Pioglitazone: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione medicine used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. It helps the body respond to its own insulin and may be prescribed alone or with other diabetes medicines. Pioglitazone requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as a generic medicine.

Pioglitazone is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Its use is alongside diet and exercise, either as the only diabetes medicine or in combination with other diabetes treatments. It works only when the body produces its own insulin.

It is not intended to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, because it would not be effective in those settings. Pioglitazone is not recommended for children, as its safety and effectiveness in this population have not been established.

Pioglitazone belongs to a group of medicines called thiazolidinediones. These medicines improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that the body's tissues respond more effectively to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy.

Pioglitazone activates a receptor called PPAR gamma, which influences genes involved in the handling of sugar and fats. Its blood sugar-lowering effect depends on insulin already being produced by the body.

The label lists oral tablets containing 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg. The usual starting dose is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily for patients without congestive heart failure. The label lists a starting dose of 15 mg once daily for patients with mild heart failure.

The label lists increases in 15 mg increments, based on blood sugar response, up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily. The label lists a maximum of 15 mg daily when combined with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. Meals do not affect the labelled administration schedule.

Liver tests are recommended before treatment begins, with caution and investigation if results are abnormal. Monitoring after treatment begins or the dose increases focuses on fluid retention, weight gain, swelling and signs of heart failure. When low blood sugar occurs during combination treatment, the label describes reducing the accompanying insulin or insulin-releasing medicine, with adjustments guided by blood sugar response.

A missed dose can interrupt the regular treatment schedule used to support blood sugar control. Follow the missed-dose advice on the dispensing leaflet or ask a pharmacist if uncertain.

Do not double a dose to make up for a missed dose. If the next dose is nearly due, general pharmacy advice is to skip the missed dose and resume the usual schedule.

Information from pregnant women is insufficient to determine whether pioglitazone increases the risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy carries risks for both mother and baby. There is no information about pioglitazone in human breast milk, its effects on a breastfed baby or its effects on milk production.

Pioglitazone may restore ovulation in some premenopausal women who are not ovulating, potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. Discuss pregnancy plans and breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

The label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed and protect the tablets from light, moisture and humidity to maintain quality.