DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Troglitazone

March 21, 2017

Troglitazone tablets

What are troglitazone tablets?

TROGLITAZONE (RezulinĀ®) helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Troglitazone helped the body to use insulin more efficiently and lowered blood sugar. NOTE: This drug has been discontinued in the US.

Patients on troglitazone in the US should contact their health care professionals regarding treatment alternatives.

What should my health care professional know before I take troglitazone?

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

  • heart problems

  • liver problems

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take troglitazone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water with meals. Take your doses at the same time each day; do not take more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it with the next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with troglitazone?

  • allergy medicines (such as astemizole, fexofenadine, terfenadine)

  • birth control pills

  • carbamazepine

  • cisapride

  • cyclosporine

  • certain medicines for anxiety or insomnia (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam)

  • certain medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (such as diltiazem, felodipine, lidocaine, nifedipine, quinidine, verapamil)

  • certain medicines to lower cholesterol (such as cholestyramine, lovastatin, simvastatin)

  • donepezil

  • erythromycin

  • indinavir

  • other medicines for diabetes

  • saquinavir

  • voriconazole

Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:

  • alcohol containing beverages

  • aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

  • beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)

  • chromium

  • female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills

  • isoniazid

  • male hormones or anabolic steroids

  • medications to suppress appetite or for weight loss

  • medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough

  • niacin

  • pentamidine

  • phenytoin

  • quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)

  • some herbal dietary supplements

  • steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone

  • thyroid hormones

  • water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking troglitazone?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to monitor blood or urine sugar and urine ketones regularly. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, you may need a change of dose of troglitazone. Do not skip meals. If you are exercising much more than usual you may need extra snacks to avoid side effects caused by low blood sugar. If you have mild symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional. It is wise to check your blood sugar to confirm that it is low. It is important to recognize your own symptoms of low blood sugar so that you can treat them quickly. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking troglitazone.

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 taking troglitazone?

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

  • difficulty breathing or severe skin reactions

  • dark yellow or brown urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin

  • swelling of the hands, legs, and/or feet

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

  • headache

  • nausea, vomiting

  • sore throat

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 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