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Introduction About PIOGLIT MF
PIOGLIT MF is a combination of Metformin and Pioglitazone which belongs to the group of medicines called Antidiabetic agents. It is used to manage type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus when metformin alone is not sufficient. PIOGLIT MF helps to control the level of sugar in your blood when you have type 2 diabetes by helping your body make better use of the insulin it produces.
Along with this management, follow the diet and lifestyle changes advised by your doctor to achieve better results. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking PIOGLIT MF as it may aggravate your existing condition.
PIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis (increased ketone bodies in the blood) or bladder cancer, type I diabetes mellitus, pregnancy and breast-feeding women. Before taking PIOGLIT MF inform your doctor if you have fluid retention, macular oedema and cysts on your ovaries (polycystic ovary syndrome).
The most common side effects of taking PIOGLIT MF are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, localised swelling (oedema), weight gain and headache. Contact your doctor if any of the above side effects worsen or persists for a longer duration.
Uses Of PIOGLIT MF
- It is used to improve blood glucose levels along with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
How PIOGLIT MF Works
PIOGLIT MF is a combination of Metformin and Pioglitazone. Metformin is an anti-hyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Pioglitazone decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output. It improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity at key sites of insulin resistance namely adipose tissues, skeletal muscles and liver.
How to use PIOGLIT MF
Always take PIOGLIT MF advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.
Side Effects Of PIOGLIT MF
Common
- abdominal pain
- feeling sick (nausea)
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- localised swelling (oedema)
- weight gain
- headache
- respiratory infection
- abnormal vision
- joint pain
- impotence
- blood in urine
- reduction in blood count (anaemia)
- numbness
- taste disturbance
- bone fracture
Uncommon
- blood in your urine, pain when urinating or a sudden need to urinate
- inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
- gas
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Stop taking PIOGLIT MF and contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- feeling cold and uncomfortable, severe nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or rapid breathing (lactic acidosis)
How To Manage Side Effects
Diarrhea
Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juices. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not self-manage diarrhea on your own. Consult your doctor if your diarrhea becomes uncontrollable.
Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.
Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Nausea And Vomiting
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your vomiting worsens.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ContraindicatedPIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedPIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionPIOGLIT MF will not affect your ability to drive or use machines but take care if you experience abnormal vision.
Alcohol
ContraindicatedConsumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking PIOGLIT MF.
Kidney
ContraindicatedPIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use if you have problem with your kidneys. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Liver
Consult your doctorPIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease. PIOGLIT MF should be used with caution in patients with other liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take PIOGLIT MF if you are allergic to Metformin or Pioglitazone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Heart Disease
Consult your doctorPIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use in patients with heart failure or have or had heart failure in the past or if you recently had a heart attack, severe circulatory problems including shock, or breathing difficulties. It should be used with caution if you had stroke or any other heart problems. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedPIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionPIOGLIT MF should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 75 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
PIOGLIT MF is not recommended for use if you:
- have diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes with rapid weight loss, nausea or vomiting)
- have or have ever had bladder cancer
- have blood in your urine that your doctor has not checked
- have a severe infection or are dehydrated
- are going to have a certain type of X-ray with an injectable dye
Before taking PIOGLIT MF, inform your doctor if you:
- have fluid retention
- have a special type of diabetic eye disease called macular oedema (swelling of the back
- of the eye)
- are going to have an operation under general anaesthetic
- have cysts on your ovaries (polycystic ovary syndrome)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking PIOGLIT MF, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, such as:
- gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol)
- rifampicin (used to manage tuberculosis and other infections)
- cimetidine (used to reduce stomach acid)
- glucocorticoids (used for inflammation)
- beta-2-agonists (used to manage asthma)
- diuretics (used to get rid of excess water)
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (used to manage high blood pressure)
B. Drug-Food Interaction:
You may take PIOGLIT MF with or just after food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach. Consult your doctor for advice.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more PIOGLIT MF, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Blood sugar could fall below the normal level and can be increased by taking sugar. It is recommended that you carry some sugar lumps, sweets, biscuits or sugary fruit juice.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Metformin, Pioglitazone |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Biguanide, Thiazolidinedione |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Type II Diabetes mellitus |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep PIOGLIT MF out of the sight and reach of children
- Store PIOGLIT MF below 30°C
FAQs About PIOGLIT MF
Q: Does PIOGLIT MF cause bone fractures?
A: Yes. PIOGLIT MF may cause bone fractures in some individuals. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor before taking PIOGLIT MF if you have any bone problems or at risk of developing any bone fractures (such as menopause).
Q: Does PIOGLIT MF cause weight gain?
A: Yes. PIOGLIT MF may cause weight gain in some individuals. To avoid this, follow a healthy diet and regular physical activity as advised by your physician. However, if you experience any weight gain due to swelling of body parts (such as in face, legs or hands), consult your doctor immediately.
Q: How much PIOGLIT MF should I take?
A: PIOGLIT MF should be used only under medical supervision. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body condition and severity of the disease condition.
Q: Can PIOGLIT MF cause dizziness?
A: Yes. Dizziness is a common side effect of using PIOGLIT MF. In case you experience dizziness, lie down until it passes, then get up slowly and carefully. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Do not drive or use heavy machines. Consult your doctor if you experience dizziness continuously for a long time after taking PIOGLIT MF.
Q: Can PIOGLIT MF cause constipation?
A: Yes. Constipation is a common side effect of taking PIOGLIT MF. Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals as well as drink plenty of water and exercise more regularly when taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if you experience constipation for a long time.
References
1. K.D. Tripathi. Insulin, oral hypoglycaemic drugs and glucagon. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 277.
2. Rui Sun, Lu Yuan, Yun Shen, Ziyang Shen, Bo Ding, and Jianhua Ma. Impact of Fixed Combination of Metformin and Pioglitazone on Insulin Resistance of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Randomized Open-Label Study. Diabetic metabolic syndrome and obesity. September 20th, 2023. [Accessed on January 30th, 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10518260/#:~:text=Conclusion,in%20insulin%20resistance%20to%20dapagliflozin.
3. Takeda Ireland Limited. [Accessed on January 30th, 2023] https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/2011/20111222109231/anx_109231_en.pd
4. Getz pharma. [Accessed on January 30th, 2023] https://getzpharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Zolid-Plus-Tab-Leaflet-Pakistan.pdf
5. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in September 2016] [Accessed on January 30th, 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/021842s20-21lbl.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- HbA1C, Also known as Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin
- Blood Glucose Fasting (FBS)
- Post Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS)
- Insulin-Fasting
- Netmeds Diabetic Checkup
- Advance Diabetes Monitoring (Senior Female)
- Jaanch Diabetic Profile Basic

