Product Details

What you need to know before you take Pioglitazone Tablets

Do not take Pioglitazone Tablets – if you are allergic to pioglitazone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). – if you have heart failure or have had heart failure in the past. – if you have liver disease. – if you have had diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes causing rapid weight loss, nausea or vomiting). – if you have or have ever had bladder cancer. – if you have blood in your urine that your doctor has not checked. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Pioglitazone Tablets (also see section 4) – if you retain water (fluid retention) or have heart failure problems, in particular if you are over 75 years old. If you take anti-inflammatory medicines which can also cause fluid retention and swelling, you must also tell your doctor. – if you have a special type of diabetic eye disease called macular oedema (swelling of the back of the eye). – if you have cysts on your ovaries (polycystic ovary syndrome). There may be an increased possibility of becoming pregnant because you may ovulate again when you take Pioglitazone Tablets. If this applies to you, use appropriate contraception to avoid the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. – if you have a problem with your liver or heart. Before you start taking Pioglitazone Tablets you will have a blood sample taken to check your liver function. This check may be repeated at intervals. Some patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease or previous stroke who were treated with Pioglitazone Tablets and insulin experienced the development of heart failure. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you experience signs of heart failure such as unusual shortness of breath or rapid increase in weight or localised swelling (oedema). If you take Pioglitazone Tablets with other medicines for diabetes, it is more likely that your blood sugar could fall below the normal level (hypoglycaemia). You may also experience a reduction in blood count (anaemia). Broken bones A higher number of bone fractures was seen in patients, particularly women taking pioglitazone. Your doctor will take this into account when treating your diabetes. Children and adolescents Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is not recommended. Other medicines and Pioglitazone Tablets Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. You can usually continue to take other medicines whilst you are being treated with Pioglitazone Tablets. However, certain medicines are especially likely to affect the amount of sugar in your blood: – gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol) – rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis and other infections) Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these. Your blood sugar will be checked, and your dose of Pioglitazone Tablets may need to be changed. Pioglitazone Tablets with food and drink You may take your tablets with or without food. You should swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Tell your doctor if – you are, you think you might be or are planning to become pregnant. – you are breast-feeding or if you are planning to breast-feed your baby. Your doctor will advise you to discontinue this medicine. Driving and using machines This medicine will not affect your ability to drive or use machines but take care if you experience abnormal vision. Pioglitazone Tablets contains lPioglitazone Tabletse monohydrate If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Pioglitazone Tablets.