Vexazone

Uses
Vexazone 15mg Tablets are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. This is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. Each tablet contains 15mg of Pioglitazone Hydrochloride. Pioglitazone improves the body's sensitivity to insulin and inhibits the synthesis of new glucose in the liver.

Dosage and Administration
Vexazone 15mg is the lowest dosage available. It it also available in a 30mg and 45mg dosage.

Which dosage you require will depend on the level of diabetes which can be determined by blood tests performed by your doctor.

You will be prescribed a daily dosage to take. Take this at the same time each day, and swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water.

Vexazone should be complimented by a diet and exercise program.

Side effects
Vexazone, like all medicines, can cause some negative side effects. Your doctor is aware of these possible side effects and has prescribed Pioglitazone because the benefits outweigh any potential side effects.

The following side effects can be considered low risk. If they continue for a long time, or become annoying, contact your doctor.

• 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.

Theses side effects are more worrying and you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these.

• 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

Precautions
Vexazone tablets contain Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and the following inactive ingredients:

• lactose
• hypromellose
• colloidal anhydrous silica
• croscarmellose sodium
• polysorbate 80
• magnesium stearate

Do not take Vexazone 15mg if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

Before taking Vexazone 15mg, tell your doctor if:

• you have any pre-existing medical conditions
• you are taking any medicines (including prescription, non-prescription, herbal remedies or nutritional supplements)
• you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

The following medicines have been shown to have unfavourable reactions with pioglitazone

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

The resulting decrease in blood glucose levels from taking Vexazone can make you feel tired and drowsy. Be aware of this when driving or operating machinery.