Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic medication that helps lower blood sugar in patients who have high blood sugar. More specifically, it can help treat type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way the body processes glucose. Insulin resistance involves the resistance of the hormone insulin, which increases the levels of blood sugar. A common brand for pioglitazone is Actos. This medication requires a prescription from your doctor.
Here we will examine the warnings and side effects of pioglitazone. Additionally, we will look at how it can connect to fibromyalgia.
Disclaimer: Although this article has undergone research to try and provide accurate and up-to-date information, it should not take the place of your doctor’s professional opinion. Reach out to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Warnings
Controlling the levels of your blood sugar is important. High or low blood sugar levels can have different consequences to your health. For example, high blood sugar can lead to kidney damage, blindness, or nerve problems. Pioglitazone is meant to help lower your blood sugar levels. However, there are some warnings to be aware of before using this medication, including but not limited to:
- Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while using this medication. It can lead to low blood sugar and increase the risk of serious side effects and interactions.
- Allergies: Let your doctor know if you have had any allergic reactions to this or other medications. It is important to also inform your doctor if you have any other allergies. The inactive ingredients in pioglitazone can lead to allergic reactions or other problems.
- Pregnancy: Pioglitazone can change your menstrual cycle and increase the likeliness of getting pregnant. Speak to your doctor about the possibility of getting pregnant while using this medication. Also, it is not recommended to use this medication while pregnant or trying to become pregnant because of its possible risks. However, consult your doctor for direct instructions based on your condition.
- Medical History: Tell your doctor about your medical history, such as if you have experienced heart disease, liver disease, edema, anemia, fluid in the lungs, macular edema, or bladder cancer.
- Staying Alert: It is important to be aware that pioglitazone can cause blurred vision, dizziness, or tiredness. Do not drive or use machinery that requires attentiveness until you are sure you will not experience any serious side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects can occur while taking pioglitazone. If you experience any severe side effects that you believe to be life threatening, stop taking the medication and call 911 immediately. Reach out to your doctor if you have other side effects. Keep your doctor informed about your condition, especially if you notice any symptoms worsen or last over a long a period of time. Below is a list of common side effects:
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- confusion
- dry skin
- headache
- tiredness
- increased hunger or thirst
- stomachache
- increased urination
- weight loss
- sore throat
- muscle pain
- tooth or mouth problems
- sudden sweating
- shaking
- fast heartbeat
It is possible to experience other side effects that are not listed above. If side effects occur, make sure to call your doctor and inform them of your condition. Please note that other side effects can occur if you are using other diabetes medications in addition to pioglitazone.
How does pioglitazone relate to fibromyalgia?
Pioglitazone is not known to help treat fibromyalgia. However, there has been research surrounding the connection between fibromyalgia and diabetes. In fact, fibromyalgia is commonly found in patients who have diabetes, and more specifically, patients with type 1 diabetes.
People with both fibromyalgia and diabetes tend to have poorer glucose control. Additionally, people who have both fibromyalgia and diabetes tend to have a higher risk of experiencing more tender points, pain scores, fatigue, and headaches.
It is possible to have higher levels of blood sugar if you have fibromyalgia, which is why it is important to maintain a diet that excludes sugar, white bread, and pasta. Consuming sugar can actually lead to fibromyalgia in some cases or it can worsen pain in fibromyalgia patients. This is why it is important to gain control over your blood sugar levels, especially if you are living with fibromyalgia. Although pioglitazone is a medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes, it can also help ease the problems associated with high blood sugar in fibromyalgia patients. Although it does not help treat fibromyalgia directly, it may help with the nutritional deficiencies or high blood sugar that can be associated with fibromyalgia.
Contact your doctor to find out if pioglitazone is right for you. Ask your doctor about other possible treatment options and whether or not you can take certain medications together with pioglitazone. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact your doctor or healthcare provider in order to receive professional advice.
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