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General Medication Fact Sheet for Pioglitazone
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Pioglitazone |
| Brand Name Versions | Actos (discontinued in the U.S.) |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May cause or worsen congestive heart failure in some patients. |
| Purpose | Used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| Mechanism of Action | Thiazolidinedione (TZD) that improves insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue and reduces hepatic glucose production. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Usually once daily. |
| Common Side Effects | Upper respiratory tract infection, headache, muscle aches, swelling of ankles and feet, weight gain. |
| Serious Side Effects | Congestive heart failure, liver problems, bladder cancer (possible association), macular edema, bone fractures (in women). |
| Drug Interactions | Insulin, other diabetes medications (e.g., sulfonylureas), gemfibrozil, rifampin. |
| Important Notes | Monitor for signs of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling). Regular liver function tests may be required. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Metformin, Glipizide, Sitagliptin, Empagliflozin |
Pioglitazone Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metformin (Glucophage) | Decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity. | Often the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. |
| Glipizide (Glucotrol) | Sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. | May cause hypoglycemia. |
| Sitagliptin (Januvia) | DPP-4 inhibitor that increases insulin release and decreases glucagon secretion. | Generally well-tolerated. |
| Empagliflozin (Jardiance) | SGLT2 inhibitor that increases glucose excretion in the urine. | May cause urinary tract infections. |
Pioglitazone Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Upper respiratory tract infection | Congestive heart failure |
| Headache | Liver problems |
| Muscle aches | Bladder cancer (possible association) |
| Swelling of ankles and feet | Macular edema |
| Weight gain | Bone fractures (in women) |
Pioglitazone Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | 15 mg or 30 mg once daily | 15 mg to 45 mg once daily | May be taken with or without food. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly. |
Pioglitazone Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $60 |
| From CPS | $27 |
