Where is Pioglitazone used?

Pioglitazone is used to control type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. According to a pharmacological study, this progresses a glycemic mechanism while reducing the circulating insulin levels. This also advances the sensitivity to insulin in muscle. Pioglitazone is used along with a proper exercise and diet program to control high blood pressure. Proper control of diabetes may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Controlling high blood pressure helps also prevent;

• Loss of limbs
• Kidney damage
• Blindness
• Nerve problems
• Sexual function problems

Pioglitazone is a type of drug called thiazolidinedione or also called glitazones. Pioglitazone was approved in 1999 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How does Pioglitazone work?

Pioglitazone works by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin which is a natural substance that helps control blood sugar levels. This lessens the insulin resistance in the periphery.

In the liver, it results in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal. It decreases the hepatic glucose output as well. This medication is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR). These receptors are found in tissues important for insulin action. Some of that are skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver. The beginning of PPAR nuclear receptors controls the transcription of some insulin-responsive genes. Those are involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism.

How is Pioglitazone taken?

• The dosing instructions will depend on your medical condition.
• Take this medicine by mouth with or without food.
• This is usually taken once a day.
• Take this at the same time each day or as prescribed by your doctor.
• While taking this medication, you need to keep track of your blood sugar levels and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if it is too high or too low. Your dosage might need to be changed.

What are the possible side effects of Pioglitazone?

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Stomach pain
• Discolored urine
• Changes in vision
• Dizziness

What are the precautions in taking Pioglitazone?

• Before taking this medication, make sure that you are not allergic to it. Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies especially to medications.
• Consult first your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding women. This drug may not be recommended for use in pregnant women, consult your doctor first before taking any medications.
• Be aware that this drug may have possible side effects such as muscle pain, headache, gas, sore throat, or pain in the arms or legs.
• Do not share this medication with others who have the same symptoms as yours. Suggest to them that they need to consult a doctor for the right dosage.
• Pioglitazone may cause changes in your blood sugar. You must know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms. You can ask your healthcare provider for further information.
• Do not drive or use any machinery when you take this medication. This may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do the things you need to do until you know you can do it safely.
• Keep this medicine in a cool and dry place.