Pioglitazone (pioglitazone hydrochloride 15 mg) Dailymed
Generic: pioglitazone
IMPRINT: SZ 244 15
SHAPE: oval
COLOR: white
Boxed Warning
Warning: Congestive Heart Failure
- Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone tablets, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
- After initiation of pioglitazone tablets and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of pioglitazone tablets must be considered.
- Pioglitazone tablets are not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
- Â Initiation of pioglitazone tablets in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
-
Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone tablets, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. (
5.1 ) -
After initiation of pioglitazone tablets and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinue or dose reduction of pioglitazone tablets must be considered. (
5.1 ) - Pioglitazone tablets are not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
-
Initiation of pioglitazone tablets in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated. (
4 ,5.1 )
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Recent Major Changes Section
Indications and Usage Important Limitations of Use (1.2 )Â Â Â Â Â 01/2011
Dosage and Administration Recommendations for All Patients (2.1 )Â Â Â Â Â 01/2011 Coadministration with Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors (2.3 )Â Â Â Â Â 01/2011
Warnings and Precautions Hepatic Effects (5.3 )Â Â Â Â Â 01/2011
Urinary Bladder Tumors (5.5 ) 07/2011
Warning: Congestive Heart Failure
- Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone tablets, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
- After initiation of pioglitazone tablets and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of pioglitazone tablets must be considered.
- Pioglitazone tablets are not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
- Â Initiation of pioglitazone tablets in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning
- Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone tablets, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. (
5.1 )- After initiation of pioglitazone tablets and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinue or dose reduction of pioglitazone tablets must be considered. (
5.1 )- Pioglitazone tablets are not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
- Initiation of pioglitazone tablets in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated. (
4 ,5.1 )
1 Indications And Usage
Pioglitazone tablets, USP are a thiazolidinedione and an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings. (1.1 ,14 )
Important Limitation of Use:
- Not for treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. (
1.2 )1.1 Monotherapy and Combination Therapy
Pioglitazone tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14) ].
1.2 Important Limitation of Use
Pioglitazone tablets, USP exert its antihyperglycemic effect only in the presence of endogenous insulin. Pioglitazone tablets should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.
Use caution in patients with liver disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3) ].
2 Dosage And Administration
- Initiate pioglitazone tablets at 15 mg or 30 mg once daily. Limit initial dose to 15 mg once daily in patients with NYHA Class I or II heart failure. (
2.1 )- If there is inadequate glycemic control, the dose can be increased in 15 mg increments up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily. (
2.1 )- The maximum recommended dose of pioglitazone tablets is 15 mg once daily in patients taking strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil). (
2.3 ,7.1 )- Obtain liver tests before starting pioglitazone tablets. If abnormal, use caution when treating with pioglitazone tablets, investigate the probable cause, treat (if possible) and follow appropriately. Monitoring liver tests while on pioglitazone tablets is not recommended in patients without liver disease. (
5.3 )2.1 Recommendations for All Patients
Pioglitazone tablets, USP should be taken once daily and can be taken without regard to meals.
The recommended starting dose for patients without congestive heart failure is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily.
The recommended starting dose for patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA Class I or II) is 15 mg once daily.
The dose can be titrated in increments of 15 mg up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily based on glycemic response as determined by HbA1c.
After initiation of pioglitazone tablets, USP or with dose increase, monitor patients carefully for adverse reactions related to fluid retention such as weight gain, edema and signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2) ].
Liver tests (serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin) should be obtained prior to initiating pioglitazone tablets, USP. Routine periodic monitoring of liver tests during treatment with pioglitazone tablets, USP is not recommended in patients without liver disease. Patients who have liver test abnormalities prior to initiation of pioglitazone tablets, USP or who are found to have abnormal liver tests while taking pioglitazone tablets, USP should be managed as described under Warnings and Precautions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3) and CLINICALPHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ].
2.2 Concomitant Use with an Insulin Secretagogue or Insulin
If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient coadministered pioglitazone tablets, USP and an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea), the dose of the insulin secretagogue should be reduced.
If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient coadministered pioglitazone tablets, USP and insulin, the dose of insulin should be decreased by 10% to 25%. Further adjustments to the insulin dose should be individualized based on glycemic response.
2.3 Coadministration with Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors
Coadministration of pioglitazone tablets, USP and gemfibrozil, a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor, increases pioglitazone exposure approximately 3-fold. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose of pioglitazone tablets, USP is 15 mg daily when used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.1) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ].
3 Dosage Forms And Strengths
Pioglitazone tablets, USP are available as follows:
- 15 mg, white, oval shaped tablets debossed with âSZ 244â on one side and 15 on the other side.
- 30 mg, white, oval shaped tablets debossed with âSZ 245â on one side and 30 on the other side.
- 45 mg, white, oval shaped tablets debossed with âSZ 246â on one side and 45 on the other side.
Tablets: 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg (3 )
4 Contraindications
Do not initiate in patients with NYHA Class III or IV heart failure [see Boxed Warning].
Do not use in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to pioglitazone tablets or any of its ingredients.
- Do not initiate pioglitazone tablets in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure. (
4 )- Do not use in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to pioglitazone tablets or its ingredients. (
4 )
5 Warnings And Precautions
- Congestive Heart Failure: Fluid retention may occur and can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure. Combination use with insulin and use in congestive heart failure NYHA Class I and II may increase risk. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms. (
5.1 )- Edema: Dose related edema may occur. (
5.2 )- Hepatic Effects: Post-marketing reports of hepatic failure, sometimes fatal. Causality cannot be excluded. If liver injury is detected, promptly interrupt pioglitazone and assess patient for probable cause, then treat cause if possible, to resolution or stabilization. Do not restart pioglitazone if liver injury is confirmed and no alternate etiology can be found. (
5.3 )- Fractures: Increased incidence in female patients. Apply current standards of care for assessing and maintaining bone health. (
5.4 )- Bladder cancer: Preclinical and clinical trial data, and results from an observational study suggest an increased risk of bladder cancer in pioglitazone users. The observational data further suggest that the risk increases with duration of use. Do not use in patients with active bladder cancer. Use caution when using in patients with prior history of bladder cancer. (
5.5 )- Hypoglycemia: When used with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of the insulin or insulin secretagogue may be needed to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. (
5.6 )- Macular Edema: Post-marketing reports. Recommend regular eye exams in all patients with diabetes according to current standards of care with prompt evaluation for acute visual changes. (
5.7 )- Macrovascular Outcomes: There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with pioglitazone or any other antidiabetic drug. (
5.9 )5.1 Congestive Heart Failure
Pioglitazone, like other thiazolidinediones, can cause dose related fluid retention when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications and is most common when pioglitazone is used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate congestive heart failure. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of pioglitazone must be considered [see Boxed Warning, CONTRAINDICATIONS (4) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1) ].
5.2 Edema
In controlled clinical trials, edema was reported more frequently in patients treated with pioglitazone than in placebo-treated patients and is dose related [see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1) ]. In post-marketing experience, reports of new onset or worsening edema have been received.
Pioglitazone should be used with caution in patients with edema. Because thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, can cause fluid retention, which can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure, pioglitazone should be used with caution in patients at risk for congestive heart failure. Patients treated with pioglitazone should be monitored for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) and PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION (17.1) ].
5.3 Hepatic Effects
There have been post-marketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking pioglitazone, although the reports contain insufficient information necessary to establish the probable cause. There has been no evidence of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in the pioglitazone controlled clinical trial database to date [see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1) ].
Patients with type 2 diabetes may have fatty liver disease or cardiac disease with episodic congestive heart failure, both of which may cause liver test abnormalities and they may also have other forms of liver disease, many of which can be treated or managed. Therefore, obtaining a liver test panel (serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin) and assessing the patient is recommended before initiating pioglitazone therapy. In patients with abnormal liver tests, pioglitazone should be initiated with caution.
Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. In this clinical context, if the patient is found to have abnormal liver tests (ALT greater than 3 times the upper limit of the reference range), pioglitazone treatment should be interrupted and investigation done to establish the probable cause. Pioglitazone should not be restarted in these patients without another explanation for the liver test abnormalities.
Patients who have serum ALT greater than 3 times the reference range with serum total bilirubin greater than 2 times the reference range without alternative etiologies are at risk for severe drug-induced liver injury and should not be restarted on pioglitazone. For patients with lesser elevations of serum ALT or bilirubin and with an alternate probable cause, treatment with pioglitazone can be used with caution.
5.4 Fractures
In PROactive (the Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events), 5,238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to pioglitazone (n = 2,605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (n = 2,633) in addition to standard of care. During a mean follow-up of 34.5 months, the incidence of bone fracture in females was 5.1% (44/870) for pioglitazone versus 2.5% (23/905) for placebo. This difference was noted after the first year of treatment and persisted during the course of the study. The majority of fractures observed in female patients were nonvertebral fractures including lower limb and distal upper limb. No increase in the incidence of fracture was observed in men treated with pioglitazone (1.7%) versus placebo (2.1%). The risk of fracture should be considered in the care of patients, especially female patients, treated with pioglitazone and attention should be given to assessing and maintaining bone health according to current standards of care.
5.5 Urinary Bladder Tumors
Tumors were observed in the urinary bladder of male rats in the 2-year carcinogenicity study [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. In two 3-year trials in which pioglitazone was compared to placebo or glyburide, there were 16/3,656 (0.44%) reports of bladder cancer in patients taking pioglitazone compared to 5/3,679 (0.14%) in patients not taking pioglitazone. After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were six (0.16%) cases on pioglitazone and two (0.05%) cases on placebo.
A 5-year interim report of an ongoing 10-year observational cohort study found a non-significant increase in the risk for bladder cancer in subjects ever exposed to pioglitazone, compared to subjects never exposed to pioglitazone (HR 1.2 [95% CI 0.9 to 1.5]). Compared to never exposure, a duration of pioglitazone therapy longer than 12 months was associated with an increase in risk (HR 1.4 [95% CI 0.9 to 2.1]), which reached statistical significance after more than 24 months of pioglitazone use (HR 1.4 [95% CI 1.03 to 2]). Interim results from this study suggested that taking pioglitazone longer than 12 months increased the relative risk of developing bladder cancer in any given year by 40% which equates to an absolute increase of three cases in 10,000 (from approximately 7 in 10,000 [without pioglitazone] to approximately 10 in 10,000 [with pioglitazone]).
There are insufficient data to determine whether pioglitazone is a tumor promoter for urinary bladder tumors. Consequently, pioglitazone should not be used in patients with active bladder cancer and the benefits of glycemic control versus unknown risks for cancer recurrence with pioglitazone should be considered in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer.
5.6 Hypoglycemia
Patients receiving pioglitazone in combination with insulin or other antidiabetic medications (particularly insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas) may be at risk for hypoglycemia. A reduction in the dose of the concomitant antidiabetic medication may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) ] .
5.7 Macular Edema
Macular edema has been reported in post-marketing experience in diabetic patients who were taking pioglitazone or another thiazolidinedione. Some patients presented with blurred vision or decreased visual acuity, but others were diagnosed on routine ophthalmologic examination.
Most patients had peripheral edema at the time macular edema was diagnosed. Some patients had improvement in their macular edema after discontinuation of the thiazolidinedione.
Patients with diabetes should have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist according to current standards of care. Patients with diabetes who report any visual symptoms should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist, regardless of the patient's underlying medications or other physical findings [see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1) ].
5.8 Ovulation
Therapy with pioglitazone, like other thiazolidinediones, may result in ovulation in some premenopausal anovulatory women. As a result, these patients may be at an increased risk for pregnancy while taking pioglitazone [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.1) ]. This effect has not been investigated in clinical trials, so the frequency of this occurrence is not known. Adequate contraception in all premenopausal women treated with pioglitazone is recommended.
5.9 Macrovascular Outcomes
There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with pioglitazone or any other antidiabetic drug.
6 Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
- Congestive Heart Failure [see Boxed Warning and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) ]
- Edema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2) ]
- Fractures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4) ]
Most common adverse reactions (â„ 5% and at a rate higher than with placebo) include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, myalgia and pharyngitis. (6.1 )
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Over 8,500 patients with type 2 diabetes have been treated with pioglitazone in randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials, including 2,605 patients with type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease treated with pioglitazone in the PROactive clinical trial. In these trials, over 6,000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for 6 months or longer, over 4,500 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for one year or longer and over 3,000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for at least 2 years.
In six pooled 16 to 26-week placebo-controlled monotherapy and 16 to 24-week add-on combination therapy trials, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 4.5% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 5.8% for comparator-treated patients. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal were related to inadequate glycemic control, although the incidence of these events was lower (1.5%) with pioglitazone than with placebo (3%).
In the PROactive trial, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 9% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 7.7% for placebo-treated patients. Congestive heart failure was the most common serious adverse event leading to withdrawal occurring in 1.3% of patients treated with pioglitazone and 0.6% of patients treated with placebo.
Common Adverse Events: 16 to 26-Week Monotherapy Trials
A summary of the incidence and type of common adverse events reported in three pooled 16 to 26-week placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of pioglitazone is provided in Table 1. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of > 5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo. None of these adverse events were related to pioglitazone dose.
Table 1. Three Pooled 16 to 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Monotherapy: Adverse Events Reported at an Incidence > 5% and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone than in Patients Treated with Placebo
% of Patients
Placebo
n = 259
Pioglitazone
n = 606
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
8.5
13.2
Headache
6.9
9.1
Sinusitis
4.6
6.3
Myalgia
2.7
5.4
Pharyngitis
0.8
5.1
Â
Common Adverse Events: 16 to 24-Week Add-on Combination Therapy Trials
A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of pioglitazone add-on to sulfonylurea is provided in Table 2. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of > 5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of pioglitazone.
Table 2. 16 to 24-Week Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Add-on to Sulfonylurea Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of âedemaâ.
16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Sulfonylurea
% of Patients
Placebo + Sulfonylurea
n = 187
Pioglitazone 15 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 184
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 189
Edema
2.1
1.6
12.7
Headache
3.7
4.3
5.3
Flatulence
0.5
2.7
6.3
Weight Increased
0
2.7
5.3
24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 45 mg + Sulfonylurea than in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 30 mg + Slufonylurea
% of Patients
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 351
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 351
Hypoglycemia
13.4
15.7
Edema
10.5
23.1
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
12.3
14.8
Weight Increased
9.1
13.4
Urinary Tract Infection
5.7
6.8
A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of pioglitazone add-on to metformin is provided in Table 3. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of > 5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of pioglitazone.
Table 3. 16 to 24-Week Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Add-on to Metformin Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of âedemaâ.
16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone + Metformin than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Metformin
% of Patients
Placebo + Metformin
n = 160
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin
n = 168
Edema
2.5
6
Headache
1.9
6
24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin than in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin
% of Patients
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin
n = 411
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin
n = 416
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
12.4
13.5
Edema
5.8
13.9
Headache
5.4
5.8
Weight Increased
2.9
6.7
Table 4 summarizes the incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of pioglitazone add-on to insulin. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of > 5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of pioglitazone.
Table 4. 16 to 24-Week Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Add-on to Insulin Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of âedemaâ.
16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Insulin
% of Patients
Placebo + InsulinÂ
n = 187
Pioglitazone 15 mg + Insulin
n = 191
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin
n = 188
Hypoglycemia
4.8
7.9
15.4
Edema
7
12.6
17.6
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
9.6
8.4
14.9
Headache
3.2
3.1
6.9
Weight Increased
0.5
5.2
6.4
Back Pain
4.3
2.1
5.3
Dizziness
3.7
2.6
5.3
Flatulence
1.6
3.7
5.3
24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 45 mg + Insulin than in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin
% of Patients
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin
n = 345
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Insulin
n = 345
Hypoglycemia
43.5
47.8
Edema
22
26.1
Weight Increased
7.2
13.9
Urinary Tract Infection
4.9
8.7
Diarrhea
5.5
5.8
Back Pain
3.8
6.4
Blood Creatine Phosphokinase Increased
4.6
5.5
Sinusitis
4.6
5.5
Hypertension
4.1
5.5
A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in the PROactive trial is provided in Table 5. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of > 5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo.
