*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.

Taking Pioglitazone With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with pioglitazone and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines affect the way pioglitazone works. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of pioglitazone. They may also recommend checking your blood sugar levels more often.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before starting to take pioglitazone:

gemfibrozil, a medicine used to reduce cholesterol
rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (TB)

Taking pioglitazone with painkillers

It's safe to take paracetamol with pioglitazone.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen with pioglitazone. This is particularly important if you have heart problems or if you're at risk of getting heart problems.

Mixing pioglitazone with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say that herbal remedies or supplements are safe to take with pioglitazone. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

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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