What is Vexazone (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) used for?

Vexazone (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) is classified as a glitazone and is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes), usually along with exercise and diet. Each bottle contains 90 tablets and comes in three different strengths - 15mg, 30mg and 45mg. Vexazone works by decreasing insulin resistance and controlling blood sugar levels.

How should I use Vexazone (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)?

Vexazone is usually taken at a dosage between 15mg, 30mg or 45mg daily. Your doctor will conduct blood tests to work out an ideal dosage for your level of diabetes. Dosage my change over the course of the treatment depending on how your body responds to Vexazone. Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water and try to take your tablet around the same time each day. Diet and exercise can also help with diabetes and should be incorporated into your treatment plan.

What are the side effects of Vexazone (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)?

More common side effects associated with Vexazone (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) include:

• 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
• 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.

If you suffer from any of these side effects, or begin to feel unwell in any other way when taking Vexazone, contact your doctor.

The following list of more severe side effects may require you to stop taking Pioglitazone. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice:

• 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

Please Note

Do not take Vexazone if you are allergic to Pioglitazone Hydrochloride or any of the tablet excipients (lactose, hypromellose, colloidal anhydrous silica, croscarmellose sodium, polysorbate 80, magnesium stearate).

Make sure your doctor is aware of any other medical conditions you have and any allergies you have.

When taking Vexazone, it is important to tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist before taking any new medicines or undergoing any medical procedures.

Vexazone is contraindicated with some medicines. Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• Chlorpropamide
• glibenclamide
• gliclazide
• insulin
• metformin
• oral contraceptives
• gemfibrozil
• rifampicin
• tolbutamide

The above medicines can have a negative impact on how Vexazone works, or can have their mechanisms of action reduced by Vexazone.

Takeing Vexazone and the resulting decrease in blood glucose levels can lead to drowsiness. Do not drive automobiles or operate machinery until you are aware of how this will affect you.