Table 5. PROactive Trial: Incidence and Types of Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients Treated with Pioglitazone and More Commonly than Placebo Mean duration of patient follow-up was 34.5 months.
% of Patients
Placebo
n = 2,633
Pioglitazone
n = 2,605
Hypoglycemia
18.8
27.3
Edema
15.3
26.7
Cardiac Failure
6.1
8.1
Pain in Extremity
5.7
6.4
Back Pain
5.1
5.5
Chest Pain
5
5.1
Congestive Heart Failure
A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure is provided in Table 6 for the 16 to 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trials, for the 16 to 24-week add-on to insulin trials and for the 16 to 24-week add-on to metformin trials. None of the events were fatal.
Table 6. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo Added on to a Sulfonylurea
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo-Controlled TrialÂ
(16 weeks)
Non-Controlled Double Blind TrialÂ
(24 weeks)
Placebo + Sulfonylurea
n = 187
Pioglitazone 15 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 184
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 189
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 351
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Sulfonylurea
n = 351
At least one congestive heart failure event
2 (1.1%)
0
0
1 (0.3%)
6 (1.7%)
Hospitalized
2 (1.1%)
0
0
0
2 (0.6%)
Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo added on to Insulin
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo-Controlled TrialÂ
(16 weeks)
Non-Controlled Double Blind Trial (24 weeks)
Placebo + Insulin
n = 187
Pioglitazone 15 mg + Insulin
n = 191
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin
n = 188
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin
n = 345
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Insulin
n = 345
At least one congestive heart failure event
0
2 (1%)
2 (1.1%)
3 (0.9%)
5 (1.4%)
Hospitalized
0
2 (1%)
1 (0.5%)
1 (0.3%)
3 (0.9%)
Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo Added on to Metformin
Number (%) Patients
Placebo-Controlled TrialÂ
(16 weeks)
Non-Controlled Double Blind TrialÂ
(24 weeks)
Placebo + Metformin
n = 160
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin
n = 168
Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin
n = 411
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin
n = 416
At least one congestive heart failure event
0
1 (0.6%)
0
1 (0.2%)
Hospitalized
0
1 (0.6%)
0
1 (0.2%)
Patients with type 2 diabetes and NYHA class II or early class III congestive heart failure were randomized to receive 24 weeks of double-blind treatment with either pioglitazone at daily doses of 30 mg to 45 mg (n = 262) or glyburide at daily doses of 10 mg to 15 mg (n = 256). A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure reported in this study is provided in Table 7.
Table 7. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Patients with NYHA Class II or III Congestive Heart Failure Treated with Pioglitazone or Glyburide
Number (%) of Subjects
Pioglitazone
n = 262
Glyburide
n = 256
Death due to cardiovascular causes (adjudicated)
5 (1.9%)
6 (2.3%)
Overnight hospitalization for worsening CHF (adjudicated)
26 (9.9%)
12 (4.7%)
Emergency room visit for CHF (adjudicated)
4 (1.5%)
3 (1.2%)
Patients experiencing CHF progression during study
35 (13.4%)
21 (8.2%)
Congestive heart failure events leading to hospitalization that occurred during the PROactive trial are summarized in Table 8.
Table 8. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in PROactive Trial
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo
n = 2,633
Pioglitazone
n = 2,605
At least one hospitalized congestive heart failure event
108 (4.1%)
149 (5.7%)
Fatal
22 (0.8%)
25 (1%)
Hospitalized, non-fatal
86 (3.3%)
124 (4.7%)
Cardiovascular Safety
In the PROactive trial, 5238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to pioglitazone (N=2605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (N=2633) in addition to standard of care. Almost all patients (95%) were receiving cardiovascular medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, diuretics, aspirin, statins and fibrates). At baseline, patients had a mean age of 62 years, mean duration of diabetes of 9.5 years, and mean HbA1c of 8.1%. Mean duration of follow-up was 34.5 months.
The primary objective of this trial was to examine the effect of pioglitazone on mortality and macrovascular morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were at high risk for macrovascular events. The primary efficacy variable was the time to the first occurrence of any event in a cardiovascular composite endpoint that included all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) including silent MI, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, cardiac intervention including coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous intervention, major leg amputation above the ankle, and bypass surgery or revascularization in the leg. A total of 514 (19.7%) patients treated with pioglitazone and 572 (21.7%) placebo-treated patients experienced at least one event from the primary composite endpoint (hazard ratio 0.90; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.80, 1.02; p=0.10).
Although there was no statistically significant difference between pioglitazone and placebo for the 3-year incidence of a first event within this composite, there was no increase in mortality or in total macrovascular events with pioglitazone. The number of first occurrences and total individual events contributing to the primary composite endpoint is shown in Table 9.
Table 9. PROactive: Number of First and Total Events for Each Component within the Cardiovascular Composite Endpoint CABG = coronary artery bypass grafting; PCI = percutaneous intervention
Cardiovascular Events
Placebo
n = 2,633
Pioglitazone
n = 2,605
First Events
n (%)
Total Events
n
First Events
n (%)
Total Events
n
Any event
572 (21.7)
900
514 (19.7)
803
     All-cause mortality
122 (4.6)
186
110 (4.2)
177
     Non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI)
118 (4.5)
157
105 (4)
131
     Stroke
96 (3.6)
119
76 (2.9)
92
     Acute coronary syndrome
63 (2.4)
78
42 (1.6)
65
     Cardiac intervention (CABG/PCI)
101 (3.8)
240
101 (3.9)
195
     Major leg amputation
15 (0.6)
28
9 (0.3)
28
     Leg revascularization
57 (2.2)
92
71 (2.7)
115
Â
Weight Gain
Dose-related weight gain occurs when pioglitazone is used alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications. The mechanism of weight gain is unclear but probably involves a combination of fluid retention and fat accumulation.
Tables 10 and 11 summarize the changes in body weight with pioglitazone and placebo in the 16 to 26-week randomized, double-blind monotherapy and 16 to 24-week combination add-on therapy trials and in the PROactive trial.
Table 10. Weight Changes (kg) from Baseline During Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trials
Control Group
(Placebo)
Pioglitazone 15 mg
Pioglitazone 30 mg
Pioglitazone 45 mg
Median (25 th/75 th percentile)
Median (25 th/75 th percentile)
Median (25 th/75 th percentile)
Median (25 th/75 th percentile)
Monotherapy
(16 to 26 weeks)
-1.4 (-2.7/0)
n = 256
0.9 (-0.5/3.4)
n = 79
1 (-0.9/3.4)
n = 188
2.6 (0.2/5.4)
n = 79
Combination Therapy
(16 to 24 weeks)
Sulfonylurea
-0.5 (-1.8/0.7)
n = 187
2 (0.2/3.2)
n = 183
3.1 (1.1/5.4)
n = 528
4.1 (1.8/7.3)
n = 333
Metformin
-1.4 (-3.2/0.3)
n = 160
N/A
0.9 (-1.3/3.2)
n = 567
1.8 (-0.9/5)
n = 407
Insulin
0.2 (-1.4/1.4)
n = 182
2.3 (0.5/4.3)
n = 190
3.3 (0.9/6.3)
n = 522
4.1 (1.4/6.8)
n = 338
Table 11. Median Change in Body Weight in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone Versus Patients Treated with Placebo During the Double-Blind Treatment Period in the PROactive Trial Note: median exposure for both pioglitazone and placebo was 2.7 years.
Placebo
Pioglitazone
Median (25 th/75 th percentile)
Median (25 th/75 th percentile)
Change from Baseline to Final Visit (kg)
-0.5 (-3.3, 2)
n = 2,581
+ 3.6 (0, 7.5)
n = 2,560
Edema
Edema induced from taking pioglitazone is reversible when pioglitazone is discontinued. The edema usually does not require hospitalization unless there is coexisting congestive heart failure. A summary of the frequency and types of edema adverse events occurring in clinical investigations of pioglitazone is provided in Table 12.
Table 12. Adverse Events of Edema in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of âedemaâ.
