Medical Description
Antidiabetic agent belongs to thiazolidinedione group used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Indication & Usage
-Type 2 Diabetes mellitus: Oral:
1-Initial: 15 to 30 mg once daily.
2-Dosage adjustment: May increase in 15 mg/day increments every 4 to 12 weeks if needed to achieve glycemic goals (maximum: 45 mg/day).
Active Ingredients
Pioglitazone
Dosage & Administration
May be administered without regard to meals.
Side Effects
-Pioglitazone may increase the risk of bladder carcinoma, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) may increase the risk of bone fractures, pioglitazone has been with associated with an increased risk of cardiac failure and acute hepatic failure has been reported with pioglitazone.
-Edema, hypoglycemia, upper respiratory tract infection, cardiac failure, headache, back pain, bone fracture, myalgia, pharyngitis, sinusitis, bladder carcinoma, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen, decreased serum triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol, weight gain and decreased hemoglobin.
Safety Advice
-Should not be given to patients suffering from hypersensitivity to pioglitazone.
-Should not be given to patients suffering from heart failure.
-Should not be given to patients suffering from serious hepatic impairment.
-Should not be given to patients suffering from active bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer.
-May decrease hemoglobin/hematocrit; effects may be related to increased plasma volume.
-The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when pioglitazone is combined with insulin or other diabetic medications; dosage adjustment of concomitant hypoglycemic agents may be necessary.
-Macular edema has been reported with thiazolidinedione use, including pioglitazone.
-Dose-related weight gain was observed with the use of pioglitazone.
-In case of over dose be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much and when it happened, and seek immediate medical attention. For additional information call us on 16676. Always tell your physician your detailed medical history.
Storage
Store at room temperature.
Drug Interactions
-Alpha-Lipoic Acid: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents.
-Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (HCV): May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic agents.
-Inhibitors of the Proton Pump (PPIs and PCABs): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Thiazolidinediones.
-Insulins: Pioglitazone may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Insulins. Specifically, the risk for hypoglycemia, fluid retention, and heart failure may be increased with this combination.
-Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects.
-Pregabalin: May enhance the fluid-retaining effect of Thiazolidinediones.
-Quinolones: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects.
-Salicylates: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of agents with blood glucose lowering effects.
-Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects.
-Thiazide diuretics: May diminish the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic agents.
-Topiramate: May decrease the serum concentration of Pioglitazone.
Pregnancy & Lactation
-Information related to the use of pioglitazone in pregnancy is limited. Agents other than pioglitazone are currently recommended to treat diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.
-It is not known if pioglitazone is present in breast milk, the decision to breastfeed during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and benefits of treatment to the mother.
-Ask your physician before taking any medication during pregnancy and lactation.