Pioglitazone tablets
What do pioglitazone tablets do?
PIOGLITAZONE (Actos(TM)) helps to treat type II diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes generally occurs in adults and is also called adult-onset diabetes. Pioglitazone helps your body to use insulin more efficiently and helps to lower high blood sugar.
What should my health care professional know before I take pioglitazone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart problems
• kidney or liver problems
• swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take pioglitazone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water with meals. Take your doses at the same time each day; do not take more often than directed.
This medicine is not for use in children.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it with the next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with pioglitazone?
• allergy medicines (such as astemizole, fexofenadine, terfenadine)
• birth control pills
• carbamazepine
• cisapride
• cyclosporine
• certain medicines for anxiety or insomnia (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam)
• certain medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (such as diltiazem, felodipine, lidocaine, nifedipine, quinidine, verapamil)
• certain medicines to lower cholesterol (such as lovastatin, simvastatin)
• donepezil
• erythromycin
• indinavir
• ketoconazole
• saquinavir
• trimetrexate
Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
• alcohol containing beverages
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
• chromium
• female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medications to suppress appetite or for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• niacin
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid hormones
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking pioglitazone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating
• blurred vision
• cold sweats, increased sweating
• cool, pale skin
• dark yellow or brown urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• muscle pain
• nausea, vomiting
• rapid, deep breathing or difficulty breathing with exertion
• skin rash or hives
• slow heartbeat
• tremors or shakiness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• swelling of the hands and/or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• headache
• weight gain