Before taking Pioglitazone 30mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; if you are allergic to other "glitazones" (e.g., rosiglitazone); or if you have any other allergies.
Pioglitazone 30mg should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), very high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis), active liver disease.
Before using Pioglitazone 30mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), liver problems, fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema), anemia, eye (retina) problems.
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcohol while taking Pioglitazone 30mg because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia.
During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required.
Pioglitazone 30mg may increase the risk of bone fracture (e.g., upper arm, hand, foot, ankle) in female patients. To lower the chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.
Pioglitazone 30mg can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking Pioglitazone 30mg.
Pioglitazone 30mg should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for Pioglitazone 30mg during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.
It is not known whether Pioglitazone 30mg passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Pioglitazone 30mg is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Pioglitazone 30mg and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Pioglitazone 30mg by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Pioglitazone 30mg is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if you are taking other anti-diabetic drugs.
Use Pioglitazone 30mg regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Pioglitazone 30mg at the same time(s) each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis.
It may take up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit of Pioglitazone 30mg takes effect.
Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also Warning section.
Sore throat, muscle pain, or tooth problems may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Pioglitazone 30mg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Pioglitazone 30mg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, changes in menstrual cycles, new/worsening vision problems (e.g., color or night vision problems), bone fracture.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain.
Pioglitazone 30mg usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but this effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased.
A serious allergic reaction to Pioglitazone 30mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Click HERE to learn more about Actos side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Pioglitazone 30mg, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Pioglitazone 30mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-diabetic medications (e.g., insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas such as glyburide), herbal/natural products (e.g., fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove Pioglitazone 30mg from your body (e.g., gemfibrozil, rifamycins including rifampin), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin).
Pioglitazone 30mg may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using Pioglitazone 30mg. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.