Pioglitazone

When should one not use Pioglitazone

• If you are allergic to Pioglitazone or any other ingredient of this medicine.
• If you have diabetic ketoacidosis (uncontrolled diabetes along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid weight loss).
• If you are suffering from any heart problems like heart failure.
• If you have any problems with your liver.
• If you ever had or have bladder cancer.
• If you notice blood in your urine and your doctor is not aware of it.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Respiratory tract infection like cough, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat
• Weight gain
• Numbness
• Abnormal or blurred vision

Other General Warnings

• You suffer from any liver disease.
• You are suffering from any heart problem like irregular heartbeat, heart failure.
• You are suffering from a certain type of diabetic eye disease called macular oedema.
• You notice any type of swelling or have fluid retention, as Pioglitazone may worsen your condition.
• You have cysts on your ovaries.
• Pioglitazone may increase the risk of bone fractures.
• When taking this medicine along with other antidiabetic medicines, you may experience episodes of low blood sugar. Always carry sugar or a bar of chocolate. Do not use sugar-free products during such episodes.
• Pioglitazone is not recommended in patients below 18 years of age.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Pioglitazone may interact with other medicines, discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Pioglitazone should be used with caution along with gemfibrozil (used to lower blood cholesterol) and rifampicin (antibiotic) as it may alter its effects. Close monitoring of your blood sugar levels is necessary.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose