Main Answer:
Pioglitazone's adverse effect is weight gain, requiring vigilant monitoring due to its impact on overall health and diabetes management.C. weight gain.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. weight gain.
Explanation:
Pioglitazone, commonly known by the brand name Actos, is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. One of the adverse effects associated with pioglitazone is weight gain. This can be a significant concern for patients, as it may contribute to other health issues and impact their overall well-being. Thorough monitoring of the patient's weight is crucial during pioglitazone therapy to promptly identify and address this adverse effect.
Weight gain with pioglitazone is primarily due to its mechanism of action, which involves improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, such as adipose (fat) tissue. As insulin sensitivity improves, there is an increased uptake of glucose and storage as fat. While the medication effectively helps control blood sugar levels, the concurrent weight gain necessitates close monitoring. Health care professionals should advise patients on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, to mitigate excessive weight gain.
In summary, the health care professional should prioritize monitoring for weight gain in a patient taking pioglitazone to ensure early detection and appropriate management of this adverse effect. This proactive approach supports the overall goal of optimizing the patient's diabetes management while minimizing potential complications associated with medication-induced weight gain.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. weight gain.