. The edema usually does not require hospitalization unless there is coexisting congestive heart failure. A summary of the frequency and types of edema adverse events occurring in clinical investigations of pioglitazone is provided in Table 10.

Hepatic Effects

There has been no evidence of pioglitazone-induced hepatotoxicity in the pioglitazone-controlled clinical trial database to date. One randomized, double-blind, 3 year trial comparing pioglitazone to glyburide as add-on to metformin and insulin therapy was specifically designed to evaluate the incidence of serum ALT elevation to greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range, measured every eight weeks for the first 48 weeks of the trial then every 12 weeks thereafter. A total of 3/1051 (0.3%) patients treated with pioglitazone and 9/1046 (0.9%) patients treated with glyburide developed ALT values greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range. None of the patients treated with pioglitazone in the pioglitazone-controlled clinical trial database to date have had a serum ALT greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range and a corresponding total bilirubin greater than two times the upper limit of the reference range, a combination predictive of the potential for severe drug-induced liver injury.

Hypoglycemia

In the pioglitazone clinical trials, adverse events of hypoglycemia were reported based on clinical judgment of the investigators and did not require confirmation with fingerstick glucose testing.

In the 16 week add-on to sulfonylurea trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.7% with pioglitazone 30 mg and 0.5% with placebo. In the 16 week add-on to insulin trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 7.9% with pioglitazone 15 mg, 15.4% with pioglitazone 30 mg, and 4.8% with placebo.

The incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher with pioglitazone 45 mg compared to pioglitazone 30 mg in both the 24 week add-on to sulfonylurea trial (15.7% versus 13.4%) and in the 24 week add-on to insulin trial (47.8% versus 43.5%).

Three patients in these four trials were hospitalized due to hypoglycemia. All three patients were receiving pioglitazone 30 mg (0.9%) in the 24 week add-on to insulin trial. An additional 14 patients reported severe hypoglycemia (defined as causing considerable interference with patient's usual activities) that did not require hospitalization. These patients were receiving pioglitazone 45 mg in combination with sulfonylurea (N=2) or pioglitazone 30 mg or 45 mg in combination with insulin (N=12).

Urinary Bladder Tumors

Tumors were observed in the urinary bladder of male rats in the two-year carcinogenicity study [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. During the three year PROactive clinical trial, 14 patients out of 2605 (0.54%) randomized to pioglitazone and 5 out of 2633 (0.19%) randomized to placebo were diagnosed with bladder cancer. After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were 6 (0.23%) cases on pioglitazone and two (0.08%) cases on placebo. After completion of the trial, a large subset of patients was observed for up to 10 additional years, with little additional exposure to pioglitazone. During the 13 years of both PROactive and observational follow-up, the occurrence of bladder cancer did not differ between patients randomized to pioglitazone or placebo (HR =1.00; 95% CI: 0.59-1.72) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Glimepiride

Adverse events that occurred in controlled clinical trials with placebo and glimepiride monotherapy, other than hypoglycemia, included: headache (7.8% and 8.2%), accidental injury (3.4% and 5.8%), flu syndrome (4.4% and 5.4%), nausea (3.4% and 5.0%) and dizziness (2.4% and 5.0%), respectively.

Hypoglycemia

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled monotherapy trial of 14 weeks duration, patients already on sulfonylurea therapy underwent a 3 week washout period then were randomized to glimepiride 1 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg or placebo. Patients randomized to glimepiride 4 mg or 8 mg underwent forced-titration from an initial dose of 1 mg to these final doses, as tolerated. The overall incidence of possible hypoglycemia (defined by the presence of at least one symptom that the investigator believed might be related to hypoglycemia; a concurrent glucose measurement was not required) was 4% for glimepiride 1 mg, 17% for glimepiride 4 mg, 16% for glimepiride 8 mg and 0% for placebo. All of these events were self-treated.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled monotherapy trial of 22 weeks duration, patients received a starting dose of either 1 mg glimepiride or placebo daily. The dose of glimepiride was titrated to a target fasting plasma glucose of 90 −150 mg/dL. Final daily doses of glimepiride were 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 mg. The overall incidence of possible hypoglycemia (as defined above for the 14 week trial) for glimepiride versus placebo was 19.7% vs. 3.2%. All of these events were self-treated.

Weight Gain

Glimepiride, like all sulfonylureas, can cause weight gain.

Allergic Reactions

In clinical trials, allergic reactions, such as pruritus, erythema, urticaria, and morbilliform or maculopapular eruptions, occurred in less than 1% of glimepiride-treated patients. These may resolve despite continued treatment with glimepiride. There are postmarketing reports of more serious allergic reactions (e.g., dyspnea, hypotension, shock) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Laboratory Tests

Elevated Serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

In 11 pooled placebo-controlled trials of glimepiride, 1.9% of glimepiride-treated patients and 0.8% of placebo-treated patients developed serum ALT greater than two times the upper limit of the reference range.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Pioglitazone

Hematologic Effects

Pioglitazone may cause decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit. In placebo-controlled monotherapy trials, mean hemoglobin values declined by 2% to 4% in patients treated with pioglitazone compared with a mean change in hemoglobin of -1% to +1% in placebo-treated patients. These changes primarily occurred within the first 4 to 12 weeks of therapy and remained relatively constant thereafter. These changes may be related to increased plasma volume associated with pioglitazone therapy and are not likely to be associated with any clinically significant hematologic effects.

Creatine Phosphokinase

During protocol-specified measurement of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in pioglitazone clinical trials, an isolated elevation in CPK to greater than 10 times the upper limit of the reference range was noted in nine (0.2%) patients treated with pioglitazone (values of 2150 to 11400 IU/L) and in no comparator-treated patients. Six of these nine patients continued to receive pioglitazone, two patients were noted to have the CPK elevation on the last day of dosing and one patient discontinued pioglitazone due to the elevation. These elevations resolved without any apparent clinical sequelae. The relationship of these events to pioglitazone therapy is unknown.

Pioglitazone

• New onset or worsening diabetic macular edema with decreased visual acuity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
• Fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Postmarketing reports of congestive heart failure have been reported in patients treated with pioglitazone, both with and without previously known heart disease and both with and without concomitant insulin administration.

