How and when to take pioglitazone

Doses of pioglitazone can vary. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking this medicine.

Dosage and strength

Pioglitazone comes as 15mg, 30mg and 45mg tablets.

The usual starting dose is 1 tablet (either 15mg or 30mg), taken once a day. The maximum dose is 45mg, taken once a day.

Changes to your dose

Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels regularly. They may change your dose of pioglitazone if they need to.

How to take it

You can take pioglitazone at any time, for example in the morning or in the evening. Try to take it at the same time every day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew it.

You can take pioglitazone with or without food.

How long to take it for

Treatment for diabetes is usually for life.

Do not stop taking pioglitazone without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking pioglitazone suddenly, your blood sugar levels may get worse.

If you want to stop taking your medicine, speak to your doctor. They may be able to suggest an alternative treatment for your diabetes.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your pioglitazone, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

The amount of pioglitazone that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

If you take pioglitazone with other diabetes medicines, taking too many tablets may cause low blood sugar.

If you think you have low blood sugar, have some food or drink that quickly gets sugar into your bloodstream such as sugar cubes or fruit juice. This type of sugar will not last long in your blood, so you may also need to eat a starchy carbohydrate, like a sandwich or some biscuits.