How does it work?

In people with diabetes mellitus, there is a deficiency or absence of a hormone manufactured by the pancreas called insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for the control of sugar in the blood. Pioglitazone helps to lower blood sugar levels by increasing the sensitivity of liver, fat and muscle cells, to insulin. This enables the cells to remove sugar from the blood more effectively. Pioglitazone also reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Pioglitazone hydrochloride is an antidiabetic medicine which is used in those people with type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). In this type of diabetes the cells of the body are resistant to the low levels of insulin circulating in the blood, which would normally make the cells remove sugar from the blood. Pioglitazone is only licensed for people whose blood sugar is not controlled by the maximum doses of either metformin or a sulphonylurea such as gliclazide. It is taken in addition to the oral antidiabetic medicne that is already being taken. This, together with a diet low in sugar and fat, allows people with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels more effectively.

What is it used for?

Additional treatment of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

Warning!

Blood tests to monitor liver function are required prior to starting treatment, every 2 months for the first year of treatment and regularly thereafter.

This medicine can cause weight gain. You should stick to a calorie controlled diet and monitor your weight closely.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may resume ovulating while taking this medicine. This can put you at risk of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs or you wish to become pregnant, inform your doctor as treatment with this medicine will need to be discontinued.

This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as there is no information regarding its safety and efficacy in this age group.

Consult your doctor if you develop unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), as these may be signs of liver problems.

Use with caution in

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Current or previous heart failure

Decreased liver function

People receiving insulin treatment

People receiving kidney dialysis

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The manufacturer states not to use this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Weight gain

Visual disturbances

Dizziness

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Blood in the urine (haematuria)

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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