In postmarketing experience, there have been reports of unusually rapid increases in weight and increases in excess of that generally observed in clinical trials. Patients who experience such increases should be assessed for fluid accumulation and volume-related events such as excessive edema and congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Glimepiride

• Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Hemolytic anemia in patients with and without G6PD deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• Impairment of liver function (e.g. with cholestasis and jaundice), as well as hepatitis, which may progress to liver failure
• Porphyria cutanea tarda, photosensitivity reactions and allergic vasculitis
• Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and pancytopenia
• Thrombocytopenia (including severe cases with platelet count less than 10,000/mcL) and thrombocytopenic purpura
• Hepatic porphyria reactions and disulfiram-like reactions
• Hyponatremia and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), most often in patients who are on other medications or who have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone

Pioglitazone

An inhibitor of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) significantly increases the exposure (area under the serum concentration-time curve or AUC) and half-life (t_½) of pioglitazone. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose of pioglitazone is 15 mg daily if used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. Since the minimum dose of pioglitazone in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets exceeds 15 mg, patients taking concomitant strong CYP2C8 inhibitors should switch to individual components of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, unless the prescribing health care provider determines that the benefit of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets clearly outweighs the risk of increased pioglitazone exposure [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pioglitazone

An inducer of CYP2C8 (e.g., rifampin) may significantly decrease the exposure (AUC) of pioglitazone. Therefore, if an inducer of CYP2C8 is started or stopped during treatment with pioglitazone, changes in diabetes treatment may be needed based on clinical response without exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of 45 mg for pioglitazone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pioglitazone

A decrease in the exposure of pioglitazone and its active metabolites were noted with concomitant administration of pioglitazone and topiramate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The clinical relevance of this decrease is unknown; however, when pioglitazone and topiramate are used concomitantly, monitor patients for adequate glycemic control.

Glimepiride

A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet dose adjustment and particularly close monitoring for hypoglycemia or worsening glycemic control.

The following are examples of medications that may increase the glucose-lowering effect of sulfonylureas including glimepiride, a component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, increasing the susceptibility to and/or intensity of hypoglycemia: oral anti-diabetic medications, pramlintide acetate, insulin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, fibrates, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, somatostatin analogs, anabolic steroids and androgens, cyclophosphamide, phenyramidol, guanethidine, fluconazole, sulfinpyrazone, tetracyclines, clarithromycin, disopyramide, quinolones, and those drugs that are highly protein-bound, such as fluoxetine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, coumarins, probenecid and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. When these medications are administered to a patient receiving pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia. When these medications are withdrawn from a patient receiving pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, monitor the patient closely for worsening glycemic control.

The following are examples of medications that may reduce the glucose-lowering effect of sulfonylureas including glimepiride, leading to worsening glycemic control: danazol, glucagon, somatropin, protease inhibitors, atypical antipsychotic medications (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), barbiturates, diazoxide, laxatives, rifampin, thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid hormones, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol, terbutaline), and isoniazid. When these medications are administered to a patient receiving pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, monitor the patient closely for worsening glycemic control. When these medications are withdrawn from a patient receiving pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia.

Beta-blockers, clonidine, and reserpine may lead to either potentiation or weakening of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets glucose-lowering effect.

Both acute and chronic alcohol intake may potentiate or weaken the glucose-lowering action of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets in an unpredictable fashion.

The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent in patients taking sympatholytic drugs such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine.

Glimepiride

A potential interaction between oral miconazole and sulfonylureas leading to severe hypoglycemia has been reported. Whether this interaction also occurs with other dosage forms of miconazole is not known.

Glimepiride

There may be an interaction between glimepiride and inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) and inducers (e.g., rifampin) of CYP2C9. Fluconazole may inhibit the metabolism of glimepiride, causing increased plasma concentrations of glimepiride which may lead to hypoglycemia. Rifampin may induce the metabolism of glimepiride, causing decreased plasma concentrations of glimepiride which may lead to worsening glycemic control.

Glimepiride

Colesevelam can reduce the maximum plasma concentrations and total exposure of glimepiride when the two are coadministered. However, absorption is not reduced when glimepiride is administered four hours prior to colesevelam. Therefore, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be administered at least four hours prior to colesevelam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Risk Summary

Limited data with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets or pioglitazone in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. There are clinical considerations related to fetal and neonatal adverse reactions and drug discontinuation if glimepiride is used during pregnancy. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].

No adverse developmental effects were observed when pioglitazone was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at exposures up to 5 and 35 times the 45 mg clinical dose, respectively, based on the body surface area. Administration of glimepiride to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis induced maternal hypoglycemia and also increased fetal mortality at doses 50 (rats) and 0.1 times (rabbits) the 8 mg clinical dose, respectively, based on body surface area [see Data].

The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with a HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20% respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk

Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, still birth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, still birth, and macrosomia related morbidity.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reaction

Neonates of women with gestational diabetes, who are treated with sulfonylureas during pregnancy, may be at increased risk for neonatal intensive care unit admission, and may develop respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, birth injury, and be large for gestational age. Prolonged severe hypoglycemia, lasting 4-10 days, has been reported in neonates born to mothers receiving a sulfonylurea at the time of delivery and has been reported with the use of agents with a prolonged half-life. Observe newborns for symptoms of hypoglycemia and respiratory distress and manage accordingly.

Dose adjustments during pregnancy and the postpartum period

Due to reports of prolonged severe hypoglycemia in neonates born to mothers receiving a sulfonylurea at the time of delivery, pioglitazone and glimepiride should be discontinued at least two weeks before expected delivery [see Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reaction].

Data

Animal Data

Pioglitazone and Glimepiride

Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with the combined products in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. The following data are based on studies conducted with the individual components of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets.

Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis did not cause adverse developmental effects at a dose of 20 mg/kg (~5 times the 45 mg clinical dose), but delayed parturition and reduced embryofetal viability at 40 and 80 mg/kg, or ≥9 times the 45 mg clinical dose, by body surface area. In pregnant rabbits administered pioglitazone during organogenesis, no adverse developmental effects were observed at 80 mg/kg (~35 times the 45 mg clinical dose), but reduced embryofetal viability at 160 mg/kg, or ~69 times the 45 mg clinical dose, by body surface area. When pregnant rats received pioglitazone during late gestation and lactation, delayed postnatal development, attributed to decreased body weight occurred in offspring at maternal doses of 10 mg/kg and above or ≥2 times the 45 mg clinical dose, by body surface area.

Glimepiride

Fetal deaths occurred in rats and rabbits administered glimepiride during the period of organogenesis at doses 50 times (rats) and 0.1 times (rabbits) the 8 mg clinical dose, based on body surface area. This fetotoxicity, observed only at doses inducing maternal hypoglycemia, is believed to be directly related to the pharmacologic (hypoglycemic) action of glimepiride and has been similarly noted with other sulfonylureas.

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of pioglitazone or glimepiride in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Pioglitazone and glimepiride are present in rat milk; however, due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not reliably predict drug levels in human milk [see Data].

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from pioglitazone and glimepiride or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

During pre- and postnatal studies in rats, glimepiride was present in lactational milk and in serum of nursing rat pups. Offspring exposed to high levels of glimepiride during lactation developed skeletal abnormalities (shortening, thickening and bending of the humerus) during the postnatal period.

Glimepiride

The pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of glimepiride have been evaluated in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes as described below. Glimepiride is not recommended in pediatric patients because of its adverse effects on body weight and hypoglycemia.

The pharmacokinetics of a 1 mg single dose of glimepiride was evaluated in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes (male = 7; female = 23) between ages 10 and 17 years. The mean (±SD) AUC (0-last) (339±203 ng∙hr/mL), C_max (102±48 ng/mL) and t_1/2 (3.1±1.7 hours) for glimepiride were comparable to historical data from adults (AUC (0-last) 315±96 ng∙hr/mL, C_max 103±34 ng/mL and t_1/2 5.3±4.1 hours).

The safety and efficacy of glimepiride in pediatric patients was evaluated in a single-blind, 24 week trial that randomized 272 patients (8 to 17 years of age) with type 2 diabetes to glimepiride (n=135) or metformin (n=137). Both treatment-naïve patients (those treated with only diet and exercise for at least two weeks prior to randomization) and previously treated patients (those previously treated or currently treated with other oral antidiabetic medications for at least three months) were eligible to participate. Patients who were receiving oral antidiabetic agents at the time of study entry discontinued these medications before randomization without a washout period. Glimepiride was initiated at 1 mg, and then titrated up to 2, 4 or 8 mg (mean last dose 4 mg) through Week 12, targeting a self monitored fasting fingerstick blood glucose <126 mg/dL. Metformin was initiated at 500 mg twice daily and titrated at Week 12 up to 1000 mg twice daily (mean last dose 1365 mg).

After 24 weeks, the overall mean treatment difference in HbA1c between glimepiride and metformin was 0.2%, favoring metformin (95% confidence interval -0.3% to +0.6%).

Based on these results, the trial did not meet its primary objective of showing a similar reduction in HbA1c with glimepiride compared to metformin.

The profile of adverse reactions in pediatric patients treated with glimepiride was similar to that observed in adults.

Hypoglycemic events documented by blood glucose values <36 mg/dL were observed in 4% of pediatric patients treated with glimepiride and in 1% of pediatric patients treated with metformin. One patient in each treatment group experienced a severe hypoglycemic episode (severity was determined by the investigator based on observed signs and symptoms).

Pioglitazone

A total of 92 patients (15.2%) treated with pioglitazone in the three pooled 16 to 26 week double-blind, placebo-controlled, monotherapy trials were ≥65 years old and two patients (0.3%) were ≥75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24 week add-on to sulfonylurea trials, 201 patients (18.7%) treated with pioglitazone were ≥65 years old and 19 (1.8%) were ≥75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24 week add-on to metformin trials, 155 patients (15.5%) treated with pioglitazone were ≥65 years old and 19 (1.9%) were ≥75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24 week add-on to insulin trials, 272 patients (25.4%) treated with pioglitazone were ≥65 years old and 22 (2.1%) were ≥75 years old.

In PROactive, 1068 patients (41.0%) treated with pioglitazone were ≥65 years old and 42 (1.6%) were ≥75 years old.

In pharmacokinetic studies with pioglitazone, no significant differences were observed in pharmacokinetic parameters between elderly and younger patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Although clinical experiences have not identified differences in effectiveness and safety between the elderly (≥65 years) and younger patients, these conclusions are limited by small sample sizes for patients ≥75 years old.

Glimepiride

In clinical trials of glimepiride, 1053 of 3491 patients (30%) were ≥65 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

There were no significant differences in glimepiride pharmacokinetics between patients with type 2 diabetes ≤65 years (n=49) and those >65 years (n=42) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Glimepiride is substantially excreted by the kidney. Elderly patients are more likely to have renal impairment. In addition, hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize in the elderly [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Use caution when initiating pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and increasing the dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets in this patient population.

Pioglitazone

During controlled clinical trials, one case of overdose with pioglitazone was reported. A male patient took 120 mg per day for four days, then 180 mg per day for seven days. The patient denied any clinical symptoms during this period.

In the event of overdosage, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms.

Glimepiride

An overdosage of glimepiride, as with other sulfonylureas, can produce severe hypoglycemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose. Severe hypoglycemic reactions constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. Severe hypoglycemia with coma, seizure, or neurological impairment can be treated with glucagon or intravenous glucose. Continued observation and additional carbohydrate intake may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that depends on the presence of insulin for its mechanism of action. Pioglitazone decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output. Pioglitazone is not an insulin secretagogue. Pioglitazone is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). PPAR receptors are found in tissues important for insulin action such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. Activation of PPARγ nuclear receptors modulates the transcription of a number of insulin responsive genes involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism.

In animal models of diabetes, pioglitazone reduces the hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia characteristic of insulin-resistant states such as type 2 diabetes. The metabolic changes produced by pioglitazone result in increased responsiveness of insulin-dependent tissues and are observed in numerous animal models of insulin resistance.

Because pioglitazone enhances the effects of circulating insulin (by decreasing insulin resistance), it does not lower blood glucose in animal models that lack endogenous insulin.

Glimepiride

Glimepiride primarily lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Sulfonylureas bind to the sulfonylurea receptor in the pancreatic beta cell plasma membrane, leading to closure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, thereby stimulating the release of insulin.

Pioglitazone

Clinical studies demonstrate that pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant patients. Pioglitazone enhances cellular responsiveness to insulin, increases insulin-dependent glucose disposal and improves hepatic sensitivity to insulin. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the decreased insulin resistance produced by pioglitazone results in lower plasma glucose concentrations, lower plasma insulin concentrations, and lower HbA1c values. In controlled clinical trials, pioglitazone had an additive effect on glycemic control when used in combination with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Patients with lipid abnormalities were included in clinical trials with pioglitazone. Overall, patients treated with pioglitazone had mean decreases in serum triglycerides, mean increases in HDL cholesterol, and no consistent mean changes in LDL and total cholesterol. There is no conclusive evidence of macrovascular benefit with pioglitazone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

In a 26 week, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging monotherapy study, mean serum triglycerides decreased in the 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg pioglitazone dose groups compared to a mean increase in the placebo group. Mean HDL cholesterol increased to a greater extent in patients treated with pioglitazone than in the placebo-treated patients. There were no consistent differences for LDL and total cholesterol in patients treated with pioglitazone compared to placebo (Table 12).

Table 12. Lipids in a 26 Week Placebo-Controlled Monotherapy Dose-Ranging Study

	Placebo	Pioglitazone 15 mg Once Daily	Pioglitazone 30 mg Once Daily	Pioglitazone 45 mg Once Daily
Triglycerides (mg/dL)	N=79	N=79	N=84	N=77
Baseline (mean)	263	284	261	260
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction )	4.8%	-9.0% p <0.05 versus placebo	-9.6%	-9.3%
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)	N=79	N=79	N=83	N=77
Baseline (mean)	42	40	41	41
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean)	8.1%	14.1%	12.2%	19.1%
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)	N=65	N=63	N=74	N=62
Baseline (mean)	139	132	136	127
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean)	4.8%	7.2%	5.2%	6.0%
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)	N=79	N=79	N=84	N=77
Baseline (mean)	225	220	223	214
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean)	4.4%	4.6%	3.3%	6.4%

In the two other monotherapy studies (16 weeks and 24 weeks) and in combination therapy studies with sulfonylurea (16 weeks and 24 weeks), metformin (16 weeks and 24 weeks) or insulin (16 weeks and 24 weeks), the results were generally consistent with the data above.

Glimepiride

In healthy subjects, the time to reach maximal effect (minimum blood glucose concentrations) was approximately by two to three hours after single oral doses of glimepiride. The effects of HbA1C, fasting plasma glucose, and post-prandial glucose have been assessed in clinical trials.

