Pioglit MF Forte

Pioglitazone and Metformin HCl is an oral medicine given in the treatment of Diabetes. This drug is recommended for the type 2 diabetes. It is not given in type 1 diabetes.  Pioglitazone and Metformin HCL helps to keep control over 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 and Metformin HCl is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes. It is a key element in management of Type 2 diabetes which also comprises of diet, exercise, weight control, blood testing and regular check up with the concerned Doctor.

Understanding the drug Pioglit MF Forte:

How it works?

Pioglitazone

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.  It lowers the insulin resistance and improves sensitivity of insulin in muscle and hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Metformin HCl

This ingredient belongs to the class of Biguanides and increases the tolerance of your body to insulin by lowering the blood glucose levels. It delays intestinal absorption of sugar into the bloodstream after eating. It has an ability increase the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. It also targets the liver and reduces its capacity to release sugar from liver.

 When should you avoid it?

You should not take Pioglitazone and Metformin HCl if you:

• Are hypersensitive towards any of the ingredients present in it (Pioglit MF Forte)
• Have a history of heart related problems
• Have history of prostate or bladder cancer
• Have a kidney disease
• Have metabolic acidosis
• Have fluid retention
• Have type 1 diabetes
• Are breast feeding
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are 80 years or older

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/500 mg and can be increased up to 15 mg/ 850 mg depending upon the patient’s severity and condition. Always take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor.

What are the strengths available?

Pioglitazone and Metformin HCl are available in one strength combination on our website:

• Pioglit MF Forte 15 mg 850 mg

Who is the manufacturer?

Pioglit MF Forte is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals ltd 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 and Metformin HCl can be taken once or twice a day.

For how long should it be taken?

Do not stop taking Pioglitazone and Metformin HCl 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 and Metformin HCl 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
• Metallic taste

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 Metformin HCl and may hamper its therapeutic efficacy. Some of the drugs which interact with Pioglitazone and Metformin HCl are as follows:

• Rifampin
• Other oral diabetes like Chlorpropamide, Glimipride, Glipizide and Tolbutamide
• Gemfibrozil
• Digoxin
• Alcohol
• Nifedipine
• Triamterene
• Morphine
• Furosemide
• Phenprocoumon
• Ranitidine
• Acarbose
• Guargum

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
• Avoid the intake of diuretics and high fever pills as they may cause dehydration and increases the risk of lactic acidosis
• Avoid the intake of alcohol as it can increase the side effects of Pioglit MF forte
• 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