Piros Tablet (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

This medication is taken orally once daily regardless of meals. In monotherapy, it is initiated at 15 mg once daily, and may be increased to 30 mg once daily if the effect is insufficient. In combination therapy (with sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin), the initial dose is 15 mg once daily, and the maximum recommended dose should not exceed 30 mg once daily.

Child dose

There is no experience in using this medication in children under 18 years of age, therefore its administration is not recommended.

This medication may impose a burden on the heart for some patients and should not be used in those with heart failure or symptoms of heart failure. During treatment, symptoms of heart failure such as weight change, dyspnea, and edema should be carefully monitored, and if these symptoms appear, medical consultation should be sought immediately. This medication should not be administered to patients with active bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer. It is also safer not to use this medication in patients with severely impaired liver or kidney function. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not take this medication, and premenopausal women are advised to use contraception while on this medication. This medication requires insulin to be effective, hence it is not suitable for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Due to the risk of hypoglycemia, careful observation of hypoglycemic symptoms is necessary when used in combination with insulin or other antidiabetic drugs. It is important to undergo regular blood sugar and liver function tests during the treatment period, and if symptoms of liver damage (fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, etc.) occur, medical professionals should be informed immediately. Edema or weight gain may occur, and if these symptoms worsen, patients should consult a doctor. Elderly patients or those with cardiovascular diseases should use this medication with particular caution, and bone health management is necessary due to the risk of fractures. In case of overdose, specific symptoms may not be present, but appropriate treatment may be needed depending on symptoms. This medication has not been confirmed safe for children, hence is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age. As drug interactions may occur, patients taking other medications must inform healthcare providers, especially when using it with CYP2C8 inhibitors or inducers, as dosage adjustments may be required. While taking this medication, it is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage and regimen, and if a daily dose is missed, caution should be taken not to double the dose the next day.

Serious side effects

Congestive heart failure, worsening heart failure, edema (including severe edema), bladder cancer, liver abnormalities (fatal and non-fatal liver failure, suspected hepatotoxicity ALT elevation, symptoms suggesting jaundice), heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, increased blood pressure, severe allergic reactions (urticaria, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor), severe skin adverse reactions (severe rash, blistering, skin peeling, oral/ocular)

Mild side effects

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• headache
• sinusitis
• myalgia
• pharyngitis
• abdominal distension
• weight gain
• hypoglycemia
• urinary tract infection
• lumbar pain

This medication is sensitive to light; therefore, it should be stored in a container that is not exposed to light and kept away from humid areas. It is best to maintain the storage temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White to grayish-white, biconvex cylindrical tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle