When your doctor tells you that you have Type 2 Diabetes, you may have been prescribed this medication. It has two names, Pioglitazone and Metformin. You usually get it as a single pill made by combining these two medications. It is normal to feel a little nervous and have a lot of questions when starting a new medication. But don't worry, today we will talk about this medication, how it works in the body, the things we need to be careful about, and everything else.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, the main function of this medicine is to control the level of sugar in your blood, that is, glucose. It is given to people with Type 2 Diabetes. It works in two ways. One is to help the hormone insulin in your body work better. The other is to reduce the amount of unnecessary sugar produced by your liver.
But remember, this medicine alone is not enough. To maintain good control, you must definitely follow a proper diet and exercise along with this medicine. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she should have a complete understanding of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
| Medical condition/habit | Why should we inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or heart failure | This medication can increase fluid retention in the body and worsen heart conditions. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the drug may need to be adjusted. |
| Frequent drinking | Combining alcohol and this medication increases the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | Because this medicine can affect the baby, it is essential to seek medical advice about using the medicine in these cases. |
| Bladder cancer or eye disease | The doctor should be aware that this medication can sometimes affect these conditions. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This is important to know if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients. |
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis | Since this is a serious complication of diabetes, this medicine is not suitable. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water .
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. When you make this a habit, you're less likely to forget.
- It is best to take the medicine with a meal .
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Important: If you suspect you have overdosed, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What else should I be careful about when taking this medicine?
It is very important to pay attention to your health throughout the entire period of using the medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor tells you. A blood test called HbA1c is done about once every 2-3 months to see how well your blood sugar is being controlled. This can measure the success of your diabetes control.
- Learn to test your blood sugar: It's important to learn how to test your blood sugar at home. Also, be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and what to do when they occur.
- If your blood sugar drops: If you suddenly feel low on sugar, dizzy, or sweating, keep something like a sugar cube, toffee, or glucose tablets nearby. But remember, if someone is unconscious, do not put anything in their mouth, as it can cause choking. You should immediately take them to a hospital.
- Don't skip meals: It is very important for someone with diabetes to eat at the right time.
- Surgeries and scans: If you are going to have any surgery, or if you are going to have a special liquid called contrast injected for something like an X-ray or CT scan, you should tell the medical team in advance that you are taking this medicine.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Long-term use of this medication may cause low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid in some people. So talk to your doctor about eating a balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements if necessary.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart failure signs | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Lactic Acidosis | Muscle pain or stiffness, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, and discomfort. This is a very serious condition. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms | Pain in the arms and legs, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, mental confusion. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, loss of vision. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Diarrhea | This is normal when you first start taking the medication. |
| Headache | |
| Nausea | |
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed time, and with food.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and any other medical conditions you may have.
- Learn about the symptoms of low and high blood sugar levels and be prepared for them.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, body swelling, or severe muscle pain.
- Remember that a proper diet and exercise are essential for controlling diabetes, as well as medication.
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