Product Description
Pioglitazone 30mg is a medication used to help control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a type of diabetes drug known as a thiazolidinedione (TZD), or "glitazone."
How Pioglitazone Works:
Pioglitazone helps restore your body's proper response to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It works by activating a specific receptor in fat cells, which increases insulin sensitivity and allows your body to use insulin more effectively. This helps lower blood sugar levels.
Uses of Pioglitazone:
Pioglitazone is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It can be used either alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or sulfonylureas.
Benefits of Controlling High Blood Sugar:
Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent serious complications of diabetes, including:
- Kidney damage: High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
- Blindness: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss and even blindness.
- Nerve problems: High blood sugar can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
- Loss of limbs: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the legs and feet, increasing the risk of amputation.
- Sexual function problems: High blood sugar can affect sexual function in both men and women.
- Heart attack or stroke: High blood sugar increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How to Use Pioglitazone:
- Dosage: The dosage of pioglitazone is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you.
- Administration: Pioglitazone is taken by mouth, usually once daily. It can be taken with or without food.
- Duration of Treatment: It may take up to 2-3 months for the full benefit of pioglitazone to take effect. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor, even if you feel well.
Side Effects of Pioglitazone:
Pioglitazone can cause a variety of side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects include:
- Weight gain: Pioglitazone can cause weight gain due to increased fat accumulation.
- Fluid retention: Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, which may lead to swelling in the ankles and feet.
- Heart failure: Pioglitazone may rarely cause or worsen heart failure.
- Liver problems: Pioglitazone may rarely cause liver problems.
- Bladder cancer: There is a small increased risk of bladder cancer in patients taking pioglitazone.
Important Considerations:
- Heart Failure: Pioglitazone is not recommended for people with certain types of heart failure. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart failure.
- Liver Disease: Pioglitazone should not be used in patients with liver disease.
- Bladder Cancer: Tell your doctor if you have a history of bladder cancer or if you experience any unusual symptoms related to your bladder, such as blood in your urine.
- Drug Interactions: Pioglitazone can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is unknown if pioglitazone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Important Note:
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.
