| Who? |
| Thiazolidinediones are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose and high Hb A1c levels.
|
| What? |
| Oral tablet – There are two types of thiazolidinediones that are currently available:
|
| Where? |
| These pills work primarily by enhancing the body’s ability to respond to insulin. |
| When? |
The treatment plan will differ for each patient, but in general:
- Pioglitazone is taken once a day; the typical dose is 15, 30 or 45 mg daily
- Rosiglitazone is generally taken once or twice daily starting with 2-4 mg once or twice daily to a maximum daily dose of 8 mg.
|
| Why? |
- These medications typically lower A1c levels by 1 – 1.5%.
- When taken alone, these medications do not usually lead to low blood glucose levels.
- Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone may cause or worsen heart failure and are not recommended in persons with history of severe heart failure.
- Patients may experience fluid retention and weight gain while taking thiazolidinedione drugs.
- Studies suggest that pioglitazone may be linked to the development of bladder cancer but evidence is not conclusive
- Women who take these drugs may be more prone to bone fractures.
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