This article describes pioglitazone oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on savings and coupon options for pioglitazone. If you want to know more about pioglitazone oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Pioglitazone oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Actos.
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Boxed warning: Risk of congestive heart failure
Pioglitazone has a boxed warning for the risk of congestive heart failure. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of pioglitazone
Pioglitazone oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths: 15 milligrams (mg), 30 mg, and 45 mg
Dosage of pioglitazone
This article describes the recommended dosages for pioglitazone oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of pioglitazone oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of pioglitazone in adults
Pioglitazone oral tablet is prescribed to help improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, together with diet and exercise.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of pioglitazone oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of pioglitazone oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
- Starting dosage: 15 mg or 30 mg once per day
- Maintenance dosage: 15–45 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: 45 mg once per day
Dosage adjustments for pioglitazone
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of pioglitazone oral tablet based on the health of your heart. This is because pioglitazone oral tablet may cause or worsen heart failure in some people.
If you have early stage heart failure, doctors usually prescribe a low dosage of pioglitazone oral tablet. If you have heart failure that’s causing symptoms, your doctor likely won’t prescribe pioglitazone oral tablet to help manage your type 2 diabetes.
Missed dose of pioglitazone
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of pioglitazone oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of pioglitazone oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pioglitazone oral tablet and its dosage.
Can pioglitazone be taken for fatty liver disease? If so, what’s the dosage?
Pioglitazone might be taken for fatty liver disease. But it’s not specifically approved for this purpose. Pioglitazone oral tablet is approved to help improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. But, in some cases, doctors may choose to prescribe it for fatty liver disease anyway. It’s called an off-label use when doctors prescribe a drug for conditions other than its approved uses.
To learn more about taking pioglitazone for fatty liver disease, talk with your doctor.
Do I need to take my dose of pioglitazone before or after food?
No, you don’t have to take pioglitazone oral tablet before or after food. You can take it with or without food. Try to take it when it’s easiest for you to remember. If taking it with a meal will help you remember, it’s OK to take your dose of pioglitazone with food. If another time works better, it’s fine to take it without food.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about taking pioglitazone before or after a meal.
Is pioglitazone taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe pioglitazone oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take pioglitazone oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How pioglitazone is taken
You’ll swallow pioglitazone oral tablet once per day. You can take your dose of pioglitazone with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Pioglitazone coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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