Pioglitazone + Metformin Hydrochloride interactions

Food & lifestyle

• alcohol

  Major

  Others

  Alcohol can potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism and increase the risk of lactic acidosis. In addition, alcohol may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Although hypoglycemia rarely occurs during treatment with metformin alone, the risk may increase with acute consumption of alcohol. Even modest amounts can lower blood sugar significantly, especially when the alcohol is ingested on an empty stomach or following exercise. The mechanism involves inhibition of both gluconeogenesis as well as the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia.

  What to do: Metformin should be taken with meals, and excessive alcohol intake should be avoided during treatment. Diabetes patients in general should avoid consuming alcohol if their blood glucose is not well controlled, or if they have hypertriglyceridemia, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. Alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Patients should contact their physician immediately if they experience potential signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and nonspecific abdominal distress (especially after stabilization of metformin therapy, when gastrointestinal symptoms are uncommon). With more marked acidosis, there may also be associated hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Metformin should be withdrawn promptly if lactic acidosis is suspected. Serum electrolytes, ketones, blood glucose, blood pH, lactate levels, and blood metformin levels may be useful in establishing a diagnosis. Lactic acidosis should be suspected in any diabetic patient with metabolic acidosis lacking evidence of ketoacidosis (ketonuria and ketonemia).

  2 sources

  1. "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2001):
  2. "Position Statement: evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes related complications. American Diabetes Association." Diabetes Care 25(Suppl 1) (2002): S50-S60

• alcohol

  Moderate

  Others

  Alcohol may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Hypoglycemia most frequently occurs during acute consumption of alcohol. Even modest amounts can lower blood sugar significantly, especially when the alcohol is ingested on an empty stomach or following exercise. The mechanism involves inhibition of both gluconeogenesis as well as the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia. Episodes of hypoglycemia may last for 8 to 12 hours after ethanol ingestion. By contrast, chronic alcohol abuse can cause impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels in patients with well controlled diabetes. A disulfiram-like reaction (e.g., flushing, headache, and nausea) to alcohol has been reported frequently with the use of chlorpropamide and very rarely with other sulfonylureas.

  What to do: Patients with diabetes should avoid consuming alcohol if their blood glucose is not well controlled, or if they have hypertriglyceridemia, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. Patients with well controlled diabetes should limit their alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with their normal meal plan. Alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach or following exercise.

  10 sources

  1. Jerntorp P, Almer LO "Chlorpropamide-alcohol flushing in relation to macroangiopathy and peripheral neuropathy in non-insulin dependent diabetes." Acta Med Scand 656 (1981): 33-6
  2. Jerntorp P, Almer LO, Holin H, et al. "Plasma chlorpropamide: a critical factor in chlorpropamide-alcohol flush." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 24 (1983): 237-42
  3. Barnett AH, Spiliopoulos AJ, Pyke DA, et al. "Metabolic studies in chlorpropamide-alcohol flush positive and negative type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetic patients with and without retinopathy." Diabetologia 24 (1983): 213-5
  4. Hartling SG, Faber OK, Wegmann ML, Wahlin-Boll E, Melander A "Interaction of ethanol and glipizide in humans." Diabetes Care 10 (1987): 683-6
  5. "Product Information. Diabinese (chlorpropamide)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  6. "Product Information. Glucotrol (glipizide)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  7. "Product Information. Diabeta (glyburide)." Hoechst Marion-Roussel Inc, Kansas City, MO.
  8. Skillman TG, Feldman JM "The pharmacology of sulfonylureas." Am J Med 70 (1981): 361-72

  Show all 10 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. "Position Statement: evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes related complications. American Diabetes Association." Diabetes Care 25(Suppl 1) (2002): S50-S60
  10. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

Conditions

Conditions in which Pioglitazone + Metformin Hydrochloride needs care, as documented in this source.

