About pioglitazone hcl equivalent to pioglitazone
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 or 30 mg once daily; may be increased to 45 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Swelling and fluid retention
- Weight gain
- Headache or muscle pain
- Low blood sugar, especially with other diabetes medicines
Important warnings
- Can worsen or cause heart failure; avoid in severe heart failure.
- May increase fracture risk, particularly in women.
- Rarely causes serious liver problems; liver tests may be needed.
- May increase bladder cancer risk; discuss any blood in urine promptly.
Pregnancy
Not recommended for diabetes treatment in pregnancy; insulin is usually preferred.
Breastfeeding
Avoid during breastfeeding because safety is uncertain and effects on milk are unknown.
Interactions
- Insulin and sulfonylureas increase low blood sugar risk.
- Gemfibrozil can increase pioglitazone levels.
- Rifampicin can reduce pioglitazone levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.