PIOGLITAZONE helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetic ketoacidosis
• heart disease
• heart failure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

• atorvastatin
• birth control pills or other hormonal methods of birth control
• bosentan
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• midazolam
• nifedipine
• other medicines for diabetes, including insulin
• topiramate

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:

• alcohol containing beverages
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• chloramphenicol
• chromium
• diuretics
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• heart medicines
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medicines for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• medicines for mental problems
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• niacin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid medicine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Your health care professional will have to check blood tests regularly to assess the effect of this medication on your liver.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

If you have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that has sugar. Make sure others know to get medical help quickly if you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like if you become unconscious or have a seizure.

This medicine may increase your risk of having some heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.

This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.

If you need surgery or if you will need a procedure with contrast drugs, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• dark urine
• fever, chills, sore throat
• low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
• muscle pain
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• infection
• problems with teeth
• slow weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.