Insulin regular (human) and Pioglitazone interaction
Insulin regular (human) and Pioglitazone: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.
Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.
What the FDA labels say
From the Insulin regular (human) (AFREZZA) label · effective 2026-05-30
For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, oral antidiabetic treatment dosage modifications may be needed.
For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, dosage modifications of concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may be needed [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .
Risk Factors and Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after use of AFREZZA is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin.
Dosage Modifications for Drug Interactions Dosage modification may be needed when: AFREZZA is used concomitantly with certain drugs that increase and/or decrease the glucose lowering effect [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
From the Pioglitazone (Actos) label · effective 2025-03-28
Combination use with insulin and use in congestive heart failure NYHA Class I and II may increase risk.
• 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.
Congestive Heart Failure ACTOS, like other thiazolidinediones, can cause dose-related fluid retention when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications and is most common when ACTOS is used in combination with insulin.
Hypoglycemia Patients receiving ACTOS 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) ] .
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.