Pioglitazone
Also sold as: Actos
Prescription neededDiabetes tablets
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 15 to 30 mg once a day, with or without food; maximum 45 mg a day. Full effect may take several weeks.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- weight gain
- swelling of ankles and legs
- headache
- muscle pain
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- shortness of breath or fast weight gain (heart failure)
- yellow eyes or skin
- blood in urine
- bone fractures
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Heart failure or a history of heart failure
- Liver disease
- Bladder cancer or unexplained blood in urine
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Insulin glargine
The combination increases fluid retention and the risk of heart failure.
- Insulin soluble (regular)
Using pioglitazone with insulin increases fluid retention and the risk of heart failure.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Gliclazide
The combination lowers blood sugar more; the sulfonylurea dose may need to be reduced.