Pioglitazone is a medication used in conjunction with other drugs or exercise and diet to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a thiazolidenedione, which keeps blood sugar levels stable by helping the body produce insulin. The medication is available in tablet form and is generally taken once a day. Patients should be aware that taking pioglitazone can increase the risk of bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. It can also lead to low or high blood sugar levels, which can cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Patients with type 2 diabetes take pioglitazone if they're unable to control their blood sugar through exercise and diet. It makes the body more sensitive to insulin, which helps prevent blood sugar levels from becoming too high or low. The medication does not help patients with type 1 diabetes or those with diabetic ketoacidosis. Doctors sometimes prescribe other medications as well, such as metformin or sulfonylurea, to increase the effectiveness of pioglitazone.
Doctors usually advise patients to take a pioglitazone tablet once each day with or without food. Some patients might start out with a low dosage, which will increase gradually depending on how their bodies respond to the medication. It generally takes about two weeks for blood sugar levels to become more stable.
The use of pioglitazone might carry an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. It might also lead to congestive heart failure or make this condition worse in patients who have it already. Doctors also warn that women may become more susceptible to suffering fractures or experience a higher chance of becoming pregnant while taking pioglitazone.
Patients should tell their doctors if they're allergic to pioglitazone, have heart disease, are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Since infections or illnesses can affect blood sugar levels, these conditions should be reported to doctors immediately. Patients should ask their doctors about drinking alcohol, which can lower blood sugar levels, and follow their doctor's advice on diet and exercise.
Side effects of pioglitazone that can result when blood sugar levels are too low include shakiness, pale skin, irritability, sudden behavioral changes, hunger and sweating. This condition, known as hypoglycemia, can lead to serious symptoms such as seizures and confusion if left untreated. Side effects related to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, include frequent urination, weakness and excessive thirst or hunger. This can result in a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis if patients don't seek medical help.
Mild side effects of pioglitazone include muscle pain, sore throat and runny nose. Severe side effects include vision loss, vomiting, extreme tiredness and dark urine. Patients experiencing serious side effects must seek medical attention.