Number (%) Patients
Placebo
Pioglitazone 15 mg
Pioglitazone 30 mg
Pioglitazone 45 mg
Monotherapy (16 to 26 weeks)
3 (1.2%)
n = 259
2 (2.5%)
n = 81
13 (4.7%)
n = 275
11 (6.5%)
n = 169
Combined Therapy
(16 to 24 weeks)
Sulfonylurea
4 (2.1%)
n = 187
3 (1.6%)
n = 184
61 (11.3%)
n = 540
81 (23.1%)
n = 351
Metformin
4 (2.5%)
n = 160
N/A
34 (5.9%)
n = 579
58 (13.9%)
n = 416
Insulin
13 (7%)
n = 187
24 (12.6%)
n = 191
109 (20.5%)
n = 533
90 (26.1%)
n = 345
Table 13. Adverse Events of Edema in Patients in the PROactive Trial Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of âedemaâ.
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo
n = 2,633
Pioglitazone
n = 2,605
419 (15.9%)
712 (27.3%)
Hepatic Effects
There has been no evidence of pioglitazone-induced hepatotoxicity in the pioglitazone controlled clinical trial database to date. One randomized, double-blind, 3-year trial comparing pioglitazone to glyburide as add-on to metformin and insulin therapy was specifically designed to evaluate the incidence of serum ALT elevation to greater than 3 times the upper limit of the reference range, measured every 8 weeks for the first 48 weeks of the trial then every 12 weeks thereafter. A total of 3/1051 (0.3%) patients treated with pioglitazone and 9/1046 (0.9%) patients treated with glyburide developed ALT values >3 times the upper limit of the reference range. None of the patients treated with pioglitazone in the pioglitazone controlled clinical trial database to date have had a serum ALT >3 times the upper limit of the reference range and a corresponding total bilirubin >2 times the upper limit of the reference range, a combination predictive of the potential for severe drug-induced liver injury.
Hypoglycemia
In the pioglitazone clinical trials, adverse events of hypoglycemia were reported based on clinical judgment of the investigators and did not require confirmation with fingerstick glucose testing.
In the 16-week add-on to sulfonylurea trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.7% with pioglitazone 30 mg and 0.5% with placebo. In the 16-week add-on to insulin trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 7.9% with pioglitazone 15 mg, 15.4% with pioglitazone 30 mg, and 4.8% with placebo.
The incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher with pioglitazone 45 mg compared to pioglitazone 30 mg in both the 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trial (15.7% vs. 13.4%) and in the 24-week add-on to insulin trial (47.8% vs. 43.5%).
Three patients in these four trials were hospitalized due to hypoglycemia. All three patients were receiving pioglitazone 30 mg (0.9%) in the 24-week add-on to insulin trial. An additional 14 patients reported severe hypoglycemia (defined as causing considerable interference with patient's usual activities) that did not require hospitalization. These patients were receiving pioglitazone 45 mg in combination with sulfonylurea (n=2) or pioglitazone 30 mg or 45 mg in combination with insulin (n=12).
Urinary Bladder Tumors
Tumors were observed in the urinary bladder of male rats in the two-year carcinogenicity study [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1)] . In two 3-year trials in which pioglitazone was compared to placebo or glyburide, there were 16/3656 (0.44%) reports of bladder cancer in patients taking pioglitazone compared to 5/3679 (0.14%) in patients not taking pioglitazone. After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were six (0.16%) cases on pioglitazone and two (0.05%) cases on placebo. There are too few events of bladder cancer to establish causality.Â
6.2 Laboratory Abnormalities
Hematologic Effects
Pioglitazone may cause decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit. In placebo-controlled monotherapy trials, mean hemoglobin values declined by 2% to 4% in patients treated with pioglitazone compared with a mean change in hemoglobin of -1% to +1% in placebo-treated patients. These changes primarily occurred within the first 4 to 12 weeks of therapy and remained relatively constant thereafter. These changes may be related to increased plasma volume associated with pioglitazone therapy and are not likely to be associated with any clinically significant hematologic effects.
Creatine Phosphokinase
During protocol-specified measurement of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in pioglitazone clinical trials, an isolated elevation in CPK to greater than 10 times the upper limit of the reference range was noted in 9 (0.2%) patients treated with pioglitazone (values of 2150 to 11400IU/L) and in no comparator-treated patients. Six of these nine patients continued to receive pioglitazone, two patients were noted to have the CPK elevation on the last day of dosing and one patient discontinued pioglitazone due to the elevation. These elevations resolved without any apparent clinical sequelae. The relationship of these events to pioglitazone therapy is unknown.
6.3 Post-Marketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of pioglitazone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- New onset or worsening diabetic macular edema with decreased visual acuity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2) ].
- Fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3) ].
Post-marketing reports of congestive heart failure have been reported in patients treated with pioglitazone, both with and without previously known heart disease and both with and without concomitant insulin administration.
In post-marketing experience, there have been reports of unusually rapid increases in weight and increases in excess of that generally observed in clinical trials. Patients who experience such increases should be assessed for fluid accumulation and volume-related events such as excessive edema and congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) ].
7 Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil) increase pioglitazone concentrations. Limit pioglitazone dose to 15 mg daily. (
2.3 ,7.1 )- CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease pioglitazone concentrations. (
7.2 )7.1 Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors
An inhibitor of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) significantly increases the exposure (area under the serum concentration-time curve or AUC) and half-life of pioglitazone. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose of pioglitazone is 15 mg daily if used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.3) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ] .
7.2 CYP2C8 Inducers
An inducer of CYP2C8 (e.g., rifampin) may significantly decrease the exposure (AUC) of pioglitazone. Therefore, if an inducer of CYP2C8 is started or stopped during treatment with pioglitazone, changes in diabetes treatment may be needed based on clinical response without exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of 45 mg for pioglitazone [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ] .
8 Use In Specific Populations
- Pregnancy Category C: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm (
8.1 )- Nursing mothers: Discontinue drug or nursing, taking into consideration the importance of the drug to the mother (
8.3 )8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of pioglitazone in pregnant women. Animal studies show increased rates of post-implantation loss, delayed development, reduced fetal weights, and delayed parturition at doses 10 to 40 times the maximum recommended human dose. Pioglitazone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clinical Considerations
Abnormal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital anomalies, as well as increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. Most experts recommend the use of insulin during pregnancy to maintain blood glucose concentrations as close to normal as possible for patients with diabetes.
Animal Data
In animal reproductive studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received pioglitazone at doses up to approximately 17 (rat) and 40 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended human oral dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (mg/m 2); no teratogenicity was observed [see NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY ( 13.3 )] . Increases in embryotoxicity (increased postimplantation losses, delayed development, reduced fetal weights, and delayed parturition) occurred in rats that received oral doses approximately 10 or more times the MRHD (mg/m 2 basis). No functional or behavioral toxicity was observed in rat offspring. When pregnant rats received pioglitazone during late gestation and lactation, delayed postnatal development, attributed to decreased body weight, occurred in rat offspring at oral maternal doses approximately 2 or more times the MRHD (mg/m 2 basis). In rabbits, embryotoxicity occurred at oral doses approximately 40 times the MRHD (mg/m 2 basis).
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether pioglitazone is secreted in human milk. Pioglitazone is secreted in the milk of lactating rats. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for pioglitazone to cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue pioglitazone, taking into account the importance of pioglitazone to the mother.
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of pioglitazone in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use in pediatric patients is not recommended for the treatment of diabetes due to lack of long-term safety data. Risks including fractures and other adverse effects associated with pioglitazone have not been determined in this population [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4) ] .
8.5 Geriatric Use
A total of 92 patients (15.2%) treated with pioglitazone in the three pooled 16 to 26-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, monotherapy, trials were â„ 65 years old and two patients (0.3%) were â„ 75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trials, 201 patients (18.7 %) treated with pioglitazone were â„ 65 years old and 19 (1.8%) were â„ 75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24-week add-on to metformin trials, 155 patients (15.5%) treated with pioglitazone were â„ 65 years old and 19 (1.9%) were â„ 75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24-week add-on to insulin trials, 272 patients (25.4%) treated with pioglitazone were â„ 65 years old and 22 (2.1%) were â„ 75 years old.
In PROactive, 1,068 patients (41%) treated with pioglitazone were â„ 65 years old and 42 (1.6%) were â„ 75 years old.
