Pioglitazone
Also known as: Actos
What it's for
Pioglitazone helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It makes your body's cells more sensitive to insulin. It is often used when metformin alone is not enough.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 15mg to 45mg once daily.
- Take at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- It may take a few weeks to see the full effect.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Weight gain
- Swelling in ankles or feet (oedema)
- Bone fractures (more common in women)
- Headache
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can cause or worsen heart failure - report any breathlessness or ankle swelling
- May increase risk of bladder cancer - report any blood in urine
- Not suitable if you have heart failure
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have breathlessness, especially when lying down
- You have rapid weight gain or severe ankle swelling
- You have blood in your urine
- You have yellowing of your skin or eyes
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.