Pioglitazone+metformin
About Pioglitazone+metformin
Pioglitazone+metformin is a combination drug consisting of Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinediones), and Metformin (Biguanides) which are called anti-diabetic drugs & used to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus used to be known as 'non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)' or 'maturity-onset diabetes'. Type 2 diabetes develops if the body does not produce enough insulin, or where the insulin that your body makes does not work as well as it should. It can also develop if the body produces too much glucagon. Insulin is a substance that helps to lower the level of sugar in your blood, especially after meals.
Pioglitazone+metformin is a blood sugar-lowering drug which contains a combination of Pioglitazone belonging to the class of thiazolidinediones & Metformin belonging to the class of biguanides. Pioglitazone decreases blood sugar and reverses the effects of Type II diabetes by activating switches (PPAR) inside cells to take up free glucose from blood and decrease its levels in blood. Metformin on the other hand decreases blood sugar by decreasing its formation and increasing its consumption by cells thereby decreasing high blood sugar levels. Pioglitazone+metformin is used in adults to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus when treatment with metformin alone is not sufficient.
Pioglitazone+metformin should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. Pioglitazone+metformin should be taken at the same time of the day each time for best results. For better advice, your doctor will decide, what dose should be taken and it can change timely depending upon your condition. Some people may stomach ache, feeling sick (Nausea), vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, localized swelling (oedema), weight gain, headache, respiratory infection, numbness, taste disturbance etc . Most of these side effects of Pioglitazone+metformin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Pioglitazone+metformin should not be stopped even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor as sugar level keeps changing. If you stop taking Pioglitazone+metformin abruptly, it may increase your sugar levels which could further increase the risk of eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy) and nerve damage (neuropathy). Pioglitazone+metformin should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, severe kidney or liver disease. Please inform your doctor if you have any heart disease, is or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Pioglitazone+metformin
Medicinal Benefits
Pioglitazone+metformin lowers blood sugar in type II diabetic patients (Non insulin dependent ) & prevents diseases of the heart, kidneys, eyes & blood vessels in feet, which happens due to persistently high levels of blood sugar in diabetic patients. Pioglitazone+metformin plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar levels and prevents serious complications of diabetes like eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), diabetic foot ulcer and delayed wound healing. Pioglitazone+metformin lowers blood sugar due to activation of cell switches (PPAR) to take up free glucose from blood & use it for energy production (Pioglitazones) & decrease production of glucose inside liver (Metformin) .
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pioglitazone+metformin
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to make sufficient insulin, or the insulin that it makes doesn't work properly or utilized by our body. This can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, slow , increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be weight gain while in rare cases weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes also includes neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), and retinopathy (damaged retina of eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and increase the chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Pioglitazone+metformin can cause fluid retention which cause heart failure.The doctor usually recommends to start from a lower dose and increase the dose, slowly while treating patients who are at risk of heart failure. Heart failure is reported mainly in patients taking insulin & Pioglitazone+metformin simultaneously.
There has been rare cases of liver damage in patients taking Pioglitazone+metformin. The doctor usually screens the patient continuously during the course of treatment with Pioglitazone+metformin. A patient is advised to visit doctor strictly as per what doctor has advised.
Pioglitazone+metformin is contradictory to be used in patients with high blood pressure. Doctors consultation is required before taking this drug in a patient with high blood pressure.
Pioglitazone+metformin is safe to be taken before driving a vehicle or operating machinery as far as blood sugar levels are stable. A patient is advised to take proper precautions and make sure that Pioglitazone+metformin is not taken with another blood sugar lowering agent.
Not recommended to be taken with contraceptives. Pioglitazone+metformin decreases the activity of oral contraceptives like Ethinyl estradiol by almost 30% and leads to failure of contraception.