In pharmacokinetic studies with pioglitazone, no significant differences were observed in pharmacokinetic parameters between elderly and younger patients. These clinical experiences have not identified differences in effectiveness and safety between the elderly (â„ 65 years) and younger patients although small sample sizes for patients â„ 75 years old limit conclusions [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ].
10 Overdosage
During controlled clinical trials, one case of overdose with pioglitazone was reported. A male patient took 120 mg per day for 4 days, then 180 mg per day for 7 days. The patient denied any clinical symptoms during this period.
In the event of overdosage, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patientâs clinical signs and symptoms.
11 Description
Pioglitazone tablet, USP is an oral antidiabetic medication.
Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-] thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride contains one asymmetric carbon and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone interconvert in vivo. No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers. The structural formula is as shown:
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Pioglitazone is an odorless, white to off white, crystalline powder that has a molecular formula of C 19H 20N 2O 3SâąHCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether.
Pioglitazone tablets, USP contain 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg of pioglitazone (as the base). In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate.
12 Clinical Pharmacology
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that depends on the presence of insulin for its mechanism of action. Pioglitazone decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output. Pioglitazone is not an insulin secretagogue. Pioglitazone is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARÎł). PPAR receptors are found in tissues important for insulin action such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and liver. Activation of PPARÎł nuclear receptors modulates the transcription of a number of insulin responsive genes involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism.
In animal models of diabetes, pioglitazone reduces the hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia characteristic of insulin-resistant states such as type 2 diabetes. The metabolic changes produced by pioglitazone result in increased responsiveness of insulin-dependent tissues and are observed in numerous animal models of insulin resistance.
Because pioglitazone enhances the effects of circulating insulin (by decreasing insulin resistance), it does not lower blood glucose in animal models that lack endogenous insulin.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Clinical studies demonstrate that pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant patients. Pioglitazone enhances cellular responsiveness to insulin, increases insulin-dependent glucose disposal and improves hepatic sensitivity to insulin. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the decreased insulin resistance produced by pioglitazone results in lower plasma glucose concentrations, lower plasma insulin concentrations and lower HbA1c values. In controlled clinical trials, pioglitazone had an additive effect on glycemic control when used in combination with a sulfonylurea, metformin or insulin [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.2) ].
Patients with lipid abnormalities were included in clinical trials with pioglitazone. Overall, patients treated with pioglitazone had mean decreases in serum triglycerides, mean increases in HDL cholesterol and no consistent mean changes in LDL and total cholesterol. There is no conclusive evidence of macrovascular benefit with pioglitazone or any other antidiabetic medication [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1) ].
In a 26-week, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging monotherapy study, mean serum triglycerides decreased in the 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg pioglitazone dose groups compared to a mean increase in the placebo group. Mean HDL cholesterol increased to a greater extent in patients treated with pioglitazone than in the placebo-treated patients. There were no consistent differences for LDL and total cholesterol in patients treated with pioglitazone compared to placebo ( Table 14).
Table 14. Lipids in a 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Monotherapy Dose-Ranging Study
Placebo
Pioglitazone
15 mg
Once Daily
Pioglitazone
30 mg
Once Daily
Pioglitazone
45 mg
Once Daily
Triglycerides (mg/dL)
n = 79
n = 79
n = 84
n = 77
Baseline (mean)
263
284
261
260
Percent change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
4.8%
-9%p < 0.05 versus placebo
-9.6%
-9.3%Â
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)
n = 79
n = 79
n = 83
n = 77
Baseline (mean)
42
40
41
41
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean )
8.1%
14.1%Â
12.2%
19.1%Â
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)
n = 65
n = 63
n = 74
n = 62
Baseline (mean)
139
132
136
127
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean)
4.8%
7.2%
5.2%
6%
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
n = 79
n = 79
n = 84
n = 77
Baseline (mean)
225
220
223
214
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean)
4.4%
4.6%
3.3%
6.4%
In the two other monotherapy studies (16 weeks and 24 weeks) and in combination therapy studies with sulfonylurea (16 weeks and 24 weeks), metformin (16 weeks and 24 weeks ) or insulin (16 weeks and 24 weeks), the results were generally consistent with the data above.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Following once daily administration of pioglitazone, steady-state serum concentrations of both pioglitazone and its major active metabolites, M-III (keto derivative of pioglitazone) and M-IV (hydroxyl derivative of pioglitazone), are achieved within 7 days. At steady-state, M-III and MIV reach serum concentrations equal to or greater than that of pioglitazone. At steady-state, in both healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes, pioglitazone comprises approximately 30% to 50% of the peak total pioglitazone serum concentrations (pioglitazone plus active metabolites) and 20% to 25% of the total AUC.
Maximum serum concentration (C max), AUC and trough serum concentrations (C min) for pioglitazone and M-III and M-IV, increased proportionally with administered doses of 15 mg and 30 mg per day.
Absorption
Following oral administration of pioglitazone hydrochloride, peak concentrations of pioglitazone were observed within 2 hours. Food slightly delays the time to peak serum concentration (T max) to 3 to 4 hours, but does not alter the extent of absorption (AUC).
Distribution
The mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of pioglitazone following single-dose administration is 0.63 ± 0.41 (mean ± SD) L/kg of body weight. Pioglitazone is extensively protein bound (> 99%) in human serum, principally to serum albumin. Pioglitazone also binds to other serum proteins, but with lower affinity. M-III and M-IV are also extensively bound (> 98%) to serum albumin.
Metabolism
Pioglitazone is extensively metabolized by hydroxylation and oxidation; the metabolites also partly convert to glucuronide or sulfate conjugates. Metabolites M-III and M-IV are the major circulating active metabolites in humans.
In vitro data demonstrate that multiple CYP isoforms are involved in the metabolism of pioglitazone. The cytochrome P450 isoforms involved are CYP2C8 and, to a lesser degree, CYP3A4 with additional contributions from a variety of other isoforms including the mainly extrahepatic CYP1A1. In vivo study of pioglitazone in combination with gemfibrozil, a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor showed that pioglitazone is a CYP2C8 substrate [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.3) and DRUG INTERACTIONS ( 7 )].Urinary 6Ă-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratios measured in patients treated with pioglitazone showed that pioglitazone is not a strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducer.
Excretion and Elimination
Following oral administration, approximately 15% to 30% of the pioglitazone dose is recovered in the urine. Renal elimination of pioglitazone is negligible, and the drug is excreted primarily as metabolites and their conjugates. It is presumed that most of the oral dose is excreted into the bile either unchanged or as metabolites and eliminated in the feces.
The mean serum half-life of pioglitazone and its metabolites (M-III and M-IV) range from 3 to 7 hours and 16 to 24 hours, respectively. Pioglitazone has an apparent clearance, CL/F, calculated to be 5 to 7 L/hr.
Renal Impairment
The serum elimination half-life of pioglitazone, M-III, and M-IV remains unchanged in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30 to 50 mL/min) and severe (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) renal impairment when compared to subjects with normal renal function. Therefore, no dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment is required.
Hepatic Impairment
Compared with healthy controls, subjects with impaired hepatic function (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Grade B/C) have an approximate 45% reduction in pioglitazone and total pioglitazone (pioglitazone, M-III and M-IV) mean peak concentrations but no change in the mean AUC values. Therefore, no dose adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment is required.
There are postmarketing reports of liver failure with pioglitazone and clinical trials have generally excluded patients with serum ALT >2.5x the upper limit of the reference range. Use caution in patients with liver disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.3 )].
Geriatric Patients
In healthy elderly subjects, peak serum concentrations of pioglitazone are not significantly different, but AUC values are approximately 21% higher than those achieved in younger subjects. The mean terminal half-life values of pioglitazone were also longer in elderly subjects (about 10 hours) as compared to younger subjects (about 7 hours). These changes were not of a magnitude that would be considered clinically relevant.
Pediatric Patients
Safety and efficacy of pioglitazone in pediatric patients have not been established. Pioglitazone is not recommended for use in pediatric patients [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS ( 8.4 )].
Gender
The mean C max and AUC values of pioglitazone were increased 20% to 60% in women compared to men. In controlled clinical trials, HbA1c decreases from baseline were generally greater for females than for males (average mean difference in HbA1c 0.5%). Because therapy should be individualized for each patient to achieve glycemic control, no dose adjustment is recommended based on gender alone.
