Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Atorvastatin and Metformin-pioglitazone: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Pioglitazone is not a clinically meaningful inhibitor of atorvastatin disposition, and the combination is commonly used without problems. Any increase in myopathy risk is theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Metformin-pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Weak in vitro OATP1B1 inhibition by pioglitazone could theoretically raise statin levels, but this is not clinically established.
What to do
No dose adjustment is needed; counsel patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone
Other interactions of Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atorvastatin and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pioglitazone is not a clinically meaningful inhibitor of atorvastatin disposition, and the combination is commonly used without problems. Any increase in myopathy risk is theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is needed; counsel patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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