What is Pioglitazone? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take your medicine as directed. The prescriber may need to change the dose until blood sugar reaches target levels.

Please read the Medication Guide that is included with this drug.

Take pioglitazone tablets only once per day.

Tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.

Store the medicine in the original container at room temperature protected from light. Keep the tablets dry.

Skip a missed dose unless the doctor instructs otherwise.

Take the next prescribed dose at its regular time.

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have:

• Severe heart failure

• Had an allergic reaction to pioglitazone

Pioglitazone should never be used to treat Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Pioglitazone requires regular blood tests and doctor’s visits to monitor therapy. Keep all appointments.

Before taking pioglitazone doses, make sure the prescriber knows about all your medical conditions, particularly:

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Heart failure

• Swelling of the center of the retina due to diabetes (macular edema)

• A history of bladder cancer

Premenopausal women should tell the doctor if they don’t have periods or if their periods are irregular. Pioglitazone can induce ovulation and increase the risk of pregnancy in women with irregular periods or no periods at all.

Tell the doctor if you are being treated for bladder cancer. Pioglitazone should not be used in people who are being treated for bladder cancer.

Pioglitazone can cause serious problems including:

• Heart failure

• Fluid retention, edema, and weight gain

• Liver problems

• Low blood sugar

• Increased risk of bladder cancer

• Increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in women

Your dose may need to be modified in certain situations. Get medical help during periods of stress such as illness, fever, injury, or surgery.

Get immediate medical help if you have clinical signs of heart failure such as swollen ankles and feet, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and unusual tiredness.

Stop taking pioglitazone and get immediate medical help if you notice signs of liver damage such as dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Before starting pioglitazone, tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements you take, particularly:

• Diabetes drugs called insulin secretagogues

• Gemfibrozil, rifampin, topiramate

Tell other doctors or healthcare professionals about pioglitazone before they prescribe new medications.