Ethnicity
Pharmacokinetic data among various ethnic groups are not available.
Drug-Drug Interactions
Table 15. Effect of Pioglitazone Coadministration on Systemic Exposure of Other Drugs
Coadministered Drug
Pioglitazone Dosage Regiment (mg)
Name and Dose Regimens
Change in AUC% change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of â and â indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively.
Change in Cmax
45 mg
(n = 12)
WarfarinPioglitazone had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time
Daily loading then maintenance doses based PT and INR values
Quickâs Value = 35 ± 5%
R-Warfarin     â 3%
R-Warfarin     â 2%
S-Warfarin     â 1%
S-Warfarin     â 1%
45 mg
(n = 12)
Digoxin
0.200 mg twice daily (loading dose) then 0.250 mg daily (maintenance dose, 7 days)
â 15%
â 17%
45 mg daily for 21 days
(n = 35)
Oral Contraceptive
[Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) 0.035 mg plus Norethindrone (NE) 1 mg] for 21 days
EEÂ Â Â Â Â Â â 11%
EEÂ Â Â Â Â â 13%
NEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â â 3%
NEÂ Â Â Â Â Â â 7%
45 mg
(n = 23)
Fexofenadine
60 mg twice daily for 7 days
â 30%
â 37%
45 mg
(n = 14)
Glipizide
5 mg daily for 7 days
â 3%
â 8%
45 mg daily for 8 days
(n = 16)
Metformin
1000 mg single dose on 8 days
â 3%
â 5%
45 mg
(n = 21)
Midazolam
7.5 mg single dose on day 15
â 26%
â 26%
45 mg
(n = 24)
Ranitidine
150 mg twice daily for 7 days
â 1%
â 1%
45 mg daily for 4 days
(n = 24)
Nifedipine ER
30 mg daily for 4 days
â 13%
â 17%
45 mg
(n = 25)
Atorvastatin Ca
80 mg daily for 7 days
â 14%
â 23%
45 mg
(n = 22)
Theophylline
400 mg twice daily for 7 days
â 2%
â 5%
Table 16. Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Pioglitazone Systemic Exposure
Coadministered Drug and Dosage Regimen
Pioglitazone
Dose Regimen (mg)Daily for 7 days unless otherwise noted
Change in AUCMean ratio (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 1-fold) % change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of â and â indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively.
Change in CmaxÂ
Gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily for 2 days
(n = 12)
30 mg single dose
â 3.4-foldThe half-life of pioglitazone increased from 6.5 h to 15.1 h in the presence of gemfibrozil [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.3) and DRUG INTERACTIONS (7)].Â
â 6%
Ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily for 7 days
(n = 28)
45 mg
â 34%
â 14%
Rifampin 600 mg daily for 5 days
(n = 10)
30 mg single dose
â 54%
â 5%
Fexofenadine 60 mg twice daily for 7 days
(n = 23)
45 mg
â 1%
0%
Ranitidine 150 mg twice daily for 4 days
(n = 23)
45 mg
â 13%
â 16%
Nifedipine ER 30 mg daily for 7 days
(n = 23)
45 mg
â 5%
â 4%
Atorvastatin Ca 80 mg daily for 7 days
(n = 24)
45 mg
â 24%
â 31%
Theophylline 400 mg twice daily for 7 days
(n = 22)
45 mg
â 4%
â 2%
13 Nonclinical Toxicology
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
A 2-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female rats at oral doses up to 63 mg/kg (approximately 14 times the maximum recommended human oral dose of 45 mg based on mg/m 2). Drug-induced tumors were not observed in any organ except for the urinary bladder. Benign and/or malignant transitional cell neoplasms were observed in male rats at 4 mg/kg/day and above (approximately equal to the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2). A 2-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female mice at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 11 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2). No drug-induced tumors were observed in any organ.
Pioglitazone hydrochloride was not mutagenic in a battery of genetic toxicology studies, including the Ames bacterial assay, a mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay (CHO/HPRT and AS52/XPRT), an in vitro cytogenetics assay using CHL cells, an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay and an in vivo micronucleus assay.
No adverse effects upon fertility were observed in male and female rats at oral doses up to 40 mg/kg pioglitazone hydrochloride daily prior to and throughout mating and gestation (approximately 9 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2).
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Heart enlargement has been observed in mice (100 mg/kg), rats (4 mg/kg and above) and dogs (3 mg/kg) treated orally with pioglitazone hydrochloride (approximately 11, 1 and 2 times the maximum recommended human oral dose for mice, rats and dogs, respectively, based on mg/m 2). In a one-year rat study, drug-related early death due to apparent heart dysfunction occurred at an oral dose of 160 mg/kg/day (approximately 35 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2). Heart enlargement was seen in a 13-week study in monkeys at oral doses of 8.9 mg/kg and above (approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2), but not in a 52-week study at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg (approximately 13 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2).
13.3 Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology
Pioglitazone was not teratogenic in rats at oral doses up to 80 mg/kg or in rabbits given up to 160 mg/kg during organogenesis (approximately 17 and 40 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2, respectively). Delayed parturition and embryotoxicity (as evidenced by increased postimplantation losses, delayed development and reduced fetal weights) were observed in rats at oral doses of 40 mg/kg/day and above (approximately 10 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2). No functional or behavioral toxicity was observed in offspring of rats. In rabbits, embryotoxicity was observed at an oral dose of 160 mg/kg (approximately 40 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2). Delayed postnatal development, attributed to decreased body weight, was observed in offspring of rats at oral doses of 10 mg/kg and above during late gestation and lactation periods (approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m 2).
14 Clinical Studies
14.1 Monotherapy
Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with durations from 16 to 26 weeks were conducted to evaluate the use of pioglitazone as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. These trials examined pioglitazone at doses up to 45 mg or placebo once daily in a total of 865 patients.
In a 26-week dose-ranging monotherapy trial, 408 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg or 45 mg of pioglitazone, or placebo once daily. Therapy with any previous antidiabetic agent was discontinued 8 weeks prior to the double-blind period.
Treatment with 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg of pioglitazone produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at endpoint compared to placebo (see Figure 1, Table 17).
Figure 1 shows the time course for changes in HbA1c in this 26-week study.
Figure 1. Mean Change from Baseline for HbA1c in a 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Dose-Ranging Study (Observed Values)
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Table 17. Glycemic Parameters in a 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Dose-Ranging Monotherapy Trial
Placebo
Pioglitazone
15 mg
Once Daily
Pioglitazone
30 mg
Once Daily
Pioglitazone
45 mg
Once Daily
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 79
n = 79
n = 85
n = 76
Baseline (mean)
10.4
10.2
10.2
10.3
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
0.7
-0.3
-0.3
-0.9
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-1p †0.05 vs. placebo
(-1.6, -0.4)
-1
(-1.6, -0.4)
-1.6
(-2.2, -1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 79
n = 79
n = 84
n = 77
Baseline (mean)
268
267
269
276
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
9
-30
-32
-56
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-39
(-63, -16)
-41
(-64, -18)
-65
(-89, -42)
In a 24-week placebo-controlled monotherapy trial, 260 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of two forced-titration pioglitazone treatment groups or a mock-titration placebo group. Therapy with any previous antidiabetic agent was discontinued 6 weeks prior to the double-blind period. In one pioglitazone treatment group, patients received an initial dose of 7.5 mg once daily. After 4 weeks, the dose was increased to 15 mg once daily and after another 4 weeks, the dose was increased to 30 mg once daily for the remainder of the trial (16 weeks). In the second pioglitazone treatment group, patients received an initial dose of 15 mg once daily and were titrated to 30 mg once daily and 45 mg once daily in a similar manner. Treatment with pioglitazone, as described, produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo ( Table 18).
Table 18. Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Placebo-Controlled Forced-Titration Monotherapy Trial
Placebo
Pioglitazone
30 mgFinal dose in forced titration
Once Daily
Pioglitazone
45 mg
Once Daily
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 83
n = 85
n = 85
Baseline (mean)
10.8
10.3
10.8
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
0.9
-0.6
-0.6
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-1.5p †0.05 vs. placebo
(-2, -1)
-1.5
(-2, -1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 78
n = 82
n = 85
Baseline (mean)
279
268
281
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
18
-44
-50
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-62
(-82, -0.41)
-68
(-88, -0.48)
In a 16-week monotherapy trial, 197 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to treatment with 30 mg of pioglitazone or placebo once daily. Therapy with any previous antidiabetic agent was discontinued 6 weeks prior to the double-blind period. Treatment with 30 mg of pioglitazone produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo ( Table 19).
