Pioglitazone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Actos

Drug group:

Drug for diabetes

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

• Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes
• It is used alone or with metformin and/or a sulphonylurea, but may also be used with insulin
• Pioglitazone works better in obese diabetics, although it often causes weight gain

How does it work?

Pioglitazone reduces insulin resistance in body tissues, which leads to a reduction of blood glucose levels

How should it be used?

Following a diabetic diet makes the drug more effective

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Total daily dose for adults: 4–8mg, taken 1–2 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

60 minutes, full effect in about 8 weeks

How long will the effects last?

12–24 hours             
               

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor 
                                   

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Pioglitazone is used indefinitely to treat diabetes.

• Long-term use may increase the risk of bone fractures in the arms, hands, and feet
• It is not known if pioglitazone increases the risk of heart attacks (like rosiglitazone does)
• Initial and regular blood tests to monitor liver function may be needed
• Weight and blood sugar levels will be monitored regularly

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: fatigue/weakness (due to anaemia), weight gain, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain, headache
• Less common: dark urine, dizziness, pins and needles, bone pain (arms/hands/feet), oedema breathlessness, cough
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: jaundice

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver problems, severe kidney failure, anaemia, history of heart failure/angina/heart attack/stroke
• Other medicines: diazoxide, corticosteroids, diuretics, progesterones, gemfibrozil, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rifampicin
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary, increased risk of side effects
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive intake, alcohol can increase the effect of the drug