PIOSTERIS M 500

PIOSTERIS M 500 is a fixed-dose combination of pioglitazone 15 mg and metformin 500 mg, two well-established oral anti-diabetic agents. This combination is used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients whose blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled with metformin alone. The synergistic effect of these two medications helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose production, providing more effective and sustained glycemic control.

What is PIOSTERIS M 500?

PIOSTERIS M 500 contains:

• Pioglitazone 15 mg: A thiazolidinedione that enhances insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissues

• Metformin 500 mg: A biguanide that lowers liver glucose production and increases peripheral glucose utilization

Together, they target multiple defects in type 2 diabetes and offer a comprehensive solution for blood sugar management.

Uses of Pioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets

PIOSTERIS M 500 is prescribed for:

• Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults

• Patients who are inadequately controlled on metformin alone

• Improving fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels

• Reducing HbA1c levels for long-term diabetes control

• Enhancing insulin sensitivity in overweight and insulin-resistant patients

Pioglitazone 15 Metformin 500 – How It Works

• Pioglitazone 15 mg acts by activating PPAR-γ receptors, improving insulin action in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle

• Metformin 500 mg decreases hepatic glucose production and enhances glucose uptake in tissues

This dual mechanism addresses both insulin resistance and excess glucose production, offering balanced glucose control.

Side Effects of Pioglitazone and Metformin Tablets

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort (due to metformin)

• Headache, fatigue

• Mild weight gain and fluid retention (from pioglitazone)

• Bloating or flatulence

Serious Side Effects (Rare but Important):

• Lactic acidosis (a rare but serious condition from metformin)

• Heart failure or fluid overload (associated with pioglitazone)

• Bladder cancer risk with prolonged pioglitazone use

• Vitamin B12 deficiency from long-term metformin use

Patients must be monitored regularly for metabolic parameters and adverse symptoms.

Precautions Before Using

Before starting PIOSTERIS M 500, inform your healthcare provider if you:

• Have kidney or liver dysfunction

• Suffer from or have a history of heart failure

• Have ever been diagnosed with bladder cancer

• Use alcohol frequently or are at risk of dehydration

• Are undergoing any procedure involving iodinated contrast media

It should not be used in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by a doctor.

Drug Interactions – What Drugs Interact with Pioglitazone and Metformin?

Several medications may interact with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, affecting their efficacy or safety:

May increase the risk of hypoglycemia:

• Insulin

• Sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride, gliclazide)

May affect kidney function or lactic acidosis risk:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)

• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril)

Alter the effectiveness of pioglitazone:

• Gemfibrozil (may increase pioglitazone levels)

• Rifampin (may reduce pioglitazone effectiveness)

It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.

Conclusion

PIOSTERIS M 500, containing pioglitazone 15 mg and metformin 500 mg, provides a powerful and complementary approach to type 2 diabetes management. By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose output, this combination helps patients achieve more stable and sustained blood sugar control. When used alongside diet, exercise, and regular monitoring, PIOSTERIS M 500 plays a key role in reducing the long-term complications of diabetes.