About pioglitazone hcl
Thiazolidinedione antidiabetic
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise
- May be used alone or with other diabetes medicines
Usual adult dose
Usually 15–30 mg once daily; maximum 45 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Swelling and weight gain
- Low blood sugar, especially with other diabetes medicines
- Bone fractures
- Headache or muscle aches
Important warnings
- Can cause or worsen heart failure; not for symptomatic heart failure.
- Report unexplained blood in urine or painful urination; bladder cancer risk remains uncertain.
- May cause liver injury; liver tests may be needed.
- Can restore ovulation and increase pregnancy risk in some people.
Pregnancy
Not recommended for diabetes treatment during pregnancy; insulin is generally preferred.
Breastfeeding
Unknown whether it passes into breast milk; use during breastfeeding is generally avoided.
Interactions
- Gemfibrozil can raise pioglitazone levels.
- Rifampin can lower pioglitazone levels.
- May increase low blood sugar risk with insulin or sulfonylureas.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.