Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Oral tablet
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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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.
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
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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.
If you have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that has sugar. Make sure others know to get medical help quickly if you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like if you become unconscious or have a seizure.
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 identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.
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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert