Pills for diabetes
| Drug Name | Brand Name | Doses Available (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Pioglitizone | Actos® | 15, 30, 45 |
| Rosiglitizone | Avandia® | 2, 4, 8 |
These drugs are members of the thiazolidinediones “TZDs” (insulin sensitizers) class.
How thiazolidinediones “TZDs” work
- Primarily works on muscle, fat and liver
- Improves how the body uses insulin
- Decreases the amount of glucose released by the liver
Guidelines for use
- Taken with or without food
- May be prescribed with other medications for treatment of diabetes
What to do if a dose is forgotten
- You can take your dose later in the day
- Do not take 2 doses the next time
Side effects
Side effects may occur when starting a medication but will often lessen once your body is used to the medication.
- Headache, backache, fatigue
- Swelling or fluid retention
- Generally does not cause low blood sugar (may if taken with insulin)
Who should NOT take this medication
- People with liver disease
- Pregnant women
People taking this medication must have regular liver function tests.

