Pioglitazone

Generic: Pioglitazone Hydrochloride

Rx only

Thiazolidinedione✓ FDA-verified

Pioglitazone is a medication used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with diet and exercise. It works by making your body more sensitive to insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. You can take it as a tablet once a day, starting with either 15 mg or 30 mg, and the dose can be increased to a maximum of 45 mg if needed. It's important to know that this medication should not be used if you have severe heart failure. Additionally, if you are taking gemfibrozil, a cholesterol-lowering medication, your dose of pioglitazone should not exceed 15 mg daily due to increased exposure to the drug.

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Uses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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Dosage

Start with 15 mg or 30 mg once daily.

Increase dose by 15 mg up to 45 mg if needed.

Take once daily, with or without food.

Monitor liver function before starting treatment.

Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.

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Side effects

Common

upper respiratory tract infectionheadachesinusitismyalgiapharyngitis

Serious

congestive heart failureedemafractures

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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

Can cause or worsen congestive heart failure.
Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Use caution in patients with liver disease.
Not recommended for patients with symptomatic heart failure.

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Drug interactions

Gemfibrozilincreases pioglitazone levelsMonitor
Rifampindecreases pioglitazone levelsCaution
Topiramatemay decrease pioglitazone levels.Caution

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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).