Actirazen Tablets (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Adult dosage

This drug is to be taken orally once a day regardless of meals. It may start at 15 mg once a day as monotherapy, and if effects are insufficient, the dose may be increased to 30 mg once a day. In combination therapy, it can be used together with sulfonylureas, metformin, and insulin, starting with an initial dose of 15 mg once a day. The maximum recommended dose does not exceed 30 mg once a day.

Children's dosage

There is no experience in using this drug in children under 18 years, thus administration is not recommended.

This drug is a medication that helps control blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Care must be taken during treatment, as it may impose a burden on the heart, particularly in patients with heart failure or a history of heart failure. After starting treatment or increasing the dose, closely monitor for any sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, or swelling associated with heart failure symptoms. This drug can cause fluid retention, which may worsen or newly trigger heart failure. Patients with active bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer should not take this drug. If symptoms such as hematuria, urination disorders, or urgency appear during treatment, inform a physician immediately. Patients with impaired liver function or severe kidney impairment are also advised against using this drug. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take this drug. Premenopausal women should use appropriate contraception as this drug may promote ovulation. When used in combination with other hypoglycemic agents or insulin, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase, so patients should be well aware of hypoglycemia symptoms and adjust doses of other medications if necessary. Weight gain and edema may occur during treatment with this drug. Consult a physician if these symptoms worsen. Liver function abnormalities may occur, so regular liver function tests should be conducted before and during treatment, and if symptoms suggesting liver damage (fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, etc.) appear, inform healthcare personnel immediately. This drug can be used in the elderly, but particular caution is advised for patients over 75 years of age. There is no specific antidote for overdose, so appropriate treatment and supportive therapy are required depending on symptoms. The safety and efficacy of this drug have not been confirmed in children, so it is not used in this age group. Ensure to adhere to the prescribed dosage daily, and if a dose is missed, do not take a double dose the next day. Drug interactions may occur, so inform the physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.

Serious side effects

Congestive heart failure (including symptoms and signs of heart failure: excessive and rapid weight changes, respiratory distress, edema), edema (peripheral edema, generalized edema, pitting edema, and fluid retention), hospitalization due to worsening heart failure, bladder cancer (visible hematuria, urination disorders, urgency), liver abnormalities (jaundice symptoms: yellowing of the skin or eyes, general malaise), liver failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, serious neurological symptoms (confusion, visual disturbances, etc.)

Mild side effects

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

This drug may be sensitive to air and moisture, so it should be stored in a tightly sealed container. The recommended storage temperature is between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. This will help maintain the drug's effectiveness for a longer period.

Appearance

White to grayish-white, convex cylindrical tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle