Pioglitazone is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Pioglitazone is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. It works by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels.
Directions
Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.
Pioglitazone may be taken with or without food.
Certain women may be at an increased risk for pregnancy while taking pioglitazone. Adequate contraception is recommended.
Dosing
The dose of pioglitazone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Side Effects
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication in combination with other medications used to treat diabetes. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:
- shakiness
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- sweating
- nervousness or irritability
- sudden changes in behavior or mood
- headache
- numbness or tingling around the mouth
- weakness
- pale skin
- hunger
- clumsy or jerky movements
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
- confusion
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
- extreme thirst
- frequent urination
- extreme hunger
- weakness
- blurred vision
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the these symptoms:
- dry mouth
- upset stomach and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- breath that smells fruity
- decreased consciousness
Pioglitazone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- sinus or respiratory infection
- headache
- muscle pain
- tooth or mouth pain
- sore throat
- weight gain
- swelling of the ankles or feet
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- rapid weight gain
- swelling of the ankles or feet that happens very quickly
- stomach pain
- excessive tiredness
- dark urine
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, below 25°C (77°F), and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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