*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

How And When To Take Pioglitazone

NHS medicines information on dosage for pioglitazone, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

Doses of pioglitazone can vary. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking this medicine.

Dosage and strength

Pioglitazone comes as 15mg, 30mg and 45mg tablets.

The usual starting dose is 1 tablet (either 15mg or 30mg), taken once a day. The maximum dose is 45mg, taken once a day.

Changes to your dose

Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels regularly. They may change your dose of pioglitazone if they need to.

How to take it

You can take pioglitazone at any time, for example in the morning or in the evening. Try to take it at the same time every day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew it.

You can take pioglitazone with or without food.

How long to take it for

Treatment for diabetes is usually for life.

Do not stop taking pioglitazone without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking pioglitazone suddenly, your blood sugar levels may get worse.

If you want to stop taking your medicine, speak to your doctor. They may be able to suggest an alternative treatment for your diabetes.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your pioglitazone, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

The amount of pioglitazone that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

If you take pioglitazone with other diabetes medicines, taking too many tablets may cause low blood sugar.

If you think you have low blood sugar, have some food or drink that quickly gets sugar into your bloodstream such as sugar cubes or fruit juice. This type of sugar will not last long in your blood, so you may also need to eat a starchy carbohydrate, like a sandwich or some biscuits.

Contact 111 for advice now if:

you take more than your prescribed dose of pioglitazone

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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