Absorption and Bioavailability:

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets

Bioequivalence studies were conducted following a single dose of the pioglitazone and glimepiride 30 mg/2 mg and 30 mg/4 mg tablets and concomitant administration of pioglitazone (30 mg) and glimepiride (2 mg or 4 mg) under fasting conditions in healthy subjects.

Based on the area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (C_max) of both pioglitazone and glimepiride, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets 30 mg/2 mg and 30 mg/4 mg were bioequivalent to pioglitazone 30 mg concomitantly administered with glimepiride (2 mg or 4 mg, respectively).

Food did not change the systemic exposures of glimepiride or pioglitazone following administration of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. The presence of food did not significantly alter the time to peak serum concentration (T_max) of glimepiride or pioglitazone and C_max of pioglitazone. However, for glimepiride, there was a 22% increase in C_max when pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets were administered with food.

Pioglitazone

Following once-daily administration of pioglitazone, steady-state serum concentrations of both pioglitazone and its major active metabolites, M-III (keto derivative of pioglitazone) and M-IV (hydroxyl derivative of pioglitazone), are achieved within seven days. At steady-state, M-III and M-IV reach serum concentrations equal to or greater than that of pioglitazone. At steady-state, in both healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes, pioglitazone comprises approximately 30% to 50% of the peak total pioglitazone serum concentrations (pioglitazone plus active metabolites) and 20% to 25% of the total AUC.

C_max, AUC, and trough serum concentrations (C_min) for pioglitazone and M-III and M-IV, increased proportionally with administered doses of 15 mg and 30 mg per day.

Following oral administration of pioglitazone, T_max of pioglitazone was within two hours. Food delays T_max to three to four hours but does not alter the extent of absorption (AUC).

Glimepiride

Studies with single oral doses of glimepiride in healthy subjects and with multiple oral doses in patients with type 2 diabetes showed peak drug concentrations (C_max) two to three hours post-dose. When glimepiride was given with meals, the mean C_max and AUC were decreased by 8% and 9%, respectively.

Glimepiride does not accumulate in serum following multiple dosing. The pharmacokinetics of glimepiride does not differ between healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes. Clearance (CL/F) of glimepiride after oral administration does not change over the 1 mg to 8 mg dose range, indicating linear pharmacokinetics.

In healthy subjects, the intra- and inter-individual variabilities of glimepiride pharmacokinetic parameters were 15% to 23% and 24% to 29%, respectively.

Distribution

Pioglitazone

The mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of pioglitazone following single-dose administration is 0.63 ± 0.41 (mean ± SD) L/kg of body weight. Pioglitazone is extensively protein bound (>99%) in human serum, principally to serum albumin. Pioglitazone also binds to other serum proteins, but with lower affinity. M-III and M-IV are also extensively bound (>98%) to serum albumin.

Glimepiride

After intravenous (IV) dosing in healthy subjects, Vd/F was 8.8 L (113 mL/kg), and the total body clearance (CL) was 47.8 mL/min. Protein binding was greater than 99.5%.

Metabolism

Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone is extensively metabolized by hydroxylation and oxidation; the metabolites also partly convert to glucuronide or sulfate conjugates. Metabolites M-III and M-IV are the major circulating active metabolites in humans.

In vitro data demonstrate that multiple CYP isoforms are involved in the metabolism of pioglitazone which include CYP2C8 and, to a lesser degree, CYP3A4 with additional contributions from a variety of other isoforms including the mainly extrahepatic CYP1A1. In vivo study of pioglitazone in combination with gemfibrozil, a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor, showed that pioglitazone is a CYP2C8 substrate [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Urinary 6β-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratios measured in patients treated with pioglitazone showed that pioglitazone is not a strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducer.

Glimepiride

Glimepiride is completely metabolized by oxidative biotransformation after either an IV or oral dose. The major metabolites are the cyclohexyl hydroxy methyl derivative (M1) and the carboxyl derivative (M2). CYP2C9 is involved in the biotransformation of glimepiride to M1. M1 is further metabolized to M2 by one or several cytosolic enzymes. In animals, M1 possesses about one-third of the pharmacological activity of glimepiride, but it is unclear whether M1 results in clinically meaningful effects on blood glucose in humans. M2 is inactive.

Excretion and Elimination

Pioglitazone

Following oral administration, approximately 15% to 30% of the pioglitazone dose is recovered in the urine. Renal elimination of pioglitazone is negligible and the drug is excreted primarily as metabolites and their conjugates. It is presumed that most of the oral dose is excreted into the bile either unchanged or as metabolites and eliminated in the feces.

The mean serum half-life (t_1/2) of pioglitazone and its metabolites (M-III and M-IV) range from three to seven hours and 16 to 24 hours, respectively. Pioglitazone has an apparent clearance, CL/F, calculated to be five to seven L/hr.

Glimepiride

When ¹⁴C-glimepiride was given orally to three healthy male subjects, approximately 60% of the total radioactivity was recovered in the urine in seven days. M1 and M2 accounted for 80% to 90% of the radioactivity recovered in the urine. The ratio of M1 to M2 in the urine was approximately 3:2 in two subjects and 4:1 in one subject. Approximately 40% of the total radioactivity was recovered in feces. M1 and M2 accounted for approximately 70% (ratio of M1 to M2 was 1:3) of the radioactivity recovered in feces. No parent drug was recovered from urine or feces. After IV dosing in patients, no significant biliary excretion of glimepiride or its M1 metabolite was observed.

Renal Impairment

Pioglitazone

The serum elimination half-life of pioglitazone, M-III, and M-IV remains unchanged in patients with moderate [creatinine clearance (CLcr) 30 to 50 mL/min] and severe (CLcr <30 mL/min) renal impairment when compared to subjects with normal renal function. Therefore, no dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment is required.

Glimepiride

In a single-dose, open-label study glimepiride 3 mg was administered to patients with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment as estimated by CLcr: Group I consisted of five patients with mild renal impairment (CLcr >50 mL/min), Group II consisted of 3 patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr = 20 to 50 mL/min) and Group III consisted of seven patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <20 mL/min). Although, glimepiride serum concentrations decreased with decreasing renal function, Group III had a 2.3 fold higher mean AUC for M1 and an 8.6 fold higher mean AUC for M2 compared to corresponding mean AUCs in Group I. The t_½ for glimepiride did not change, while the t_½ for M1 and M2 increased as renal function decreased. Mean urinary excretion of M1 plus M2 as a percentage of dose decreased from 44.4% for Group I to 21.9% for Group II and 9.3% for Group III.

Hepatic Impairment

Pioglitazone

Compared with healthy controls, subjects with impaired hepatic function (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Grade B/C) have an approximate 45% reduction in pioglitazone and total pioglitazone (pioglitazone, M-III, and M-IV) mean C_max but no change in the mean AUC values. Therefore, no dose adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment is required.

There are postmarketing reports of liver failure with pioglitazone and clinical trials have generally excluded patients with serum ALT >2.5 times the upper limit of the reference range. Use pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets with caution in patients with liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Glimepiride

It is unknown whether there is an effect of hepatic impairment on glimepiride pharmacokinetics because the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride has not been adequately evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment.

Geriatric Patients

Pioglitazone

In healthy elderly subjects, C_max of pioglitazone was not significantly different, but AUC values were approximately 21% higher than those achieved in younger subjects. The mean t_½ of pioglitazone was also prolonged in elderly subjects (about 10 hours) as compared to younger subjects (about seven hours). These changes were not of a magnitude that would be considered clinically relevant.

Glimepiride

A comparison of glimepiride pharmacokinetics in patients with type 2 diabetes ≤65 years and those >65 years was evaluated in a multiple-dose study using 6 mg daily dose. There were no significant differences in glimepiride pharmacokinetics between the two age groups. The mean AUC at steady state for the older patients was approximately 13% lower than that for the younger patients; the mean weight-adjusted clearance for the older patients was approximately 11% higher than that for the younger patients.

Pediatric Patients

No pharmacokinetic studies of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets were performed in pediatric patients.

Pioglitazone

Safety and efficacy of pioglitazone in pediatric patients have not been established. Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not recommended for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Gender

Pioglitazone

The mean C_max and AUC values of pioglitazone were increased 20% to 60% in women compared to men. In controlled clinical trials, HbA1c decreases from baseline were generally greater for females than for males (average mean difference in HbA1c 0.5%). Because therapy should be individualized for each patient to achieve glycemic control, no dose adjustment is recommended based on gender alone.

Glimepiride

There were no differences between males and females in the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride when adjustment was made for differences in body weight.

Ethnicity

Pioglitazone

Pharmacokinetic data among various ethnic groups are not available.

Glimepiride

No studies have been conducted to assess the effects of race on glimepiride pharmacokinetics but in placebo-controlled trials of glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes, the reduction in HbA1c was comparable in Caucasians (n=536), blacks (n=63), and Hispanics (n=63).

Obese Patients

The pharmacokinetics of glimepiride and its metabolites were measured in a single-dose study involving 28 patients with type 2 diabetes who either had normal body weight or were morbidly obese. While the T_max, CL/F, and Vd/F of glimepiride in the morbidly obese patients were similar to those in the normal weight group, the morbidly obese had lower C_max and AUC than those of normal body weight. The mean C_max, AUC_0-24, AUC_0-∞ values of glimepiride in normal vs. morbidly obese patients were 547 ± 218 ng/mL vs. 410 ± 124 ng/mL, 3210 ± 1030 hours∙ng/mL vs. 2820 ± 1110 hours∙ng/mL and 4000 ± 1320 hours∙ng/mL versus 3280 ± 1360 hours∙ng/mL, respectively.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Coadministration of pioglitazone (45 mg) and a sulfonylurea (5 mg glipizide) administered orally once daily for seven days did not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of glipizide. Glimepiride and glipizide have similar metabolic pathways and are mediated by CYP2C9; therefore, drug-drug interaction between pioglitazone and glimepiride is considered unlikely. Specific pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets have not been performed, although such studies have been conducted with the individual pioglitazone and glimepiride components.

Pioglitazone

Table 13. Effect of Pioglitazone Coadministration on Systemic Exposure of Other Drugs

	Coadministered Drug
Pioglitazone Dosage Regimen (mg) Daily for 7 days unless otherwise noted	Name and Dose Regimens	Change in AUC % change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively		Change in Cmax
45 mg (N=12)	Warfarin Pioglitazone had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time
	Daily loading then maintenance doses based PT and INR values Quick's Value = 35 ± 5%	R-Warfarin	↓3%	R-Warfarin	↓2%
		S-Warfarin	↓1%	S-Warfarin	↑1%
45 mg (N=12)	Digoxin
	0.250 mg twice daily (loading dose) then 0.250 mg daily (maintenance dose, 7 days)	↑15%		↑17%
45 mg daily for 21 days (N=35)	Oral Contraceptive
	[Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) 0.035 mg plus Norethindrone (NE) 1 mg] for 21 days	EE	↓11%	EE	↓13%
		NE	↑3%	NE	↓7%
45 mg (N=23)	Fexofenadine
	60 mg twice daily for 7 days	↑30%		↑37%
45 mg (N=14)	Glipizide
	5 mg daily for 7 days	↓3%		↓8%
45 mg daily for 8 days (N=16)	Metformin
	1000 mg single dose on Day 8	↓3%		↓5%
45 mg (N=21)	Midazolam
	7.5 mg single dose on Day 15	↓26%		↓26%
45 mg (N=24)	Ranitidine
	150 mg twice daily for 7 days	↑1%		↓1%
45 mg daily for 4 days (N=24)	Nifedipine ER
	30 mg daily for 4 days	↓13%		↓17%
45 mg (N=25)	Atorvastatin Ca
	80 mg daily for 7 days	↓14%		↓23%
45 mg (N=22)	Theophylline
	400 mg twice daily for 7 days	↑2%		↑5%

Table 14. Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Pioglitazone Systemic Exposure

Coadministered Drug and Dosage Regimen	Pioglitazone
	Dose Regimen (mg) Daily for 7 days unless otherwise noted	Change in AUC Mean ratio (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 1 fold) % change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively	Change in Cmax
Gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily for 2 days (N=12)	15 mg single dose	↑3.2 fold The half-life of pioglitazone increased from 8.3 hours to 22.7 hours in the presence of gemfibrozil [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Drug Interactions (7)]	↑6%
Ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily for 7 days (N=28)	45 mg	↑34%	↑14%
Rifampin 600 mg daily for 5 days (N=10)	30 mg single dose	↓54%	↓5%
Fexofenadine 60 mg twice daily for 7 days (N=23)	45 mg	↑1%	0%
Ranitidine 150 mg twice daily for 4 days (N=23)	45 mg	↓13%	↓16%
Nifedipine ER 30 mg daily for 7 days (N=23)	45 mg	↑5%	↑4%
Atorvastatin Ca 80 mg daily for 7 days (N = 24)	45 mg	↓24%	↓31%
Theophylline 400 mg twice daily for 7 days (N=22)	45 mg	↓4%	↓2%
Topiramate 96 mg twice daily for 7 days Indicates duration of concomitant administration with highest twice-daily dose of topiramate from Day 14 onwards over the 22 days of study (N=26)	30 mg	↓15 Additional decrease in active metabolites; 60% for M-III and 16% for M-IV	0%

Glimepiride

Aspirin

In a randomized, double-blind, two-period, crossover study, healthy subjects were given either placebo or aspirin 1 gram three times daily for a total treatment period of 5 days. On Day 4 of each study period, a single 1 mg dose of glimepiride was administered. The glimepiride doses were separated by a 14 day washout period. Coadministration of aspirin and glimepiride resulted in a 34% decrease in the mean glimepiride AUC and a 4% decrease in the mean glimepiride C_max.

Cimetidine and Ranitidine

In a randomized, open-label, 3-way crossover study, healthy subjects received either a single 4 mg dose of glimepiride alone, glimepiride with ranitidine (150 mg twice daily for 4 days; glimepiride was administered on Day 3), or glimepiride with cimetidine (800 mg daily for 4 days; glimepiride was administered on Day 3). Coadministration of cimetidine or ranitidine with a single 4 mg oral dose of glimepiride did not significantly alter the absorption and disposition of glimepiride.

Propranolol

In a randomized, double-blind, two-period, crossover study, healthy subjects were given either placebo or propranolol 40 mg three times daily for a total treatment period of five days. On Day 4 or each study period, a single 2 mg dose of glimepiride was administered. The glimepiride doses were separated by a 14 day washout period. Concomitant administration of propranolol and glimepiride significantly increased glimepiride C_max, AUC, and t_1/2 by 23%, 22%, and 15%, respectively, and decreased glimepiride CL/F by 18%. The recovery of M1 and M2 from urine was not changed.

Warfarin

In an open-label, two-way, crossover study, healthy subjects received 4 mg of glimepiride daily for 10 days. Single 25 mg doses of warfarin were administered six days before starting glimepiride and on Day 4 of glimepiride administration. The concomitant administration of glimepiride did not alter the pharmacokinetics of R- and S-warfarin enantiomers. No changes were observed in warfarin plasma protein binding. Glimepiride resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the pharmacodynamic response to warfarin. The reductions in mean area under the prothrombin time (PT) curve and maximum PT values during glimepiride treatment were 3.3% and 9.9%, respectively, and are unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Colesevelam

Concomitant administration of colesevelam and glimepiride resulted in reductions in glimepiride AUC_0-∞ and C_max of 18% and 8%, respectively. When glimepiride was administered 4 hours prior to colesevelam, there was not significant change in glimepiride AUC_0-∞ and C_max, -6% and 3%, respectively [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Drug Interactions (7.7)].

Pioglitazone

A two year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female rats at oral doses up to 63 mg/kg (approximately 14 times the maximum recommended human oral dose of 45 mg based on mg/m²). Drug-induced tumors were not observed in any organ except for the urinary bladder of male rats. Benign and/or malignant transitional cell neoplasms were observed in male rats at 4 mg/kg/day and above (approximately equal to the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m²). Urinary calculi with subsequent irritation and hyperplasia were postulated as the mechanism for bladder tumors observed in male rats. A two year mechanistic study in male rats utilizing dietary acidification to reduce calculi formation was completed in 2009. Dietary acidification decreased but did not abolish the hyperplastic changes in the bladder. The presence of calculi exacerbated the hyperplastic response to pioglitazone but was not considered the primary cause of the hyperplastic changes.

The relevance to humans of the bladder findings in the male rat cannot be excluded.

A two-year carcinogenicity study was also conducted in male and female mice at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 11 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m²). No drug-induced tumors were observed in any organ.

Pioglitazone hydrochloride was not mutagenic in a battery of genetic toxicology studies, including the Ames bacterial assay, a mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay (CHO/HPRT and AS52/XPRT), an in vitro cytogenetics assay using CHL cells, an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay, and an in vivo micronucleus assay.

No adverse effects upon fertility were observed in male and female rats at oral doses up to 40 mg/kg pioglitazone hydrochloride daily prior to and throughout mating and gestation (approximately nine times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m²).

Glimepiride

Studies in rats at doses of up to 5000 parts per million (ppm) in complete feed (approximately 340 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on surface area) for 30 months showed no evidence of carcinogenesis. In mice, administration of glimepiride for 24 months resulted in an increase in benign pancreatic adenoma formation that was dose-related and was thought to be the result of chronic pancreatic stimulation. No adenoma formation in mice was observed at a dose of 320 ppm in complete feed, or 46 – 54 mg/kg body weight/day. This is about 35 times the maximum human recommended dose of 8 mg once daily based on surface area.

Glimepiride was non-mutagenic in a battery of in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity studies (Ames test, somatic cell mutation, chromosomal aberration, unscheduled DNA synthesis and mouse micronucleus test).

There was no effect of glimepiride on male mouse fertility in animals exposed up to 2500 mg/kg body weight (>1,700 times the maximum recommended human dose based on surface area). Glimepiride had no effect on the fertility of male and female rats administered up to 4000 mg/kg body weight (approximately 4,000 times the maximum recommended human dose based on surface area).

Pioglitazone

Heart enlargement has been observed in mice (100 mg/kg), rats (4 mg/kg and above), and dogs (3 mg/kg) treated orally with the pioglitazone hydrochloride component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets (approximately 11, one, and two times the maximum recommended human oral dose for mice, rats, and dogs, respectively, based on mg/m²). In a one year rat study, drug-related early death due to apparent heart dysfunction occurred at an oral dose of 160 mg/kg/day (approximately 35 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m²). Heart enlargement was seen in a 13 week study in monkeys at oral doses of 8.9 mg/kg and above (approximately four times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m²), but not in a 52 week study at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg (approximately 13 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m²).

Distributed by:
Prasco Laboratories
Mason, OH 45040 USA

PGL329 R3

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be taken once daily with the first main meal.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are available as a 30 mg pioglitazone plus 2 mg glimepiride or a 30 mg pioglitazone plus 4 mg glimepiride tablet. If therapy with a combination tablet containing pioglitazone and glimepiride is considered appropriate the recommended starting dose is:

• 30 mg/2 mg or 30 mg/4 mg once daily and gradually titrated, as needed, after assessing adequacy of therapeutic response and tolerability,
• for patients inadequately controlled on glimepiride monotherapy: 30 mg/2 mg or 30 mg/4 mg once daily and gradually titrated, as needed, after assessing adequacy of therapeutic response and tolerability,
• for patients inadequately controlled on pioglitazone monotherapy: 30 mg/2 mg once daily and gradually titrated, as needed, after assessing adequacy of therapeutic response and tolerability,
• for patients who are changing from combination therapy of pioglitazone plus glimepiride as separate tablets: pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be taken at doses that are as close as possible to the dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride already being taken,
• for patients currently on a different sulfonylurea monotherapy or switching from combination therapy of pioglitazone plus a different sulfonylurea (e.g., glyburide, glipizide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, acetohexamide): 30 mg/2 mg once daily and adjusted after assessing adequacy of therapeutic response. Observe for hypoglycemia for one to two weeks due to the potential overlapping drug effect.
• for patients with systolic dysfunction, the lowest approved dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be prescribed only after titration from 15 mg to 30 mg of pioglitazone has been safely tolerated.

After initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets or with dose increase, monitor patients carefully for hypoglycemia and adverse reactions related to fluid retention such as weight gain, edema, and signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Liver tests (serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) should be obtained prior to initiating pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. Routine periodic monitoring of liver tests during treatment with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets is not recommended in patients without liver disease. Patients who have liver test abnormalities prior to initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets or who are found to have abnormal liver tests while taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be managed as described under Warnings and Precautions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient coadministered pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and an insulin secretagogue, the dose of the insulin secretagogue should be reduced.

