Piolex Tablets (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

This medication is administered orally once daily, regardless of meals. For monotherapy, it starts at 15 mg once daily. If the effect is insufficient, it can be increased to 30 mg once daily. For combination therapy with sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin, it is administered at 15 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose should not exceed 30 mg once daily.

Child dose

There is no experience with use in children under 18 years, so administration is not recommended.

This medication is used to treat Type 2 diabetes by improving insulin resistance, aiding in blood sugar control. However, this drug may cause or worsen heart failure, thus it should not be used in patients with heart failure or a history of heart failure. Careful monitoring for symptoms of heart failure, such as weight changes, shortness of breath, and edema, should be conducted after starting treatment or increasing the dose. If these symptoms occur, immediate consultation with a physician for treatment adjustment is necessary. Additionally, this drug may cause fluid retention and should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, with regular monitoring of cardiac status. It should not be administered to patients with a history of bladder cancer or those with active bladder cancer. Patients with poor liver function or severe renal impairment should also not use this medication, and regular liver and kidney function tests are important. This drug may increase the risk of hypoglycemia; hence, caution is needed when used in conjunction with insulin or other hypoglycemic agents, and dose adjustments may be necessary if hypoglycemic symptoms occur. Side effects such as edema, weight gain, headache, upper respiratory infections may occur relatively frequently, so any symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional. In premenopausal women, this medication may stimulate ovulation, leading to an increased chance of pregnancy, so appropriate contraceptive measures are advisable. It is preferable for pregnant or potentially pregnant women to avoid this medication, and caution is also needed in breastfeeding women. This drug should be administered cautiously in elderly patients, patients with poor nutritional status, and those with diminished kidney or liver function. This medication is taken once a day; if a dose is missed, do not double the next day's dose. Any unusual symptoms or discomfort during treatment should be discussed with a physician or pharmacist immediately.

Serious side effects

• Congestive heart failure
• edema
• heart failure
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath
• severe edema
• urticaria
• worsening of liver disease
• liver abnormalities (jaundice)
• stroke

Mild side effects

• Upper respiratory infection
• headache
• sinusitis
• muscle pain
• pharyngitis
• abdominal bloating
• weight gain
• hypoglycemia
• urinary tract infection
• lower back pain

This medication is sensitive to light and should be stored in a container that protects it from light. Additionally, avoid damp places, and it is best to store it at a temperature between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, especially around 25 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White to off-white, round and convex tablets.

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle