The objective of treatment with Pioglitazone is to manage the type 2 diabetes, combined with a powerful but suitable diet, adequate physical activity, and in some cases with other medications.
What is Pioglitazone?
Pioglitazone works by increasing the sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps to control sugar levels in the blood.
How should Pioglitazone be taken?
Pioglitazone is taken orally in the form of tablets. Generally, the dosage is one administration per day. The doctor may prescribe a low initial dose and then gradually increase in case of need.
Side effects associated with Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone can cause congestive heart failure or aggravate it.
Among other possible adverse effects of the drug are included:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Pain in arms or legs
- Sore throat
- Gas
You should contact a doctor immediately if Pioglitazone triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Vision problems
- Problems passing urine
- Cloudy or colorless urine
- Blood in urine
- Back or abdominal pain
Pioglitazone can also cause liver problems. Therefore, immediately stop treatment and call your doctor if you experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Bleeding or bruising
- Lack of energy
Some clinical studies also suggest that the use of Pioglitazone may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer and, in the case of women, bone fractures (especially in the hands, arms and feet).
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone is not suitable for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, or in case of diabetic ketoacidosis.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, it can take up to two weeks to reduce the levels of sugar in the blood while it can take up to two to three months to feel the full benefit of the treatment. In any case it is important not to interrupt treatment without consulting with the doctor. Moreover, Pioglitazone can increase the chances of conception even in the presence of an irregular menstrual cycle.
Before taking Pioglitazone you must inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergy to the active substance or other drugs
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, remembering to mention other anti-diabetics, insulin, atorvastatin, gemfibrozil, hormonal contraceptives, ketoconazole, midazolam, nifedipine and rifampin
- You suffer (or have suffered) from bladder cancer, diabetic retinopathy or kidney or liver disease
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Finally, you must inform surgeons and dentists of therapies with Pioglitazone in progress. You should also consult your doctor in case of infections, fever, diseases, increased stress or trauma because it might be necessary to change the doses taken.
