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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To help control blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Chest pain 2- Decreased urine output 3- Dilated neck veins 4- Extreme fatigue 5- Irregular breathing 6- Irregular heartbeat 7- Problems with teeth 8- Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs 9- Tightness in the chest 10- Trouble breathing 11-Weight gain |
| Additional Information | Avoid drinking alcohol after taking pioglitazone, as it causes severe hypoglycemia. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Pioglitazone Summary
Pioglitazone 15 mg is a medicine used to manage type-2 diabetes. It helps your body use insulin better and lowers the sugar your liver makes. Take it once a day, exactly as your doctor says. Some people may experience side effects like swelling, tiredness, chest discomfort, or irregular heartbeat- so always keep your doctor in the loop. If you have liver or heart issues, let them know before starting. It’s best to avoid alcohol while on this medicine. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Just remember- medicine works best when paired with a healthy lifestyle- eat well, move more, and keep track of your sugar levels regularly.
Pioglitazone Uses
Pioglitazone 15 mg is an oral thiazolidinedione category of antidiabetic medicine. It is approved for use in type-2 diabetes.
Pioglitazone side effects
More Common
- Chest pain
- Decreased urine output
- Dilated neck veins
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Problems with teeth
- Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble breathing
- Weight gain
Less Common
- Liver problems
- Increased risk of fractures
Directions for use
- Take pioglitazone 15 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, consistently at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking pioglitazone without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next dose-then skip the missed one.
How Pioliglitazone works
Pioglitazone works by increasing the insulin utilization by muscle, adipose, and liver tissue and decreases the glucose production by liver.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Liver Disease
Pioglitazone is known to cause liver damage. If you have liver disease, inform your doctor, as they may recommend a liver function test before prescribing this medication.
📌 2- Heart Disease
This medication can cause fluid retention, which may lead to heart failure. If you have a heart condition, inform your doctor accordingly.
Pioglitazone Interaction with Other MedicineS
Avoid taking pioglitazone 15 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Pioglitazone Interaction with Food Product
Pioglitazone does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of pioglitazone.
Pioglitazone Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
5-[[4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione.
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take pioglitazone exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
Pioglitazone should not be taken in doses exceeding 45 mg per day. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If you know someone who consumes pioglitazone and has these symptoms, rush them to hospital immediately.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
Diabetes cannot be cured permanently, but with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, it can be managed easily. Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar level before and after meals. Following are the natural ways to manage blood sugar levels:
Food
Eating healthy is important for managing diabetes. Carbohydrates have a huge impact on our blood sugar level, as they break into sugar (glucose), which is poison for diabetic patients as they already have elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential for a diabetic patient to count the amount of carbohydrates he is taking.
Do Exercise
Exercise plays an important role in managing diabetes. When our body moves and gets active, the muscles use blood sugar for energy, resulting in a low amount of sugar in our bloodstream. Adults are advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.
Medicine
Take your medicine on time, as it is designed to lower blood sugar levels.
Avoid Alcohol
Consumptions of alcohol while on therapy with metformin increase the risk of lactic acidosis, that is, lactic acid increases in the bloodstream. Lactic acid can cause symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and weakness. Alcohol also decreases the level of blood sugar. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while on pioglitazone.
FAQ’s
1. Is pioglitazone banned in India?
➡️ No, pioglitazone is not banned in India. Its use was suspended on June 18, 2013; due to concerns about increased risk of bladder cancer; however, the suspension was later lifted.
2. What is the maximum dose of pioglitazone?
➡️ Pioglitazone should not be taken in doses exceeding 45 mg per day.
3. What does pioglitazone treat?
➡️ Pioglitazone is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
4. Does pioglitazone cause weight loss?
➡️ No, pioglitazone is associated with weight gain, primarily in the lower body segment.
5. Does pioglitazone cause liver damage?
➡️ Yes, pioglitazone can cause liver damage. The exact mechanism of liver damage is not known, but it can be reversed by stopping the medication.
Reference
- Nesti L, Tricò D, Mengozzi A, Natali A. Rethinking pioglitazone as a cardioprotective agent: a new perspective on an overlooked drug. Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2021 May 18;20(1):109. Available from.
- Hashmi A. Pioglitazone suspension and its aftermath: A wake up call for the Indian drug regulatory authorities. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013 Oct;4(4):227-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.119705. PMID: 24250197; PMCID: PMC3825996.Available from.
- NHS. How and when to take pioglitazone [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Jan 16]. Available from.
- Samyah Shadid, Michael D. Jensen; Effects of Pioglitazone Versus Diet and Exercise on Metabolic Health and Fat Distribution in Upper Body Obesity. Diabetes Care 1 November 2003; 26 (11): 3148–3152. Available from.
- Singh G, Can AS, Correa R. Pioglitazone. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Pioglitazone (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; c2025 [updated 2025 Jan 17; cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from.
- Hashmi A. Pioglitazone suspension and its aftermath: A wake up call for the Indian drug regulatory authorities. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013 Oct;4(4):227-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.119705. PMID: 24250197; PMCID: PMC3825996.Available from.
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Pioglitazone. [Updated 2018 Jun 6]. Available from.