| Drug Name: | Pioglitazone |
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| Drug Class: | Thiazolidinedione |
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| Mechanism of Action: | - Activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver
- Increases insulin sensitivity in these tissues
- Decreases hepatic glucose production
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| Use: | - Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- May be used in combination with other antidiabetic agents
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| Side Effects: | - Weight gain
- Edema
- Increased risk of fractures
- Increased risk of bladder cancer (controversial)
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| Contraindications: | - Heart failure
- Active bladder cancer
- Severe liver disease
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| Specialty: | - Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
- Family Medicine
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