Pioglar

Drug Name:

Pioglitazone 15mg, 30mg Tablets

Category:

International Brand: Actos/Glustin

Actos/Glustin

Details

Pioglitazone 15mg, 30mg Tablets belong to the category of Antidiabetic Agents and are prescribed to treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These are internationally available by the brand name of Actos and Glustin. In India, these are known as Pioglar.

Uses

  • Pioglar is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise and to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings.
  • It should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in such situations.

 

Dosage

  • The recommended starting dose of Pioglar without congestive heart failure is 15 to 30 mg once daily.
  • The recommended starting dose for patients suffering from congestive heart failure (NYHA class I or II) is 15 mg once a day.
  • Pioglitazone 15mg, 30mg Tablets can be taken before or after having a meal at any time of the day. Though, to get the best results, you should take it at a specific time.
  • The maximum dosage is 45 mg per day.

 

Side effects

Pioglitazone 15mg, 30mg Tablets may cause several side effects:

  • Swelling
  • Low blood sugar
  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Headache
  • Heart failure
  • Sinus infection
  • Fracture of bone
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain
  • Aggravated diabetes
  • Diabetic swelling in the eye
  • Increased cholesterol
  • Decreased serum triglycerides
  • Bladder cancer
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased transaminases
  • Weight gain
  • Blood in urine
  • Abdominal pain
  • Feeling unwell
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine
  • Clay colored stools
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Cold symptoms
  • Back pain
  • Tooth problems

If these side effects get worse, immediately call your doctor.

 

Precautions

  • Pioglar can cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients.
  • It is not recommended for patients with symptomatic heart failure and the initiation of these drugs in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure is prohibited.
  • Do not take Glustin if you are allergic to Pioglitazone or any other ingredients present in this drug.
  • You should definitely discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with pioglitazone. Like other thiazolidinediones, it may also result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.
  • Patients suffering from active bladder cancer should not use Actos at any cost.
  • Instruct patients to contact their physician immediately if signs of bladder cancer is observed after initiating this therapy.
  • Pioglitazone 15mg, 30mg Tablets may increase fracture risk in females.

It may cause a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), in combination with insulin or other oral agents.