Pioglitazone (pye-oh-GLI-ta-zone)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Actos

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how pioglitazone works. Tell your doctor if you are using gemfibrozil or rifampin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you had problems ovulating or have irregular periods, this medicine may cause you to ovulate, which could lead to pregnancy if you are sexually active. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye), or a history of bladder cancer.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Low blood sugar levels
  • Liver problems
  • Increased risk of broken bones, especially in women
  • Increased risk of bladder cancer, if you use this medicine for a long time
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or changes in vision
• Change in how often or how much you urinate, painful urination, lower back or side pain, blood in your urine
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing
• Severe joint pain
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness, hunger, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bloated or full feeling, gas
• Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088