Pioglitazone

Pioglitazone is a medication that is commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It is a form of thiazolidinedione, which works to lower and control blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity. The medicine comes as a tablet that is taken once a day, and it should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your system. Common side effects of pioglitazone may include muscle pain, swelling or fluid retention, and headache.

 

What Is Pioglitazone?

Pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). The drug can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. Pioglitazone is not intended to be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (see Actos and Type 1 Diabetes for more information).
 
(Click What Is Pioglitazone Used For? for more information on specific pioglitazone uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Pioglitazone?

Pioglitazone is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.
 

How Does Pioglitazone Work?

Pioglitazone is part of a group of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones (or sometimes called "glitazones"). The medication helps to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that it helps your body use its natural insulin better. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
 

Pioglitazone Effects

There have been several studies looking at the effects of pioglitazone on type 2 diabetes:
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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