If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient coadministered pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and insulin, the dose of insulin should be decreased by 10% to 25%. Further adjustments to the insulin dose should be individualized based on glycemic response.

Coadministration of pioglitazone and gemfibrozil, a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor, increases pioglitazone exposure approximately 3 fold. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose of pioglitazone is 15 mg daily when used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. If gemfibrozil or other CYP2C8 inhibitors need to co-administered, patients should switch to individual components of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets because the minimum dose of pioglitazone in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets exceeds 15 mg [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

When colesevelam is coadministered with glimepiride, maximum plasma concentration and total exposure to glimepiride is reduced. Therefore, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be administered at least four hours prior to colesevelam [see Drug Interactions (7.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• 30 mg/2 mg tablet: White to off-white, round, convex tablets, debossed with "4833G" on one side and "30/2" on the other
• 30 mg/4 mg tablet: White to off-white, round, convex tablets, debossed with "4833G" on one side and "30/4" on the other

• Initiation in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure [see Boxed Warning].
• Use in patients with known hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, glimepiride or any other component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
• Use in patients with known history of an allergic reaction to sulfonamide derivatives.

Reported hypersensitivity reactions with glimepiride include cutaneous eruptions with or without pruritus as well as more serious reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, dyspnea) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)]

There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets.

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:

• Congestive Heart Failure [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Hemolytic Anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The adverse events reported in at least 5% of patients in the controlled 16 week clinical studies between placebo plus a sulfonylurea and pioglitazone (15 mg and 30 mg combined) plus sulfonylurea treatment arms were upper respiratory tract infection (15.5% and 16.6%), accidental injury (8.6% and 3.5%), and combined edema/peripheral edema (2.1% and 7.2%), respectively.

The incidence and type of adverse events reported in at least 5% of patients in any combined treatment group from the 24 week study comparing pioglitazone 30 mg plus a sulfonylurea and pioglitazone 45 mg plus a sulfonylurea are shown in Table 1; the rate of adverse events resulting in study discontinuation between the two treatment groups was 6% and 9.7%, respectively.

In US double-blind studies, anemia was reported in ≤2% of patients treated with pioglitazone plus a sulfonylurea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of pioglitazone and glimepiride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with pioglitazone, like other thiazolidinediones, may result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.

Safety and effectiveness of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not recommended for use in pediatric patients based on adverse effects observed in adults, including fluid retention and congestive heart failure, fractures, and urinary bladder tumors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8)].

To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia, the initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be conservative. During initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet therapy and any subsequent dose adjustments, geriatric patients should be observed carefully for hypoglycemia.

To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia, the initial dosing, dose increments and maintenance dosage of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should be conservative. During initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet therapy and any subsequent dose adjustments, these patients should be observed carefully for hypoglycemia.

A multiple-dose titration study was conducted in 16 patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment using doses ranging from 1 mg to 8 mg daily for three months. Baseline creatinine clearance ranged from 10 to 60 mL/min. The pharmacokinetics of glimepiride were evaluated in the multiple-dose titration study and the results were consistent with those observed in patients enrolled in a single-dose study. In both studies, the relative total clearance of glimepiride increased when kidney function was impaired. Both studies also demonstrated that the elimination of the two major metabolites was reduced in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are a thiazolidinedione and a sulfonylurea combination product that contains two oral antihyperglycemic agents: pioglitazone and glimepiride. The concomitant use of pioglitazone and a sulfonylurea, the class of drugs that includes glimepiride, has been previously approved based on clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on a sulfonylurea. Additional efficacy and safety information about pioglitazone and glimepiride monotherapies may be found in the prescribing information for each individual drug.

Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic medication.

Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-] thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone interconvert in vivo. No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers. The structural formula is as shown:

Chemical Structure (Pioglitazone 01)

Pioglitazone hydrochloride is an odorless, white crystalline powder that has a molecular formula of C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₃S∙HCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether.

Glimepiride is an oral sulfonylurea chemically identified as 1-[[p-[2-(3-ethyl-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-pyrroline-1-carboxamido)ethyl]phenyl]sulfonyl]-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl)-urea (C₂₄H₃₄N₄O₅S) with a molecular weight of 490.62. Glimepiride is a white to yellowish-white, crystalline, odorless to practically odorless powder and is practically insoluble in water. The structural formula is:

Chemical Structure (Pioglitazone 02)

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are available as a tablet for oral administration containing 30 mg pioglitazone (as the base) with 2 mg glimepiride (30 mg/2 mg) or 30 mg pioglitazone (as the base) with 4 mg glimepiride (30 mg/4 mg) formulated with the following excipients: croscarmellose sodium NF, lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, hydroxypropyl cellulose NF, polysorbate 80 NF, and microcrystalline cellulose NF.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets combine 2 antihyperglycemic agents with different mechanisms of action to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: pioglitazone, a member of the thiazolidinedione class, and glimepiride, a member of the sulfonylurea class. Thiazolidinediones are insulin-sensitizing agents that act primarily by enhancing peripheral glucose utilization, whereas sulfonylureas are insulin secretagogues that act primarily by stimulating release of insulin from functioning pancreatic beta cells.

No animal studies have been conducted with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. The following data are based on findings in studies performed with pioglitazone or glimepiride individually.

There have been no clinical efficacy studies conducted with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. However, the efficacy and safety of the separate components have been previously established. The coadministration of pioglitazone and a sulfonylurea, including glimepiride, has been evaluated for efficacy and safety in two clinical studies. These clinical studies established an added benefit of pioglitazone in glycemic control of patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes while on sulfonylurea therapy. Bioequivalence of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets with coadministered pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets was demonstrated at the 30 mg/2 mg and 30 mg/4 mg dosage strengths [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Two clinical trials were conducted with pioglitazone in combination with a sulfonylurea. Both studies included patients with type 2 diabetes on any dose of a sulfonylurea, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn at least three weeks prior to starting study treatment.

In the first study, 560 patients were randomized to receive 15 mg or 30 mg of pioglitazone or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their current sulfonylurea regimen. Treatment with pioglitazone as add-on to sulfonylurea produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FGP at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to sulfonylurea (Table 15).

In the second trial, 702 patients were randomized to receive 30 mg or 45 mg of pioglitazone once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current sulfonylurea regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 1.6% for the 30 mg dose and 1.7% for the 45 mg dose (see Table 16). The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 52 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 56 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose.

The therapeutic effect of pioglitazone in combination with sulfonylurea was observed in patients regardless of the sulfonylurea dose.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are available in 30 mg pioglitazone plus 2 mg glimepiride or 30 mg pioglitazone plus 4 mg glimepiride tablets as follows:

30 mg/2 mg tablet: white to off-white, round, convex tablets, debossed with 4833G on one side and 30/2 on the other, available in:

NDC 66993-821-30 Bottles of 30

30 mg/4 mg tablet: white to off-white, round, convex tablets, debossed with 4833G on one side and 30/4 on the other, available in:

NDC 66993-822-30 Bottles of 30

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity.

