Pioglitazone tablets

July 17, 2018

Pioglitazone tablets

What is this medicine?

PIOGLITAZONE (pye oh GLI ta zone) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • blood in the urine

  • bone fractures

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • dark urine

  • fever, chills

  • increased urination

  • pain when urinating

  • signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness

  • sudden weight gain

  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache

  • mild joint or muscle pain

  • stuffy or runny nose

  • sore throat

What may interact with this medicine?

  • atorvastatin

  • birth control pills or other hormonal methods of birth control

  • bosentan

  • itraconazole

  • ketoconazole

  • midazolam

  • nifedipine

  • other medicines for diabetes, including insulin

  • topiramate

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:

  • alcohol containing beverages

  • aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

  • chloramphenicol

  • chromium

  • diuretics

  • female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

  • heart medicines

  • isoniazid

  • male hormones or anabolic steroids

  • medicines for weight loss

  • medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough

  • medicines for mental problems

  • medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl

  • niacin

  • NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • pentamidine

  • phenytoin

  • probenecid

  • quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin

  • some herbal dietary supplements

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • thyroid medicine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bladder cancer

  • diabetic ketoacidosis

  • eye disease called macular edema

  • heart disease

  • heart failure

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • polycystic ovary syndrome

  • premenopausal

  • swelling of the arms, legs, or feet

  • type 1 diabetes

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.

Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

This medicine may increase your risk of having certain heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.

This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018