PIOGLITAZONE (pye oh GLI ta zone) treats type 2 diabetes. It helps your body use insulin effectively, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Bladder cancer
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Eye disease called macular edema
Heart disease
Heart failure
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Premenopausal
Swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
Type 1 diabetes
An unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Gemfibrozil
Rifampin
Topiramate
Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.
Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your dose or checking your blood sugar levels more often.
Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:
Alcohol
Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine
Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Estrogen and progestin hormones
Other medications for diabetes
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Testosterone
Thyroid hormones
Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:
Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
Clonidine
Guanethidine
Reserpine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Red or dark brown urine, pain or trouble when passing urine, passing frequent amounts of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Headache
Muscle pain
Runny or stuffy nose
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
This medication may cause you to ovulate, which may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your care team about contraception while you are taking this medication. Contact your care team if you think you might be pregnant.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
