Pioglitazone

Type 2 diabetes, usually as add-on therapy. Sometimes used when metformin isn’t tolerated or other options are contraindicated.

Pioglitazone activates PPAR-gamma receptors in fat cells, improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This means your own insulin works more effectively, reducing blood sugar without directly stimulating insulin production. It also reduces liver fat.

Adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with significant insulin resistance or fatty liver disease. NOT suitable if you have heart failure, a history of bladder cancer, unexplained blood in urine, or osteoporosis risk.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door. This medication requires blood test monitoring. We may request recent blood results or arrange testing before dispensing.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Pioglitazone from £20.99 per pack.

Gliclazide: hypoglycaemia (especially if missed meals), weight gain, GI disturbances. Sitagliptin: upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nasopharyngitis. Pioglitazone: weight gain, oedema, increased fracture risk.

Gliclazide: severe hepatic/renal impairment, diabetic ketoacidosis. Pioglitazone: heart failure, hepatic impairment, bladder cancer history.

Gliclazide: many drugs increase hypoglycaemia risk (fluconazole, NSAIDs, fibrates). Pioglitazone: CYP2C8 inhibitors increase levels.

Oral antidiabetics are generally not recommended in pregnancy - insulin is preferred for blood glucose control. Metformin is sometimes used in pregnancy under specialist supervision (especially for gestational diabetes and PCOS). Stop other oral agents before conception.

Take once daily. Causes weight gain (typically 2-4kg, mostly fluid) and fluid retention - watch for ankle swelling and breathlessness. Increases fracture risk, particularly in women. Very small increased risk of bladder cancer (report any blood in urine). Takes several weeks to reach full effect. Liver function monitoring recommended.