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Pioglitazone commonly causes weight gain which may be dose-related. The reason for this weight gain could be fat accumulation. However, in heart failure patients it could be due to water retention in the body. Therefore, it is important to monitor weight in heart failure cases.

Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention which may aggravate or speed up heart failure. The doctor usually starts with the lowest available dose and increases the dose gradually while treating patients who have at least one risk factor for heart failure (previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, elderly). Heart failure is more common when Pioglitazone is used with insulin.

Yes, Pioglitazone can be used with metformin where sufficient blood sugar management was not possible with metformin alone. This combination of medicines can be used in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight patients with poor blood sugar control.

It is usually prescribed once daily and can be taken at any time of the day but preferably at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. You should take Pioglitazone exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Continue taking Pioglitazone as long as your doctor recommends taking it. Treatment for diabetes mellitus is long-term so you may have to take it lifelong. However, if you have to stop it then consult with your doctor who will suggest an alternative. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor as it may cause blood sugar levels to rise, which could be harmful to you.

Pioglitazone may increase the risk of bladder cancer, though it is very rare. Immediately consult your doctor if you experience blood in your urine, pain when urinating or a sudden need to urinate, during treatment with this medicine. Pioglitazone should not be used in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer or having bladder cancer.

Yes, Pioglitazone may cause an increase in liver enzymes, and treatment with Pioglitazone should be stopped if liver enzymes increase. Hence, levels of liver enzymes should be periodically checked while on treatment with this medicine. Pioglitazone should not be prescribed to patients with liver disease.

Pioglitazone belongs to the thiazolidinediones class of anti-diabetic medicines. It helps control blood sugar levels by improving how your body uses a hormone called insulin. This is done by helping your cells become more sensitive to the insulin your body makes.