Pioglitazone and pregnancy
Pioglitazone is not recommended in pregnancy as there is not much information about its safety during pregnancy.
Other medicines used to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin, are safe to take while pregnant.
If you are pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your doctor as they will need to review your treatment. They will be able to suggest a different medicine that is safer for you to take in pregnancy.
Pioglitazone and breastfeeding
Pioglitazone is not usually recommended while breastfeeding. We do not know how much pioglitazone passes into breast milk, but it is possible it could lower your baby's blood sugar level.
If you are breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about what's best for you and your baby. They will need to review your treatment and may be able to suggest a different medicine for you, particularly if you're breastfeeding a newborn or premature baby.
If your doctor says it's OK to keep taking it while breastfeeding, contact your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if your baby:
- is not feeding as well as usual or seems hungrier
- seems unusually sleepy or irritable
- is paler or more sweaty than usual
- is peeing more
- is causing you any other concerns
Pioglitazone and fertility
There's no evidence to suggest that taking pioglitazone reduces fertility in either men or women.
Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
For more information about how diabetes medicines can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.