Vexazone

Vexazone contains the active ingredient Pioglitazone Hydrochloride. It is available in three different dosages - 15mg, 30mg and 45mg. Pioglitazone is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes). Vexazone decreases insulin resistance and helps to control blood sugar levels.

Vexazone Dosage usually ranges from 15mg to 45mg taken once daily. Your doctor will prescribe a suitable starting dosage and may increase or decrease this dosage. Take each tablet with a glass of water. Take each tablet at the same time each day. Pioglitazone Hydrochloride works best when used in conjuction with a diet and exercise program.

Side effects that have been reported when using Vexazone (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) include:

• 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.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the above side effects, or if you feel otherwise unwell when taking Vexazone.

Notify your doctor immediately if you notice the following while taking Pioglitazone:

• 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

Tell your doctor of any medicines you are taking and any allergies you have before beginning treatment with Pioglitazone Hydrochloride.

Once treatment has started, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are taking Vexazone before taking any new medicines or undergoing any medical procedures.

Vexazone can interact negatively with some other medicines including chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, gliclazide, insulin, metformin, oral contraceptives, gemfibrozil, rifampicin and tolbutamide. These can reduce the effectiveness of Vexazone, or may be made less effective by Vexazone.

Decreased blood glucose levels as a result of taking Vexazone can make you feel drowsy. Be aware of this when driving cars or operating machinery.