Pioglit

Pioglitazone is an oral medicine given in the treatment of Diabetes. This drug is recommended for the type 2 diabetes. Its usage is contraindicated in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone helps to keep control over the blood sugar levels in the body.  It is one of the most preferred drugs given in the diabetes. It can be taken alone or with other diabetes medicines.

The ailments it is used for:

Pioglitazone is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes. This drug is a key element in management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus which also comprises of diet, exercise, weight control, blood testing and regular check up with the concerned Doctor.

Understanding the drug Pioglitazone:

How it works?

It contains one active ingredient Pioglitazone. It is a synthetic potent glucocorticoid which exerts anti-inflammatory properties.

Pioglitazoneazone

Insulin is a hormone that absorbs glucose from the blood. In type 2 Diabetes, there is no sufficient production of insulin and cells respond very less to the insulin produced.  Flawed insulin activity can raise the blood sugar levels of the body. Pioglitazone is a hypoglycemic drug that sensitizes the insulin and gets attached with its receptors. After getting attached with the cells, it increases their sensitivity towards the insulin. This all, results in increased removal of glucose from the blood and helps in lowering the blood sugar levels.

Pioglitazone stops the production and secretion of the glucose by the liver into the blood. This way, it also changes the blood concentration of fats in the blood. 

 When should you avoid it?

You should not take Pioglitazone if you:

• Are hypersensitive towards any of ingredients present in it (Pioglitazone)
• Have a past record of heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions
• Have history of prostate or bladder cancer
• Have a liver disease
• Have fluid retention
• Have type 1 diabetes
• Are breast feeding
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

How much to take?

The dose can vary from person to person depending upon the severity and demand of the condition. Follow the instructions mentioned by the Doctor. Generally, the recommended dosage starts from 15 mg and can be increased up to 45 mg depending upon the patient’s severity and condition.

What are the strengths available?

Pioglitazone is available in two strength combination having an active ingredient Pioglitazone in it:

• Pioglit 15 mg
• Pioglit 30 mg

Who is the manufacturer?

Pioglitazone 15 mg is manufactured by Cipla Pharmaceuticals ltd and is available on our website in the pack of 30 tablets.

Pioglitazone 30 mg is manufactured by Sun Pharma and is available on our website in the pack of 30 tablets.

How to take?

Always swallow the tablet with plenty of fluids. Don’t chew or split the tablet. Always monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis. This drug is to be taken on the regular basis and can be increased depending upon the individual’s response. An individual who have diabetes, at times can develop extreme low blood sugar levels. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Hunger
• Headache
• Shaky movements
• Sweating

Always keep a fruit juice, raisins or any other source of sugar that can be taken immediately in order to overcome these symptoms. Always ask your family and friends to help you in an emergency.

When to take?

Take the medicine as prescribed by the Doctor. Pioglitazone can be taken with or without food at any time of day.

For how long should it be taken?

Do not stop taking Pioglitazone without consulting with your Doctor. This drug is meant to be taken on regular basis, so keep on taking the drug as long as recommended by the Doctor.

What if you take too much (overdose)?

If overdose, talk to Doctor or Poisons information centre for advice. Take medical help as soon as possible if you encounter below stated symptoms:

• Vision problems
• Tremors
• Low blood sugar levels
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Pain in stomach
• Convulsions

What if you miss the dose?

Try to take the medicine at the same time each day; this reduces the chances of missing dose. Consult your Doctor if you miss the Dose. Don’t double up the dose in order to catch up.

What are the side effects?

Every medicine has some side effects; Pioglitazone is the one which has some mild and severe side effects also.

 Some severe side effects are as following: 

• Sudden pain in hand , arm or foot region
• Breath shortness
• Swelling
• Rapid gain of weight
• Painful micturition
• Change in color of urine (pink or red urine)
• Tooth problems
• Sinusitis
• Muscle pain
• Fluid retention
• Jaundice

Some common side effects associated with it are as follows:

• Headache
• Blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Throat irritation
• Nausea

Are there any possible drug interactions?

Give a complete account of your medicines consumed till date. Tell your doctor about the Over the counter drugs and nutritional supplements you are taking. Doctor will provide you a list of the drugs that will interact with Pioglitazone and may hamper its therapeutic efficacy. Some of the drugs which interact with Pioglitazone are as follows:

• Rifampin
• Other oral diabetes like Chlorpropamide, Glimipride, Glipizide and Tolbutamide
• Gemfibrozil

What are the things to be taken care of?

• Always take the medicine as per prescription
• Always store the medicine at the room temperature and away from moisture, heat and light
• Don’t use the expired drug
• Keep a complete record of all the medicines you are taking along with this medicine
• Always monitor your blood sugar levels
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while using this drug
• Don’t share your medicine with anybody, even if they have the same symptoms