Uses of Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone is used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus.

Therapeutic Category

Pioglitazone: Antidiabetic agents (Thiazolidinediones)

How Pioglitazone works

Pioglitazone effectively controls blood sugar levels by activating certain receptors (PPAR-gamma and PPAR-alpha) in the body which are involved in metabolizing glucose. This makes our body utilize insulin for digesting the circulating blood glucose which in turn decreases blood sugar levels. Additionally, Pioglitazone can also reduce the glucose produced by the liver.

Common side effects of Pioglitazone

• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels causing dizziness, shakiness or hunger)
• headache, dizziness
• abnormal vision
• joint pain, back pain, muscle pain
• impotence
• shortness of breath, anaemia
• flatulence
• respiratory infection, sinus infection, sore throat
• weight gain
• numbness

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience symptoms of heart failure (such as unusual shortness of breath or trouble in breathing, rapid increase in weight or localised swelling (oedema), especially in the ankles or legs, unusual tiredness)
• if you experience signs and symptoms of bladder cancer (such as blood in your urine, pain while urinating or urgent need to pee)
• if you experience fractures (especially in the bones of hand, upper arm, or foot in women)
• if you experience blurred vision due to swelling at the back of the eye or worsening of existing blurred vision
• if you experience serious allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• if you experience signs of liver problems (such as nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unusual or unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)

Health Tips for Pioglitazone

• Pioglitazone is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels effectively
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can interfere with your diabetes management and may have adverse effects when combined with Pioglitazone