Pictos Tablet (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

This medication is orally administered once daily, regardless of meals. It may start at a single dose of 15 mg once daily; if sufficient efficacy is not achieved, the dose can be increased to 30 mg once daily. In combination therapy, it is administered at a dose of 15 mg once daily with sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin. The maximum recommended dosage should not exceed 30 mg once daily.

Child dose

There is no experience in using this medication in children under 18 years; therefore, its use is not recommended.

This medication helps control blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. However, it may cause or exacerbate heart failure in patients with weak cardiac function, so if such symptoms appear, immediate medical attention should be sought. Patients with heart failure or a history of heart failure should not take this medication. It can cause fluid retention, worsening edema or heart failure, so caution is advised for patients with edema symptoms or heart disease. Additionally, this medication should not be taken by patients with bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer, severely impaired liver or kidney function, Type 1 diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consult a doctor before use, and premenopausal women should use appropriate contraception as this medication may stimulate ovulation. This medication does not lower blood sugar levels on its own and acts with insulin, so it should only be used in patients with insulin resistance. While taking this medication, be aware that side effects such as weight gain and edema, headaches, and upper respiratory infections may occur. Particularly, hypoglycemic symptoms may appear, so dosage adjustments may be necessary when used in combination with insulin or other hypoglycemic agents to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. If liver dysfunction is suspected or symptoms indicating liver damage occur, immediate medical attention should be sought, and regular monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended. Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of fractures, so care should be taken for bone health. Moreover, if visible hematuria or urinary disorders occur during treatment with this medication, this may indicate a risk of bladder cancer, and immediate medical consultation is required. As drug interactions may occur, consult a doctor or pharmacist if taking other medications. It is not recommended for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age, as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to elderly patients, and they should consult medical staff immediately if any abnormal symptoms occur. When taking the medication, be sure to adhere to the prescribed dosage, and if a dose is missed, do not double the dose the next day.

Serious side effects

Congestive heart failure, heart failure, edema (severe swelling), shortness of breath, respiratory distress, liver abnormalities (jaundice), severe neurological symptoms, elevated blood pressure, bladder cancer, myocardial infarction, stroke, altered consciousness, severe allergic reactions (including hives), acute cardiac adverse reactions, severe liver failure, cardiovascular-related death, hospitalization due to heart failure exacerbation, hospitalization due to hypoglycemia

Mild side effects

• Headache
• upper respiratory infection
• sinusitis
• muscle pain
• pharyngitis
• abdominal bloating
• weight gain
• urinary tract infection
• hypoglycemia
• low back pain

This medication should be stored in a special container to protect it from light and moisture. Additionally, to maintain the efficacy of the drug, it is best to store it in a cool place between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, particularly around 25 degrees.

Appearance

White or yellowish round tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle