Taken once or twice daily with or without food
These work by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity enabling the insulin that the body produces to work more effectively.
Side effects which may be experienced in this group
Rosiglitazone alone
Oedema, blood disorders, increase in blood fats, weight gain, increased appetite, heart problems, constipation, increased risk of bone fractures (women).
Pioglitazone alone
Visual disturbance, oedema, weight gain, sinusitis, respiratory infection, numbness, insomnia, liver function problems, increased risk of bone fractures (women).
Rosiglitazone combined with Metformin
Blood disorders, increase in blood fats, weight gain, hypoglycaemia (hypo), dizziness, heart problems, constipation, oedema.
Pioglitazone combined with Metformin
Blood disorders, visual disturbance, flatulence, weight gain, aching muscles, headaches, blood in urine, impotence, oedema, respiratory infection.
| Generic name |
Trade name |
Tablet size |
Initial /maximum daily dose |
| Rosiglitazone |
Avandia |
4 mg
8 mg |
4 - 8 mg |
| Pioglitazone |
Actos |
15 mg
30 mg
45 mg |
15 - 45 mg |
| Rosiglitazone/Metformin |
Avandamet |
2 mg/500 mg
2 mg/1000 mg
4 mg/1000 mg |
4 mg/2000 mg -
8 mg/2000mg |
| Pioglitazone /Metformin |
Competact |
15 mg/850 mg |
15 mg/850 mg -
30 mg/1700 mg |
The dosage indicated will vary from person to person - if you have any problems with your dosage or the tablets you are taking, contact your healthcare team.
Next review date September 2009