Piohope 30

PIOHOPE 30 by MANKIND PHARMA LTD

Name

• Brand Name: PIOHOPE 30
• Common Name: Pioglitazone (as 30mg tablet)

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Pioglitazone (30 mg)

Uses

PIOHOPE 30 is an oral anti-diabetic medication primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is particularly effective in overweight patients. This medicine helps to control blood sugar levels by improving the body's sensitivity to its own insulin and by reducing glucose production in the liver. It can be used alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications when diet and exercise alone are insufficient. By effectively managing blood sugar, PIOHOPE 30 aims to prevent severe diabetes complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and limb loss, and may also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in diabetic patients.

Dosage and Administration

PIOHOPE 30 should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult dosage typically starts at 15 mg or 30 mg, once daily. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose, which may be adjusted based on your blood sugar levels and overall response, with a maximum recommended dose of 45 mg per day. The tablet can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day for optimal results. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Decreased blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may present as dizziness, shakiness, increased hunger, sweating, or weakness.
• Headache, dizziness.
• Abnormal vision, blurred vision.
• Weight gain (due to fluid retention/edema).
• Joint pain (myalgia), muscle pain, back pain.
• Numbness.
• Impotence.
• Shortness of breath, anemia.
• Upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis (sore throat).

Serious Side Effects (consult your doctor immediately if experienced):

• Fluid retention (edema) that can lead to or worsen congestive heart failure.
• Liver problems, indicated by symptoms such as abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes, and loss of appetite.
• Increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in women.
• Slightly increased risk of bladder cancer (symptoms include blood in urine, painful urination, or a sudden urge to urinate).

Precautions

• Contraindications: PIOHOPE 30 is generally not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe heart problems (such as heart failure), severe kidney or liver problems, or a known allergy to pioglitazone. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data and unknown passage into breast milk. Safety and efficacy in children under 18 years have not been established.
• General Warnings: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, thyroid disorders, hormonal conditions, bladder cancer, or macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye with worsening vision). Caution is advised in patients with renal and hepatic impairment, malnourished or debilitated conditions, or adrenal or pituitary insufficiency. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, blood cell counts, and liver function is advised.
• Drug Interactions: Before taking PIOHOPE 30, inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g., celecoxib, etoricoxib), gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol), and rifampicin (used to manage tuberculosis).
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking PIOHOPE 30, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and lactic acidosis.

Storage

Keep PIOHOPE 30 out of the sight and reach of children. Store the medicine below 30°C, in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.

Here are some frequently asked questions about PIOHOPE 30 (Pioglitazone) by MANKIND PHARMA LTD:

What is PIOHOPE 30 used for?

PIOHOPE 30, containing Pioglitazone, is an oral medication used to manage high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is typically prescribed alongside a proper diet and exercise program. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas.

How does PIOHOPE 30 work?

Pioglitazone, the active ingredient in PIOHOPE 30, works by helping your body use insulin more effectively. It increases the sensitivity of muscle and fat tissues to insulin and helps reduce the production of glucose by the liver. This action improves glucose uptake and utilization, ultimately leading to lower blood sugar levels.

What is the usual dosage for PIOHOPE 30?

The usual starting dose of PIOHOPE 30 is 15 mg or 30 mg, taken once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed, but it is typically not more than 45 mg once a day. The tablets can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of PIOHOPE 30?

Common side effects can include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, muscle pain, and fluid retention (edema) which can lead to weight gain. More serious side effects, which should be reported to your doctor immediately, include:

• Heart failure: symptoms like unusual shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.
• Liver injury: symptoms like right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Bladder cancer: signs such as blood in the urine, pain during urination, or an increased urge to urinate.
• Bone fractures: an increased risk has been reported, especially in women.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): particularly when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Macular edema: an eye condition that can cause changes in vision.

Is PIOHOPE 30 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There is limited data on the use of Pioglitazone during pregnancy, and it is considered a Category C drug, meaning risk cannot be ruled out. It is generally recommended to consult your healthcare provider before using this medication during pregnancy, and your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy.

During breastfeeding, it is not known whether Pioglitazone passes into breast milk and if it can harm the baby. Pioglitazone is not usually prescribed during breastfeeding, and an alternate drug may be preferred, especially for newborns or premature infants. You should not breastfeed while taking PIOHOPE 30 without discussing it with your doctor.

Can PIOHOPE 30 be taken with other medications?

PIOHOPE 30 can be taken with other antidiabetic medications like insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas. However, combining it with insulin or sulfonylureas can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and fluid retention, potentially leading to heart failure. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosages of other medications. Pioglitazone is metabolized by certain enzymes (CYP2C8 and CYP3A4), so medications that affect these enzymes (inhibitors or inducers) can change Pioglitazone levels in the body. Oral contraceptives may also be less effective when taken with Pioglitazone, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on PIOHOPE 30?

Before starting PIOHOPE 30, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart failure, liver disease, bladder cancer, or any unusual allergic reactions. Your doctor will monitor your liver function and may perform regular eye examinations. Women should be aware of an increased risk of bone fractures and discuss this with their doctor. PIOHOPE 30 can cause fluid retention, which may worsen or lead to heart failure, so you should be monitored for signs and symptoms like rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or swelling. Additionally, in premenopausal women who are not ovulating, PIOHOPE 30 might cause ovulation, increasing the chance of pregnancy, so discuss contraception with your doctor.

What happens if a dose of PIOHOPE 30 is missed?

If you miss a dose of PIOHOPE 30, 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 a forgotten dose. Consistency in taking your medication daily is important for effective blood sugar control.

How should PIOHOPE 30 be stored?

PIOHOPE 30 tablets should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Keep the medicine in its original closed container, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It should be kept out of the reach of children.