Table 19. Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled Monotherapy Trial
Placebo
Pioglitazone
30 mg
Once Daily
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 93
n = 100
Baseline (mean)
10.3
10.5
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
0.8
-0.6
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-1.4p †0.05 vs. placebo
(-1.8, -0.9)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 91
n = 99
Baseline (mean)
270
273
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
8
-50
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-58
(-77, -38)
14.2 Combination Therapy
Three 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of pioglitazone (15 mg and/or 30 mg) on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled (HbA1c â„ 8%) despite current therapy with a sulfonylurea, metformin or insulin. In addition, three 24-week randomized, double-blind clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of pioglitazone 30 mg vs. pioglitazone 45 mg on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled (HbA1c â„ 8%) despite current therapy with a sulfonylurea, metformin or insulin. Previous diabetes treatment may have been monotherapy or combination therapy.
Add-on to Sulfonylurea Trials
Two clinical trials were conducted with pioglitazone in combination with a sulfonylurea. Both studies included patients with type 2 diabetes on any dose of a sulfonylurea, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn at least 3 weeks prior to starting study treatment.
In the first study, 560 patients were randomized to receive 15 mg or 30 mg of pioglitazone or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their current sulfonylurea regimen. Treatment with pioglitazone as add-on to sulfonylurea produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to sulfonylurea (Table 20).
Table 20. Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled, Add-on to Sulfonylurea Trial
Placebo + Sulfonylurea
Pioglitazone
15 mg + Sulfonylurea
Pioglitazone
30 mg + Sulfonylurea
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 181
n = 176
n = 182
Baseline (mean)
9.9
10
9.9
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
0.1
-0.8
-1.2
Difference from placebo + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-0.9p †0.05 vs. placebo + sulfonylurea
(-1.2, -0.6)
-1.3
(-1.6, -1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 182
n = 179
n = 186
Baseline (mean)
236
247
239
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
6
-34
-52
Difference from placebo + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-39
(-52, -27)
-58
(-70, -46)
In the second trial, 702 patients were randomized to receive 30 mg or 45 mg of pioglitazone once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current sulfonylurea regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 1.6% for the 30 mg dose and 1.7% for the 45 mg dose (see Table 21). The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 52 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 56 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose.
The therapeutic effect of pioglitazone in combination with sulfonylurea was observed in patients regardless of the sulfonylurea dose.
Table 21. Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Add-on to Sulfonylurea Trial 95% CI = 95% confidence interval
Pioglitazone
30 mg + Sulfonylurea
Pioglitazone
45 mg + Sulfonylurea
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 340
n = 332
Baseline (mean)
9.8
9.9
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
-1.6
-1.7
Difference from 30 mg daily pioglitazone + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean) (95% CI)
-0.1
(-0.4, 0.1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 338
n = 329
Baseline (mean)
214
217
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
-52
-56
Difference from 30 mg daily pioglitazone + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean) (95% CI)
-5
(-12, 3)
Add-on to Metformin Trials
Two clinical trials were conducted with pioglitazone in combination with metformin. Both trials included patients with type 2 diabetes on any dose of metformin, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn at least 3 weeks prior to starting study treatment.
In the first trial, 328 patients were randomized to receive either 30 mg of pioglitazone or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their current metformin regimen. Treatment with pioglitazone as add-on to metformin produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to metformin (see Table 22).
Table 22. Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled, Add-on to Metformin Trial
Placebo + Metformin
Pioglitazone
30 mg + Metformin
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 153
n = 161
Baseline (mean)
9.8
9.9
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
0.2
-0.6
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-0.8p †0.05 vs. placebo + metformin
(-1.2, -0.5)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 157
n = 165
Baseline (mean)
260
254
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
-5
-43
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-38
(-49, -26)
In the second trial, 827 patients were randomized to receive either 30 mg or 45 mg of pioglitazone once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current metformin regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 0.8% for the 30 mg dose and 1% for the 45 mg dose (see Table 23). The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 38 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 51 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose.
Table 23. Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Add-on to Metformin Study 95% CI = 95% confidence interval
Pioglitazone
30 mg + Metformin
Pioglitazone
45 mg + Metformin
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 400
n = 398
Baseline (mean)
9.9
9.8
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
-0.8
-1
Difference from 30 mg daily pioglitazone + metformin (adjusted mean) (95% CI)
-0.2
(-0.5, 0.1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 398
n = 399
Baseline (mean)
233
232
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
-38
-51
Difference from 30 mg daily pioglitazone + metformin (adjusted mean) (95% CI)
-12p †0.05 vs. 30 mg daily pioglitazone + metformin
(-21, -4)
The therapeutic effect of pioglitazone in combination with metformin was observed in patients regardless of the metformin dose.
Add-on to Insulin Trials
Two clinical trials were conducted with pioglitazone in combination with insulin. Both trials included patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn prior to starting study treatment. In the first trial, 566 patients were randomized to receive either 15 mg or 30 mg of pioglitazone or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their insulin regimen. Treatment with pioglitazone as add-on to insulin produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to insulin (see Table 24). The mean daily insulin dose at baseline in each treatment group was approximately 70 units. The majority of patients (75% overall, 86% treated with placebo, 77% treated with pioglitazone 15 mg and 61% treated with pioglitazone 30 mg) had no change in their daily insulin dose from baseline to the final study visit. The mean change from baseline in daily dose of insulin (including patients with no insulin dose modifications) was -3 units in the patients treated with pioglitazone 15 mg, -8 units in the patients treated with pioglitazone 30 mg and -1 unit in patients treated with placebo.
Table 24. Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled, Add-on to Insulin Trial
Placebo + Insulin
Pioglitazone
15 mg + Insulin
Pioglitazone
30 mg + Insulin
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 177
n = 177
n = 185
Baseline (mean)
9.8
9.8
9.8
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
-0.3
-1
-1.3
Difference from placebo + insulin (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-0.7p †0.05 vs. placebo + insulin
(-1, -0.5)
-1
(-1.3, -0.7)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 179
n = 183
n = 184
Baseline (mean)
221
222
229
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
1
-35
-48
Difference from placebo + insulin (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-35
(-51, -19)
-49
(-65, -33)
In the second trial, 690 patients receiving a median of 60 units per day of insulin were randomized to receive either 30 mg or 45 mg of pioglitazone once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current insulin regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 1.2% for the 30 mg dose and 1.5% for the 45 mg dose. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 32 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 46 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose (see Table 25). The mean daily insulin dose at baseline in both treatment groups was approximately 70 units. The majority of patients (55% overall, 58% treated with pioglitazone 30 mg and 52% treated with pioglitazone 45 mg) had no change in their daily insulin dose from baseline to the final study visit. The mean change from baseline in daily dose of insulin (including patients with no insulin dose modifications) was -5 units in the patients treated with pioglitazone 30 mg and -8 units in the patients treated with pioglitazone 45 mg.
The therapeutic effect of pioglitazone in combination with insulin was observed in patients regardless of the insulin dose.
Table 25. Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Add-on to Insulin Trial 95% CI = 95% confidence interval
Pioglitazone
30 mg + Insulin
Pioglitazone
45 mg + Insulin
Total Population
HcA1c (%)
n = 328
n = 328
Baseline (mean)
9.9
9.7
Change from baseline (adjusted meanAdjusted for baseline, pooled center and pooled center by treatment interaction )
-1.2
-1.5
Difference from 30 mg daily pioglitazone + Insulin (adjusted mean) (95% CI)
-0.3p †0.05 vs. 30 mg daily pioglitazone + insulin
(-0.5, -0.1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
n = 325
n = 327
Baseline (mean)
202
199
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)
-32
-46
Difference from 30 mg daily pioglitazone + Insulin (adjusted mean) (95% CI)
-14
(-25, -3)
16 How Supplied/storage And Handling
Pioglitazone Tablets, USP are available are available as follows:
15 mg tablet: white, oval shaped tablets debossed with âSZ 244â on one side and 15 on the other side.
