Piomed-15

PIOMED-15

Name:

• Brand Name: PIOMED-15
• Common Name: Pioglitazone (as Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Composition:

• Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains Pioglitazone 15mg. Pioglitazone belongs to the thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic medicines.

Uses: PIOMED-15 is used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps control blood sugar levels by improving the body's response to insulin and reducing insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and liver cells. This medication is prescribed when diet, exercise, and other first-line oral antidiabetic medicines (like metformin) do not achieve adequate blood sugar control. It can be taken alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. By controlling blood sugar, PIOMED-15 helps reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, heart disease, and stroke.

Dosage and Administration: PIOMED-15 should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The usual dosage for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 45 mg/day. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day for best results. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is advised.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Decreased blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, dizziness, abnormal vision, weight gain, numbness, joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, impotence, shortness of breath, anemia, and increased respiratory infections. Other common effects include upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and pharyngitis.
• Serious Side Effects (Rare): Symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, swelling), severe liver problems (e.g., yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine), and bladder cancer symptoms (e.g., blood in urine, painful urination). Increased risk of bone fractures has been reported, especially in women.

Precautions: PIOMED-15 is generally not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is contraindicated in individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney or liver problems, active bladder cancer, or a history of bladder cancer. Caution is advised for patients with a history of heart disease due to the risk of fluid retention, which can worsen heart failure. Alcohol consumption should be limited as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about all existing medical conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, thyroid disorders, and any other medications being taken, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (like celecoxib), gemfibrozil, or rifampicin. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, blood cell counts, and liver function may be advised.

Storage: PIOMED-15 should be kept out of the sight and reach of children. Store the tablets below 30°C, in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep the medicine in its original, tightly closed container.

PIOMED-15 Tablet: Frequently Asked Questions

PIOMED-15 Tablet, manufactured by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD., is a medication primarily used for managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It contains Pioglitazone, an active ingredient that helps control blood sugar levels.

What is PIOMED-15 used for?

PIOMED-15 Tablet is used to treat Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is typically prescribed when diet, exercise, and other first-line antidiabetic medications (like metformin) are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. By managing blood sugar, it helps prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and cardiovascular issues.

How does PIOMED-15 work?

PIOMED-15 Tablet contains Pioglitazone, which belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (glitazones). It works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing the cells in muscles, fat, and the liver to absorb glucose from the bloodstream more effectively. This helps lower blood sugar levels and improves overall glycemic control. Additionally, it helps reduce the production of glucose by the liver.

What is the usual dosage of PIOMED-15?

The usual starting dosage for adults is typically 15 mg or 30 mg once daily, as advised by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed, but it usually does not exceed 45 mg once a day. The tablet can be taken with or without food, but it's important to take it at the same time each day for consistent blood sugar control. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.

What are the possible side effects of PIOMED-15?

Common side effects of PIOMED-15 Tablet can include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, myalgia (muscle pain), pharyngitis, and weight gain. Other possible side effects include edema (swelling, especially in the feet and ankles), low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) when used with other antidiabetic medications, abnormal vision, dizziness, and bone fractures (especially in women). Serious but rare side effects can include symptoms of heart failure, severe liver problems, and bladder cancer symptoms. Consult your doctor if any side effects worsen or become troublesome.

Is PIOMED-15 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

PIOMED-15 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and potential harmful effects on the unborn baby observed in animal studies. For breastfeeding women, PIOMED-15 is also generally not recommended as it's not known if Pioglitazone passes into breast milk and could cause undesired effects in the infant. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking this medication.

Can PIOMED-15 be taken with other medications?

Yes, but caution is advised as PIOMED-15 can interact with certain medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example, medicines like gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol) may increase Pioglitazone's concentration, while rifampin (an antibiotic) may decrease it. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal preparations you are taking.

What precautions should be taken with PIOMED-15?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Heart Conditions: PIOMED-15 can cause fluid retention, which may worsen heart failure. Inform your doctor if you have any heart disease.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver problems, and your doctor may monitor liver function.
• Bladder Cancer: The medicine is not recommended for individuals with active bladder cancer or a history of it due to potential risks.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and lactic acidosis.
• Bone Fractures: An increased risk of bone fractures, especially in women, has been reported.
• Macular Edema: Patients with macular edema (fluid build-up in the eye) should consult their doctor as it may aggravate the condition.
• Children: The safety and efficacy in children under 18 years have not been established.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial. Your doctor may also advise blood tests to check blood cell counts and liver function.

What happens if a dose of PIOMED-15 is missed?

If you miss a dose of PIOMED-15, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.

How should PIOMED-15 be stored?

Store PIOMED-15 Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it in its original, tightly closed container and out of the sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is typically below 30°C (or between 10ºC to 25ºC).