BrandName_1009

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

BrandName Summary 

BrandName 15 mg is a medicine used to manage type-2 diabetes. It helps your body use insulin better and lowers the sugar your liver makes. Take it once a day, exactly as your doctor says. Some people may experience side effects like swelling, tiredness, chest discomfort, or irregular heartbeat- so always keep your doctor in the loop. If you have liver or heart issues, let them know before starting. It’s best to avoid alcohol while on this medicine. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Just remember- medicine works best when paired with a healthy lifestyle- eat well, move more, and keep track of your sugar levels regularly. 

BrandName Uses 

BrandName 15 mg is an oral thiazolidinedione category of antidiabetic medicine. It is approved for use in type-2 diabetes. 

BrandName side effects

More Common

1. Chest pain 
2. Decreased urine output 
3. Dilated neck veins 
4. Extreme fatigue 
5. Irregular breathing 
6. Irregular heartbeat 
7. Problems with teeth 
8. Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs 
9. Tightness in the chest 
10. Trouble breathing 
11. Weight gain 

Less Common

1. Liver problems 
2. Increased risk of fractures 

Directions for use

1. Take BrandName 15 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, consistently at the same time each day.  
2. Do not stop taking BrandName without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.  
3. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next dose-then skip the missed one. 

How BrandName works

BrandName works by increasing the insulin utilization by muscle, adipose, and liver tissue and decreases the glucose production by liver. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

1- Liver Disease

BrandName is known to cause liver damage. If you have liver disease, inform your doctor, as they may recommend a liver function test before prescribing this medication.

2- Heart Disease

This medication can cause fluid retention, which may lead to heart failure. If you have a heart condition, inform your doctor accordingly.

BrandName Interaction with Other MedicineS

Avoid taking BrandName 15 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

BrandName Interaction with Food Product

BrandName does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of BrandName. 

Storage

• The medicine should be stored at room temperature 
• Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
• Keep away from the reach of children 

BrandName Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

5-[[4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione. 

Intake routine/cycle 

Daily Dose

Take BrandName exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

BrandName should not be taken in doses exceeding 45 mg per day. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If you know someone who consumes BrandName and has these symptoms, rush them to hospital immediately.

Dietary and Lifestyle Management

Diabetes cannot be cured permanently, but with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, it can be managed easily. Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar level before and after meals. Following are the natural ways to manage blood sugar levels:  

1- Food

Eating healthy is important for managing diabetes. Carbohydrates have a huge impact on our blood sugar level, as they break into sugar (glucose), which is poison for diabetic patients as they already have elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential for a diabetic patient to count the amount of carbohydrates he is taking. 

2- Do Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in managing diabetes. When our body moves and gets active, the muscles use blood sugar for energy, resulting in a low amount of sugar in our bloodstream. Adults are advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. 

3- Medicine

Take your medicine on time, as it is designed to lower blood sugar levels. 

4- Avoid Alcohol

Consumptions of alcohol while on therapy with metformin increase the risk of lactic acidosis, that is, lactic acid increases in the bloodstream. Lactic acid can cause symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and weakness. Alcohol also decreases the level of blood sugar. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while on BrandName.

FAQ’s

1- Is BrandName banned in India? 

No, BrandName is not banned in India. Its use was suspended on June 18, 2013; due to concerns about increased risk of bladder cancer; however, the suspension was later lifted. 

2- What is the maximum dose of BrandName?

BrandName should not be taken in doses exceeding 45 mg per day. 

3- What does BrandName treat? 

BrandName is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

4- Does BrandName cause weight loss? 

No, BrandName is associated with weight gain, primarily in the lower body segment. 

5- Does BrandName cause liver damage? 

Yes, BrandName can cause liver damage. The exact mechanism of liver damage is not known, but it can be reversed by stopping the medication.

Reference

1. Nesti L, Tricò D, Mengozzi A, Natali A. Rethinking pioglitazone as a cardioprotective agent: a new perspective on an overlooked drug. Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2021 May 18;20(1):109. Available from. 
2. Hashmi A. Pioglitazone suspension and its aftermath: A wake up call for the Indian drug regulatory authorities. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013 Oct;4(4):227-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.119705. PMID: 24250197; PMCID: PMC3825996.Available from. 
3. NHS. How and when to take pioglitazone [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Jan 16]. Available from. 
4. Samyah Shadid, Michael D. Jensen; Effects of Pioglitazone Versus Diet and Exercise on Metabolic Health and Fat Distribution in Upper Body Obesity. Diabetes Care 1 November 2003; 26 (11): 3148–3152. Available from. 
5. Singh G, Can AS, Correa R. Pioglitazone. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.  
6. Mayo Clinic. Pioglitazone (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; c2025 [updated 2025 Jan 17; cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from. 
7. Hashmi A. Pioglitazone suspension and its aftermath: A wake up call for the Indian drug regulatory authorities. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013 Oct;4(4):227-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.119705. PMID: 24250197; PMCID: PMC3825996.Available from. 
8. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Pioglitazone. [Updated 2018 Jun 6]. Available from. 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.