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

• Inform patients that pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not recommended for patients with symptoms of heart failure.
• Inform patients that patients with severe heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV) cannot start pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets as the risks exceed the benefits in such patients.
• It is important to instruct patients to adhere to dietary instructions and to have blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin tested regularly. During periods of stress such as fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, medication requirements may change and patients should be reminded to seek medical advice promptly. Patients should also be informed of the potential risks and advantages of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and of alternative modes of therapy.
• Tell patients to promptly report any sign of macroscopic hematuria or other symptoms such as dysuria or urinary urgency that develop or increase during treatment as these may be due to bladder cancer.
• Prior to initiation of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablet therapy, the risks of hypoglycemia, its symptoms and treatment, and conditions that predispose to its development should be explained to patients and responsible family members [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Combination therapy of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets with other antihyperglycemic agents may also cause hypoglycemia.
• Patients who experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or edema or who develop shortness of breath or other symptoms of heart failure while on pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets should immediately report these symptoms to a physician.
• Tell patients to promptly stop taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and seek immediate medical advice if there is unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or dark urine as these symptoms may be due to hepatotoxicity.
• Inform female patients that treatment with pioglitazone, like other thiazolidinediones may result in an unintended pregnancy in some premenopausal anovulatory females due to its effect on ovulation [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
• Patients should be told to take a single dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets once daily with the first main meal and instructed that any change in dosing should be made only if directed by their physician [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is the most important information I should know about pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets can cause serious side effects, including new or worse heart failure.

• Pioglitazone, one of the medicines in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, can cause your body to keep extra fluid (fluid retention), which leads to swelling (edema) and weight gain. Extra body fluid can make some heart problems worse or lead to heart failure. Heart failure means your heart does not pump blood well enough
• Do not take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets if you have severe heart failure
• If you have heart failure with symptoms (such as shortness of breath or swelling), even if these symptoms are not severe, pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets may not be right for you

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

• swelling or fluid retention, especially in the ankles or legs
• shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down
• an unusually fast increase in weight
• unusual tiredness

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets can have other serious side effects. See "What are the possible side effects of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?"

What are pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets contain 2 prescription diabetes medicines called pioglitazone (ACTOS) and glimepiride, a sulfonylurea.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not for people with type 1 diabetes.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine).

It is not known if pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are safe and effective in children under the age of 18. Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets are not recommended for use in children.

Who should not take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

See "What is the most important information I should know about pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?"

Do not take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets if you:

• have severe heart failure
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets
• have a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin

Talk to your doctor before taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets if you have any of these conditions.

What should I tell my doctor before taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

Before you take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, tell your doctor if you:

• have heart failure
• have kidney problems
• have type 1 ("juvenile") diabetes or had diabetic ketoacidosis
• have a type of diabetic eye disease that causes swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema)
• have liver problems
• have or have had cancer of the bladder
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant about the best way to control your blood glucose levels while pregnant
• are a premenopausal woman (before the "change of life"), who does not have periods regularly or at all. Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets may increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control choices while taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets pass into your milk and if it can harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to control your blood glucose levels while breastfeeding
• have G6PD deficiency (an inherited condition where you don't produce enough of the enzyme [G6PD]). Taking glimepiride, one of the medicines in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, with this condition may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed too quickly (hemolytic anemia)

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and some of your other medicines can affect each other. You may need to have your dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets or certain other medicines changed.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist before you start a new medicine. They will tell you if it is okay to take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets with other medicines.

How should I take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

• Take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to take them
• Your doctor may change your dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to
• Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets may be prescribed alone or with other diabetes medicines. This will depend on how well your blood sugar is controlled
• Take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets one time each day with the first main meal
• If you take colesevelam, a medicine used to lower your cholesterol, take your pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets at least 4 hours before you take your colesevelam.
• If you miss a dose of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, take your next dose as prescribed unless your doctor tells you differently. Do not take two doses at one time the next day
• If you take too many pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away
• If your body is under stress such as from a fever, infection, accident, or surgery, the dose of your diabetes medicines may need to be changed. Call your doctor right away
• Stay on your diet and exercise programs and test your blood sugar regularly while taking pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets
• Your doctor should do certain blood tests before you start and while you take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets
• Your doctor should also do hemoglobin A1C testing to check how well your blood sugar is controlled with pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets
• Your doctor should check your eyes regularly while you take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets

What are the possible side effects of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

Pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets may cause serious side effects including:

• See "What is the most important information I should know about pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?"
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This can happen if you skip meals, if you also use another medicine that lowers blood sugar, or if you have certain medical problems. Lightheadedness, dizziness, shakiness, or hunger may happen if your blood sugar is too low. Severe low blood sugar can cause unconsciousness (passing out), seizures, and death. Call your doctor if low blood sugar levels are a problem for you
• liver problems. Call your doctor right away if you have:
  • nausea or vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness
  • loss of appetite
  • dark urine
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • bladder cancer. There may be an increased chance of having bladder cancer when you take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. You should not take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets if you are receiving treatment for bladder cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bladder cancer:
    • blood or a red color in your urine
    • an increased need to urinate
    • pain while you urinate
    • broken bones (fractures). Usually in the hand, upper arm, or foot in women. Talk to your doctor for advice on how to keep your bones healthy.
    • diabetic eye disease with swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema). Tell your doctor right away if you have any changes in your vision. Your doctor should check your eyes regularly
    • release of an egg from an ovary in a woman (ovulation) leading to pregnancy. Ovulation may happen when premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods take pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant

    The most common side effects of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets include:

    • cold-like symptoms (upper respiratory tract infection)
    • headache
    • sinus infection
    • diarrhea
    • nausea
    • muscle pain
    • sore throat

    Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the side effects of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    How should I store pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

    • Store pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets in the original container to protect from light
    • Keep the pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets bottle tightly closed and keep tablets dry
    • Keep pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children

    General information about the safe and effective use of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets

    Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

    This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, call 1-877-825-3327.

    What are the ingredients in pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets?

    Active ingredients: pioglitazone and glimepiride

    Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polysorbate 80, and microcrystalline cellulose

    This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Distributed by:
    Prasco Laboratories
    Mason, OH 45040 USA

    Revised: December 2016

    ACTOS is a registered trademark of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

    PGL329 R3

NDC 66993-821-30
30 Tablets
Rx Only

PRASCO

Pioglitazone 30 mg and
Glimepiride 2 mg Tablets

Each tablet contains pioglitazone
hydrochloride equivalent to 30 mg
pioglitazone and 2 mg glimepiride.

Dispense with Medication Guide
available in package insert.

Principal Display Panel (30/2 mg Tablet Bottle Label)

NDC 66993-822-30
30 Tablets
Rx Only

PRASCO

Pioglitazone 30 mg and
Glimepiride 4 mg Tablets

Each tablet contains pioglitazone
hydrochloride equivalent to 30 mg
pioglitazone and 4 mg glimepiride.

Dispense with Medication Guide
available in package insert.

Principal Display Panel (30/4 mg Tablet Bottle Label)