Description
Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione, used with diet and exercise to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. It works by making body tissues more sensitive to insulin, so it needs the body to be producing some insulin of its own. The tablet is taken once a day, with or without food. Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, so it is not suitable if you have heart failure or a history of it; tell your prescriber straight away about breathlessness, swollen ankles or sudden weight gain.
It has been associated with bladder cancer, and blood in the urine or a change in passing urine should be reported. Bone fractures are more common, particularly in women. Liver function is checked before treatment and monitored afterwards. It is not for use in pregnancy. The effect on blood glucose builds over weeks rather than days.
- Thiazolidinedione that makes body tissues more sensitive to insulin
- For type 2 diabetes, used with diet and exercise
- 15mg, 30mg and 45mg tablets, taken once a day
- Not suitable with heart failure or a history of heart failure
- Report blood in the urine or a change in passing urine
- Liver function is checked before and during treatment
