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Pioglitazone Dosing
For most people who are starting type 2 diabetes treatment with pioglitazone, dosing usually starts at 15 mg or 30 mg once a day. If your blood sugar levels are not controlled, your healthcare provider may increase your dosage to a maximum of 45 mg once daily. In order to ensure a successful treatment process, pioglitazone dosing guidelines should be followed carefully, and the medication must be taken as prescribed.
from eMedTV.comThe dosage of pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
The starting dose for pioglitazone is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily. If necessary, your healthcare provider may increase your dosage up to 45 mg once daily to control your blood sugar.
Some considerations for people taking pioglitazone include:
- Pioglitazone can be taken with or without food. If pioglitazone upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Pioglitazone should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
- If you do not take your pioglitazone as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as scheduled. Do not take a double dose of pioglitazone.
- For pioglitazone to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Pioglitazone will not work if you take it differently than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
- If you are unsure about anything related to pioglitazone or your pioglitazone dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking pioglitazone without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD