PIOGLITAZONE

Thiazolidinedione antidiabetic medicine which reduces peripheral insulin resistance

Dosage Forms

Tablet

30 mg

Uses

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Dose and Duration

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Adult over 18 years: 15–30 mg once daily increased to 45 mg once daily according to response. Review treatment after 3–6 months and regularly thereafter

Elderly: initiate with lowest possible dose and increase gradually

Contraindications

  • Heart failure or history of heart failure
  • Active bladder cancer
  • History of bladder cancer
  • Uninvestigated macroscopic haematuria
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Hypersensitivity to pioglitazone

Side Effects

  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Weight gain
  • Visual disturbances
  • Hypoesthesia (reduced sensation)
  • Bone fracture

Patient Instructions

  • Report to your doctor immediately if signs and symptoms suggesting hepatic dysfunction such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and dark urine develop

Pregnancy

  • Do not use

Breast-feeding

  • Do not use

⚠️ Caution

  • Monitor cardiac function closely and discontinue treatment immediately if cardiac function deteriorates
  • Monitor liver function. Consider discontinuing pioglitazone if signs of hepatic dysfunction or jaundice develop
  • Avoid use in hepatic impairment
  • Assess patient for risk of bladder cancer and review treatment after 3–6 months. Discontinue in patient with inadequate response