What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes, on its own or with other diabetes medicines or insulin

Read our guides:

Type 2 diabetes

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Fatty liver disease (MASH) in people with diabetes, under a specialist

How it works

Pioglitazone makes muscle, fat and liver cells more sensitive to insulin. This means insulin works better at moving sugar out of the blood.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Pioglitazone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

weight gain
swollen ankles
headache
muscle aches
cold-like symptoms

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

breathlessness, rapid weight gain or swelling, which can be signs of heart failure
blood in your pee or pain when you pee, which can rarely be signs of bladder cancer
yellowing of the skin or eyes
broken bones after a minor fall

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Not suitable if you have heart failure, bladder cancer or blood in your pee that has not been checked.
It increases the risk of broken bones, especially in women.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.