• Acidosis, Lactic

  Major

  The use of metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal dysfunction (serum creatinine >= 1.5 mg/dL in males and 1.4 mg/dL in females, or above the upper limit of normal for age); congestive heart failure requiring pharmacologic treatment (especially unstable or acute CHF where there is risk of hypoperfusion and hypoxemia); and any condition associated with hypoxemia (e.g., severe anemia, myocardial infarction, asphyxia, shock), dehydration (e.g., severe diarrhea or vomiting), or sepsis. Patients with these conditions may be at increased risk for the development of lactic acidosis, which is a rare but serious metabolic complication associated with metformin accumulation in plasma usually at levels exceeding 5 mcg/mL. Metformin should also not be administered to patients with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis. In addition, metformin should generally be avoided in alcoholics and patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic disease, since alcohol potentiates the effects of metformin on lactate metabolism and impaired hepatic function may significantly limit the ability to clear lactate. All patients treated with metformin should have renal function monitored regularly (at least annually or more frequently if necessary) and be advised of the significance of nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and gastrointestinal disturbances that arise after stabilization of metformin dosage. More marked acidosis may be associated with hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur, and metformin therapy withheld until the situation can be clarified. If lactic acidosis is diagnosed, prompt supportive measures and hemodialysis are recommended.

  21 sources

  1. Chalopin JM, Tanter Y, Besancenot JF, Cabanne JF, Rifle G "Treatment of metformin-associated lactic acidosis with closed recirculation bicarbonate-buffered hemodialysis." Arch Intern Med 144 (1984): 203-5
  2. Biron P "Metformin monitoring." Can Med Assoc J 123 (1980): 11-2
  3. Ryder RE "Lactic acidotic coma with multiple medication including metformin in a patient with normal renal function." Br J Clin Pract 38 (1984): 229-30,232
  4. Luft D, Schmulling RM, Eggstein M "Lactic acidosis in biguanide-treated diabetics: a review of 330 cases." Diabetologia 14 (1978): 75-87
  5. Assan R, Heuclin C, Ganeval D, Bismuth C, George J, Girard JR "Metformin-induced lactic acidosis in the presence of acute renal failure." Diabetologia 13 (1977): 211-7
  6. Wiholm BE, Myrhed M "Metformin-associated lactic acidosis in Sweden 1977-1991." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 44 (1993): 589-91
  7. Lalau JD, Andrejak M, Moriniere P, Coevoet B, Debussche X, Westeel PF, Fournier A, Quichaud J "Hemodialysis in the treatment of lactic acidosis in diabetics treated by metformin: a study of metformin elimination." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 27 (1989): 285-8
  8. Lalau JD, Westeel PF, Debussche X, Dkissi H, Tolani M, Coevoet B, Temperville B, Fournier A, Quichaud J "Bicarbonate haemodialysis: an adequate treatment for lactic acidosis in diabetics treated by metformin." Intensive Care Med 13 (1987): 383-7

  Show all 21 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2001):
  10. DeFronzo RA, Goodman AM, and the Multicenter Metformin Study Group "Efficacy of metformin in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus." N Engl J Med 333 (1995): 541-9
  11. Stumvoll M, Nurjhan N, Perriello G, Dailey G, Gerich JE "Metabolic effects of metformin in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus." N Engl J Med 333 (1995): 550-4
  12. Sambol NC, Chiang J, Lin ET, Goodman AM, Liu CY, Benet LZ, Cogan MG "Kidney function and age are both predictors of pharmacokinetics of metformin." J Clin Pharmacol 35 (1995): 1094-102
  13. Gueriguian J, Green L, Misbin RI, Stadel B, Fleming GA "Efficacy of metformin in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus." N Engl J Med 334 (1996): 269
  14. De Fronzo RA, Goodman AM "Efficacy of metformin in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus." N Engl J Med 334 (1996): 269-70
  15. Deutsch JC, Santhoshkumar CR, Kolhouse JF "Efficacy of metformin in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus." N Engl J Med 334 (1996): 269
  16. Bailey CJ, Path MR, Turner RC "Metformin." N Engl J Med 334 (1996): 574-9
  17. Pearlman BL, Fenves AZ, Emmett M "Metformin-associated lactic acidosis." Am J Med 101 (1996): 109-10
  18. Lustik SJ, Vogt A, Chhibber AK "Postoperative lactic acidosis in patients receiving metformin." Anesthesiology 89 (1998): 266-7
  19. Lalau JD, Mourlhon C, Bergeret A, Lacroix C "Consequences of metformin intoxication." Diabetes Care 21 (1998): 2036-7
  20. Misbin RI, Green L, Stadel BV, Gueriguian JL, Gubbi A, Fleming GA "Lactic acidosis in patients with diabetes treated with metformin." N Engl J Med 338 (1998): 265-6
  21. Stang M, Wysowski DK, ButlerJones D "Incidence of lactic acidosis in metformin users." Diabetes Care 22 (1999): 925-7

• Cardiovascular Diseases

  Major

  The use of oral hypoglycemic agents may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to treatment with diet alone or diet with insulin. This warning is based on the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP) study, a long-term prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients treated with diet plus a fixed dosage of either tolbutamide (a sulfonylurea) or phenformin (a biguanide) for 5 to 8 years had a cardiovascular mortality rate approximately 2.5 times that of patients treated with diet alone, resulting in discontinuation of both these treatments in the study. Despite controversy regarding interpretation of these results, clinicians and patients should be aware of the potential risk when making treatment decisions for diabetes, particularly in the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease. Data are not available for other sulfonylureas or biguanides, nor for hypoglycemic agents belonging to other classes. However, given the similarities in chemical structure and/or mode of action, the same caution should be applied.

  9 sources

  1. "Product Information. Diabinese (chlorpropamide)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Glucotrol (glipizide)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Diabeta (glyburide)." Hoechst Marion-Roussel Inc, Kansas City, MO.
  4. "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Amaryl (glimepiride)." Hoechst Marion Roussel (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Prandin (repaglinide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Tolinase (tolazamide)." Pharmacia and Upjohn (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Orinase (tolbutamide)." Pharmacia and Upjohn (2001):

  Show all 9 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. "Product Information. Dymelor (acetohexamide)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2001):

• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

  Major

  Thiazolidinediones exert their hypoglycemic effect only in the presence of insulin. Therefore, these agents should not be used in patients with type I diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

  2 sources

  1. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):

• Heart Failure

  Major

  The use of thiazolidinediones, alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, has been associated with fluid retention and new onset or exacerbation of heart failure. An increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart failure worsening; new or worsening edema; new or worsening dyspnea; increases in heart failure medication; myocardial infarction; angina; cardiovascular hospitalization and deaths) has been reported with rosiglitazone therapy in type II diabetic patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I or II congestive heart failure compared to placebo. Likewise, overnight hospitalization for CHF was observed in 9.9% of diabetic patients with NYHA Class II and III heart failure on pioglitazone compared to 4.7% of patients on glyburide. An increased incidence of cardiovascular adverse events including edema and cardiac failure has also been reported in patients receiving a thiazolidinedione in combination with insulin relative to insulin and placebo. Therapy with thiazolidinediones should be administered cautiously and initiated at the lowest recommended dosage in patients with congestive heart failure. Thiazolidinediones are contraindicated for the treatment of patients with NYHA Class III or IV cardiac status. Patients should be monitored for signs of worsening heart failure such as increased dyspnea, edema, and weight gain. Therapy should be discontinued if any deterioration in cardiac status occurs.

  2 sources

  1. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):

• Anovulation

  Moderate

  In premenopausal, anovulatory patients with insulin resistance, treatment with thiazolidinediones may result in resumption of ovulation. Due to improved insulin sensitivity, pregnancy can occur if adequate contraception is not used.

  3 sources

  1. "Product Information. Rezulin (troglitazone)." Parke-Davis (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):

• Edema

  Moderate

  Thiazolidinediones can cause dose-related edema. Therapy with thiazolidinediones should be administered cautiously in patients at risk for congestive heart failure as well as those with fluid overload or other conditions that may be adversely affected by excess fluid such as hypertension. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of heart failure such as dyspnea, swelling of legs or ankles, and weight gain.

