Additional Information

Why is this medication prescribed

Pioglitazone is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Pioglitazone is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. It works by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosolated hemoglobin should be checked regularly to determine your response to pioglitazone.

Rare cases of liver injury and failure have occurred during therapy with troglitazone, a drug similar to pioglitazone. The potential risk of liver injury with pioglitazone is not known at this time. It is important that you keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment to check your response to pioglitazone. You will have these tests before you begin to take pioglitazone, and then every 2 months for the first year of therapy. After the first year, these tests will be done less frequently.

Call your doctor during periods of stress, such as fever, trauma, infection, or prolonged illness. Your medications may need to be adjusted.

Pioglitazone may cause a slight decrease in red and white blood cells. Before you have any laboratory test, tell the laboratory personnel and your doctor that you take this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

In case of emergency overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.