| Brand Name: |
Vexazone |
| Generic Name: |
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride |
| Form: |
Tablets |
| Manufacturer: |
Mylan |
What is Vexazone?
Vexazone 45mg is a diabetes treatment containing 45mg of Pioglitazone Hydrochloride. Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes). It lowers blood sugar by increasing the sensitivity of cells in the body to insulin.
How is Vexazone used?
Vexazone 45mg is the highest dosage of pioglitazone available. Lower dosages (Vexazone 15mg and Vexazone 30mg) are also available.
Your doctor will prescribe you a daily dosage between 15mg and 45mg basedon the results of your bood tests. Take only this dosage, and only change your dosage or stop taking Vexazone if advised by your doctor.
It is advised to take your tablet at the same time of each day. Each tablet can be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
It is important to watch your diet and exercise when trying to control diabetes. Make sure to include these in your treatment plan.
Adverse effects
Some people will experience side effects when taking Vexazone. This is to be expected. Most side effects will be temporary. Tell your doctor if you feel unweel or experience any of the following side effects.
Common side effects:
- hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) - usually when Vexazone is taken with a sulfonylurea or insulin
- shortness of breath when resting or after minimal physical activity
- swelling of the legs, feet and hands
- gradual increased weight
- localised swelling of the ankles, feet and hands (oedema) and/or fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) which may indicate heart failure - usually when taking Vexazone with insulin
- increased risk of fracture in women
- macular oedema
- altered or impaired liver function.
Rarer, more serious side effects:
- dark urine or pale stools
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- severe cramps of the stomach
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of weight
- tiredness
- blood in the urine
- pain and burning sensation when urinating
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these serious side effects. You may need to stop taking Vexazone 45mg.
Warnings
Vexazone will cause a reduction in your blood glucose levels. This can cause you to have lower energy levels than usual and can cause tiredness or drowsiness. If you plan to drive or operate machinery while taking Pioglitazone, make sure you are aware of how this affects you.
The full list of ingredients in Vexazone tablets are:
- pioglitazone hydrochloride
- lactose
- hypromellose
- colloidal anhydrous silica
- croscarmellose sodium
- polysorbate 80
- magnesium stearate
Do not take Vexazone if you are allergic to any of the above ingredients.
When determining if Vexazone is the best treatment option for you, your doctor will need to know:
- if you have any current medical conditions
- your medical history
- if you are taking any medicines (including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, herbal medicines or nutritional supplements)
- if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
Pioglitazone can cause problems with some other medicines, and some medicines will interfere with Pioglitazone. If you are taking any of the following medicines, check with your doctor that you should be taking Vexazone:
- chlorpropamide
- glibenclamide
- gliclazide
- insulin
- metformin
- oral contraceptives
- gemfibrozil
- rifampicin
- tolbutamide
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