  4 sources

  1. "Product Information. Rezulin (troglitazone)." Parke-Davis (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):
  4. Thomas ML, Lloyd SJ "Pulmonary edema associated with rosiglitazone and troglitazone." Ann Pharmacother 35 (2001): 123-4

• Hypoglycemia

  Moderate

  Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those receiving beta-adrenergic blocking agents.

  18 sources

  1. "Product Information. Diabinese (chlorpropamide)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Glucotrol (glipizide)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Diabeta (glyburide)." Hoechst Marion-Roussel Inc, Kansas City, MO.
  4. "Product Information. Micronase (glyburide)." Pharmacia and Upjohn (2002):
  5. "Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel"
  6. "Product Information. Humulin BR (insulin)." Lilly, Eli and Company, Indianapolis, IN.
  7. "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Amaryl (glimepiride)." Hoechst Marion Roussel (2001):

  Show all 18 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. "Product Information. Prandin (repaglinide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc (2001):
  10. Braunwald E, Hauser SL, Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Isselbacher KJ, Longo DL, Martin JB, eds., Wilson JD "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Health Professionals Division (1998):
  11. "Product Information. Tolinase (tolazamide)." Pharmacia and Upjohn (2001):
  12. "Product Information. Dymelor (acetohexamide)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2001):
  13. "Product Information. Lantus (insulin glargine)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  14. "Product Information. NovoLOG (insulin aspart)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc (2022):
  15. "Product Information. Starlix (nateglinide)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  16. "Product Information. Apidra (insulin glulisine)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals (2004):
  17. "Product Information. Levemir (insulin detemir)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc (2005):
  18. "Product Information. Tresiba FlexTouch (insulin degludec)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):

• Liver Diseases

  Moderate

  Initiation of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone therapy is not recommended in patients who exhibit clinical evidence of active liver disease or increased baseline serum transaminase levels (ALT exceeding 2.5 times upper limit of normal). Use of these agents is also not recommended in patients who have experienced jaundice during treatment with troglitazone. The use of troglitazone, another agent in the thiazolidinedione class, has been associated with clinically significant elevations in liver enzymes, reversible jaundice, and idiosyncratic hepatocellular injury including rare cases of liver failure, liver transplants, and death. Injury has occurred after both short- and long-term treatment. While these effects have not been associated with other thiazolidinediones in clinical trials, concerns exist because of their structural similarities. In addition, isolated cases of hepatitis and hepatic enzyme elevations to 3 or more times the upper limit of normal have been reported with both rosiglitazone and pioglitazone during postmarketing use. Rarely, these events have involved hepatic failure with and without fatal outcome, although causality has not been established. Until more safety data are available, patients who are prescribed thiazolidinedione therapy should have serum transaminase levels checked at baseline and periodically thereafter as clinically necessary. Mild to moderate elevations (ALT less than or equal to 2.5 times ULN) require cautious use with more frequent monitoring to determine if the elevations resolve or worsen. Patients who develop potential symptoms of hepatic injury such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, and dark urine should have liver enzymes checked. Therapy should be withdrawn if ALT is elevated and persists above 3 times ULN or if jaundice develops.

  11 sources

  1. Watkins PB, Whitcomb RW "Hepatic dysfunction associated with troglitazone." N Engl J Med 338 (1998): 916-7
  2. Gitlin N, Julie NL, Spurr CL, Lim KN, Juarbe HM "Two cases of severe clinical and histologic hepatotoxicity associated with troglitazone." Ann Intern Med 129 (1998): 36-8
  3. Neuschwander-Tetre BA, Isley WL, Oki JC, et al. "Troglitazone-induced hepatic failure leading to liver transplantation: a case report." Ann Intern Med 129 (1998): 38-41
  4. NeuschwanderTetri BA, Isley WL, Oki JC, Ramrakhiani S, Quiason SG, Phillips NJ, Brunt EM "Troglitazone-induced hepatic failure leading to liver transplantation - A case report." Ann Intern Med 129 (1998): 38-41
  5. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):
  7. Forman LM, Simmons DA, Diamond RH "Hepatic failure in a patient taking rosiglitazone." Ann Intern Med 132 (2000): 118-21
  8. Prendergast KA, Berg CL, Wisniewski R "Troglitazone-associated hepatotoxicity treated successfully with steroids." Ann Intern Med 133 (2000): 751

