Pioglitazone is a prescription drug that is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. This part of the eMedTV library describes how pioglitazone works to control blood sugar, offers dosing tips, and lists possible side effects of the medicine.
Sinus infection, headache, and upper respiratory infection are some common side effects of pioglitazone. This eMedTV page lists other common problems as well as serious pioglitazone side effects such as swelling, rapid weight gain, or vision changes.
What is pioglitazone used for? As this page on the eMedTV site explains, pioglitazone is used for lowering and controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The medication is currently not licensed for use in children.
Most people start with a pioglitazone dosing of 15 mg or 30 mg once a day. This section of the eMedTV Web site further discusses pioglitazone dosing guidelines and provides information on when and how to take the medication.
As this eMedTV article explains, Norvir, Adalat, and Versed are some of the drugs that may cause drug interactions with pioglitazone. This Web page discusses these and other medicines that can cause pioglitazone interactions.
Before taking pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This eMedTV page contains other precautions and warnings with pioglitazone, including a list of possible side effects, such as weight gain and increased liver enzymes.
There is currently no generic pioglitazone for sale in the United States. As this portion of the eMedTV archives explains, however, several drug companies are expected to produce a generic pioglitazone medicine as soon the patent expires in 2011.