- NDC 0781-5420-31, bottle of 30 tablets NDC 0781-5420-92, bottle of 90 tablets NDC 0781-5420-10, bottle of 1000 tablets NDC 0781-5420-64, carton of 30 tablets (3 x 10 Unit-Dose)
30 mg tablet: white, oval shaped tablets debossed with âSZ 245â on one side and 30 on the other side.
- NDC 0781-5421-31, bottle of 30 tablets NDC 0781-5421-92, bottle of 90 tablets NDC 0781-5421-10, bottle of 1000 tablets NDC 0781-5421-64, carton of 30 tablets (3 x 10 Unit-Dose)
45 mg tablet: white, oval shaped tablets debossed with âSZ 246â on one side and 45 on the other side.
- NDC 0781-5422-31, bottle of 30 tablets NDC 0781-5422-92, bottle of 90 tablets NDC 0781-5422-10, bottle of 1000 tablets NDC 0781-5422-64, carton of 30 tablets (3 x 10 Unit-Dose)
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15Âș to 30ÂșC (59Âș to 86ÂșF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.
17 Patient Counseling Information
See FDA-Approved Medication Guide (17.2).
17.1 Instructions
- It is important to instruct patients to adhere to dietary instructions and to have blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin tested regularly. During periods of stress such as fever, trauma, infection or surgery, medication requirements may change and patients should be reminded to seek medical advice promptly.
- Patients who experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or edema or who develop shortness of breath or other symptoms of heart failure while on pioglitazone should immediately report these symptoms to a physician.
- Tell patients to promptly stop taking pioglitazone and seek immediate medical advice if there is unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia or dark urine as these symptoms may be due to hepatotoxicity.
- Tell patients to promptly report any sign of macroscopic hematuria or other symptoms such as dysuria or urinary urgency that develop or increase during treatment as these may be due to bladder cancer.
- Tell patients to take pioglitazone once daily. Pioglitazone can be taken with or without meals. If a dose is missed on one day, the dose should not be doubled the following day.
- When using combination therapy with insulin or other antidiabetic medications, the risks of hypoglycemia, its symptoms and treatment and conditions that predispose to its development should be explained to patients and their family members.
- Therapy with pioglitazone, like other thiazolidinediones, may result in ovulation in some premenopausal anovulatory women. As a result, these patients may be at an increased risk for pregnancy while taking pioglitazone. Therefore, adequate contraception should be recommended for all pre-menopausal women who are prescribed pioglitazone.
17.2 FDA-Approved Medication Guide
Medication Guide
Pioglitazone Tablets, USP
Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start taking pioglitazone tablets and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about pioglitazone tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the most important information I should know about pioglitazone tablets?
Pioglitazone tablets can cause serious side effects, including new or worse heart failure.
- Pioglitazone tablets can cause your body to keep extra fluid (fluid retention), which leads to swelling (edema) and weight gain. Extra body fluid can make some heart problems worse or lead to heart failure. Heart failure means your heart does not pump blood well enough.
- Do not take pioglitazone tablets if you have severe heart failure.
- If you have heart failure with symptoms (such as shortness of breath or swelling), even if these symptoms are not severe, pioglitazone tablets may not be right for you.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
- swelling or fluid retention, especially in the ankles or legs
- shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down
- an unusually fast increase in weight
- unusual tiredness
Pioglitazone tablets can have other serious side effects. See âWhat are the possible side effects of pioglitazone tablets?â
What are pioglitazone tablets?
Pioglitazone tablets are a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone tablets is a diabetes medicine called pioglitazone hydrochloride that may be taken alone or with other diabetes medicines.
It is not known if pioglitazone tablets are safe and effective in children.
Who should not take pioglitazone tablets?
See âWhat is the most important information I should know about pioglitazone tablets?â
Do not take pioglitazone tablets if you:
- have severe heart failure
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in pioglitazone tablets . See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete ul of ingredients in pioglitazone tablets.
Talk to your doctor before taking pioglitazone tablets if you have either of these conditions.
What should I tell my doctor before taking pioglitazone tablets?
Before you take starting pioglitazone tablets, tell your doctor if you:
- have heart failure
- have type 1 (âjuvenileâ) diabetes or had diabetic ketoacidosis
- have a type of diabetic eye disease that causes swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema)
- have liver problems
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if pioglitazone tablets will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant about the best way to control your blood glucose levels while pregnant.
- are a premenopausal woman (before the âchange of lifeâ) who does not have periods regularly or at all. Pioglitazone tablets may increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control choices while taking pioglitazone tablets. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking pioglitazone tablets.
- are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if pioglitazone tablets passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby. You should not take pioglitazone tablets if you breastfeed your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to control your blood glucose levels while breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Pioglitazone tablets and some of your other medicines can affect each other. You may need to have your dose of pioglitazone tablets or certain other medicines changed.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a ul of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist before you start a new medicine. They will tell you if it is okay to take pioglitazone tablets with other medicines.
How should I take pioglitazone tablets?
- Take pioglitazone tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Your doctor may change your dose of pioglitazone tablets. Do not change your pioglitazone tablets dose unless your doctor tells you to.
- Pioglitazone tablets may be prescribed alone or with other diabetes medicines. This will depend on how well your blood sugar is controlled.
- Take pioglitazone tablets one time each day, with or without food.
- If you miss a dose of pioglitazone tablets, take your next dose as prescribed unless your doctor tells you differently. Do not take two doses at one time the next day.
- If you take too much pioglitazone tablets, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
- If your body is under stress such as from a fever, infection, accident or surgery the dose of your diabetes medicines may need to be changed. Call your doctor right away.
- Stay on your diet and exercise programs and test your blood sugar regularly while taking pioglitazone tablets.
- Your doctor should do certain blood tests before you start and while you take pioglitazone tablets.
- Your doctor should also do hemoglobin A1C testing to check how well your blood sugar is controlled with pioglitazone tablets.
- Your doctor should check your eyes regularly while you take pioglitazone tablets.
- It may take 2 to 3 months to see the full effect of pioglitazone tablets on your blood sugar level.
What are the possible side effects of pioglitazone tablets?
Pioglitazone tablets may cause serious side effects including:
- See âWhat is the most important information about pioglitazone tablets.â
- liver problems. Call your doctor right away if you have:
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- unusual or unexplained tiredness
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- broken bones (fractures). Usually in the hand, upper arm or foot in women. Talk to your doctor for advice on how to keep your bones healthy.
- bladder cancer. There may be an increased chance of having bladder cancer when you take pioglitazone tablets. You should not take pioglitazone tablets if you are receiving treatment for bladder cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bladder cancer:
- blood or red color in your urine
- an increased need to urinate
- pain while you urinate
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This can happen if you skip meals, if you also use another medicine that lowers blood sugar or if you have certain medical problems. Lightheadedness, dizziness, shakiness, or hunger may happen if your blood sugar is too low. Call your doctor if low blood sugar levels are a problem for you.
- diabetic eye disease with swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema). Tell your doctor right away if you have any changes in your vision. Your doctor should check your eyes regularly.
- release of an egg from an ovary in a woman (ovulation) leading to pregnancy. Ovulation may happen when premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods take pioglitazone tablets. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant.
The most common side effects of pioglitazone tablets include:
- cold-like symptoms (respiratory tract infection)
- headache
- sinus infection
- muscle pain
- sore throat
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the side effects of pioglitazone tablets. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store pioglitazone tablets?
- Store pioglitazone tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Keep pioglitazone tablets in the original container and protect from light
- Keep the pioglitazone tablets bottle tightly closed and protect from getting wet (away from moisture and humidity)
- Keep pioglitazone tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children
General information about the safe and effective use of pioglitazone tablets
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those uled in a Medication Guide. Do not use pioglitazone tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give pioglitazone tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about pioglitazone tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about pioglitazone tablets that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, call Sandoz at 1-800-525-8747.
What are the ingredients in pioglitazone tablets?
Active Ingredient: pioglitazone hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients: carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured in Slovenia by Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. for Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540
Rev. July 2012
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