  Show all 11 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. Hachey DM, O'Neil MP, Force RW "Isolated elevation of alkaline level associated with rosiglitazone." Ann Intern Med 133 (2000): 752
  10. St. Peter JV, Neafus KL, Khan MA, Vessey JT, Lockheart SK "Factors associated with the risk of liver enzyme elevation in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a thiazolidinedione." Pharmacotherapy 21 (2001): 183-88
  11. Maeda K "Hepatocellular injury in a patient receiving pioglitazone." Ann Intern Med 135 (2001): 306

• Macular Edema

  Moderate

  New onset or worsening diabetic macular edema with decreased visual acuity have been reported in postmarketing reports in some diabetic patients who were taking thiazolidinedione drugs. Some patients presented with blurred vision or decreased visual acuity, but some patients appear to have been diagnosed on routine ophthalmologic examination. Most patients had peripheral edema at the time macular edema was diagnosed. Some patients had improvement in their macular edema after discontinuation of their thiazolidinedione. Patients with diabetes should have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist according to current standards of care. Additionally, any diabetic who reports any kind of visual symptom should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist, regardless of the patient's underlying medications or other physical findings.

  3 sources

  1. "Product Information. Rezulin (troglitazone)." Parke-Davis (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):

• Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

  Moderate

  There are insufficient data to determine if pioglitazone has an effect on preexisting bladder tumors or if it can cause bladder cancer. However, the manufacturer does not recommend the use of pioglitazone in patients with active bladder cancer. In patients with history of bladder cancer the benefit of treatment versus the risk of cancer recurrence during treatment should be considered.

  1 source

  1. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):

• Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

  Moderate

  Metformin may interfere with vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) absorption from the B12-intrinsic factor complex. A decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum B12 levels has been reported in approximately 7% of patients treated with metformin during controlled clinical trials. Although the decrease is generally well-tolerated and rarely associated with clinical manifestations such as megaloblastic anemia, caution may be warranted when metformin therapy is administered in patients with preexisting B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 supplementation as well as annual measurements of hematologic parameters may be appropriate.

  6 sources

  1. Tomkin GH "Metformin and B 12 malabsorption." Ann Intern Med 76 (1972): 668
  2. Callaghan TS, Hadden DR, Tomkin GH "Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 malabsorption associated with long-term metformin treatment." Br Med J 280 (1980): 1214-5
  3. Stowers JM, Smith OA "Vitamin B 12 and metformin." Br Med J 3 (1971): 246-7
  4. Tomkin GH, Hadden DR, Weaver JA, Montgomery DA "Vitamin-B12 status of patients on long-term metformin therapy." Br Med J 2 (1971): 685-7
  5. "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2001):
  6. Deutsch JC, Santhosh-Kumar CR, Kolhouse JF "Efficacy of metformin in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus." N Engl J Med 334 (1996): 269

• Weight Gain

  Moderate

  Thiazolidinediones can cause dose-related weight gain, which may be undesirable in obese patients attempting to lose weight. The mechanism of weight gain is unclear but probably involves a combination of fluid retention and fat accumulation. In postmarketing experience with rosiglitazone, there have been reports of unusually rapid increases in weight, greater than those generally observed in clinical trials. Patients who experience such increases should be assessed for fluid retention and volume-related events such as excessive edema and congestive heart failure.

  2 sources

  1. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):

• Anemia

  Minor

  Thiazolidinediones can cause slight decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit. In clinical studies, hemoglobin levels were reduced primarily within the first 4 to 12 weeks of therapy but remained relatively constant thereafter. These changes may be related to increased plasma volume and have rarely been associated with any significant hematologic clinical effects. Nevertheless, caution may be advisable when thiazolidinediones are prescribed to patients with certain anemias.

  2 sources

  1. "Product Information. Avandia (rosiglitazone)." SmithKline Beecham (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Actos (pioglitazone)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2001):