Pioglitazone: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Pioglitazone What Medicine?

What is Pioglitazone for?

Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetes drug (thiazolidinedione-type, also called “glitazones”) that is used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping to restore the body's normal response to insulin, so lowering blood sugar.

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of legs or arms, and problems with sexual function. Proper diabetes control can also reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Pioglitazone can be used alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes drugs (such as metformin or a type of sulfonylurea such as glyburide).

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of pioglitazone.

How do you use Pioglitazone?

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and if you are taking other anti-diabetes drugs. Your doctor will adjust the dosage based on your blood sugar level to find the best dosage for you. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

If you are taking other anti-diabetes medications (such as metformin or a sulfonylurea), follow your doctor's instructions carefully about when to stop or continue the old medication and start this medication. Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan, meal instructions, and exercise program.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Pay attention to the results and show the doctor, Tell the doctor if your blood sugar is too high or low. Your dosage and medication may need to be changed. It may take 2-3 months before the benefits of this drug are felt.

How do you store Pioglitazone?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Pioglitazone dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Pioglitazone for adults?

Adult Dose for Type 2 Diabetes

Initial dosage:

-Patients without congestive heart failure: 15 mg or 30 mg orally once a day

-Patients with congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association Class I or II): 15 mg orally once a day

Maintenance dose: 15 mg - 45 mg orally once a day depending on the glycemic response as determined by HbA1c

Maximum dose: 45 mg orally once a day

What is the dosage of Pioglitazone for children?

The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been determined for patients under 18 years of age.

In what dosage is Pioglitazone available?

Tablets: 15 mg; 30 mg; 45 mg

Pioglitazone side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Pioglitazone?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pioglitazone and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects below:

• stomach pain, bloody urine;
• pain when urinating;
• shortness of breath, even when exerting all your might;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• chest pain, body aches;
• nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-like stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes);
• blurred vision;
• increased thirst and hunger, more frequent urination; or
• pale, bruised or bleeding skin, weakness.

Less serious side effects include:

• flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat;
• headache;
• weight increases slowly;
• muscle ache;
• back pain; or
• tooth ache.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pioglitazone Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Pioglitazone?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Adequate research on the effects of pioglitazone on the age of children has not been carried out. Its safety and effectiveness have not been determined.

Geriatric

Research conducted to date has not shown any problems specific to the elderly that could hinder the effectiveness of this drug in elderly patients. However, older patients usually have age-related heart disease, so the dose of pioglitazone for patients of this age may need to be adjusted.

Is Pioglitazone safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Pioglitazone Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Pioglitazone?

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Cobicistat
• Elvitegravir
• Ifosfamide
• Aspart Insulin, Recombinant
• Degludec Insulin
• Insulin Detemir
• Glulisine Insulin
• Human Inhaled Insulin
• Human Isophane (NPH) Insulin
• Human Regular Insulin
• Lyspro Insulin, Recombinant
• Nifedipine
• Piperaquine
• Pixantrone
• Tolvaptan

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Abiraterone Acetate
• Atorvastatin
• Bitter Melon
• Desogestrel
• Dienogest
• Drospirenone
• Estradiol Cypionate
• Estradiol Valerate
• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Ethynodiol Diacetate
• Etonogestrel
• Fenugreek
• Gemfibrozil
• Glucomannan
• Guar Gum
• Ketoconazole
• Levonorgestrel
• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
• Mestranol
• Nilotinib
• Norelgestromin
• Norethindrone
• Norgestimate
• Norgestrel
• Psyllium
• Rifampin
• Topiramate

Can food or alcohol interact with Pioglitazone?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Pioglitazone?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Active bladder cancer, or
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (ketones in the blood) or
• Heart failure, or
• Type 1 diabetes— Should not be used by patients with this condition
• Diabetic macular edema (swelling at the back of the eye) or
• Edema (fluid retention or swelling) or
• Heart disease, or
• Liver disease — Use with caution. May worsen the condition.
• Fever, or
• Infection, or
• Operation, or
• Trauma - This condition can cause problems with sugar control.
• Brittle bones (especially in women) - Use with care. This medicine may increase your risk of fractures.

Pioglitazone overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.