Pioglitazone

About pioglitazone

Pioglitazone works by helping your body make better use of the insulin it produces.

Insulin is made naturally in the pancreas. It regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. If the body does not make enough insulin to meet its needs or does not properly use the insulin it makes, this results in the condition called diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).

Pioglitazone is used on its own or alongside metformin and/or another antidiabetic medicine to treat Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. It can also be used with insulin.

Before taking pioglitazone

Before taking pioglitazone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) or other heart problems.
• If you have a diabetic eye disease called macular oedema (swelling of the back of the eye).
• If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal condition causing cysts in the ovaries).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take pioglitazone

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Pioglitazone is usually taken once daily. If you are taking the combination tablet Competact®, take your dose with or after food.
• Try to take pioglitazone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember and then continue taking it at the usual time. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking pioglitazone.
• Keep your regular doctor's or diabetic clinic's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have occasional blood tests to monitor your liver function.
• Test your blood or urine regularly to ensure your blood sugar levels are being controlled. This is especially important if you are taking pioglitazone with another antidiabetic medicine or insulin.
• Check your weight regularly. If it increases, let your doctor know.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol may produce low blood sugar and affects the control of your condition.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with pioglitazone.

Can pioglitazone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes),
• feeling or being sick for no apparent reason, tummy pain, tiredness, and dark urine.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pioglitazone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines