*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.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Pioglitazone

NHS medicines information on pioglitazone and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pioglitazone and pregnancy

Pioglitazone is not recommended in pregnancy as there is not much information about its safety during pregnancy.

Other medicines used to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin, are safe to take while pregnant.

If you are pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your doctor as they will need to review your treatment. They will be able to suggest a different medicine that is safer for you to take in pregnancy.

Pioglitazone and breastfeeding

Pioglitazone is not usually recommended while breastfeeding. We do not know how much pioglitazone passes into breast milk, but it is possible it could lower your baby's blood sugar level.

If you are breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about what's best for you and your baby. They will need to review your treatment and may be able to suggest a different medicine for you, particularly if you're breastfeeding a newborn or premature baby.

If your doctor says it's OK to keep taking it while breastfeeding, contact your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if your baby:

is not feeding as well as usual or seems hungrier
seems unusually sleepy or irritable
is paler or more sweaty than usual
is peeing more
is causing you any other concerns

Pioglitazone and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking pioglitazone reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.

For more information about how diabetes medicines can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

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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