HSA's advisory on the use of pioglitazone

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update healthcare professionals on the outcome of its recent review of the benefit-risk profile of pioglitazone taking into consideration the new findings of its association with a small increased risk of bladder cancer. HSA with advice from its Pharmacovigilance Advisory Committee (PVAC) and an expert panel of endocrinologists and oncologists has assessed that the benefit-risk profile remains favourable and has put forward additional recommendations to guide doctors on its use so as to minimise the risk of bladder cancer in patients who are prescribed with the medicine. The local package insert of pioglitazone will also be amended accordingly to reflect the additional contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with its use. Please refer to the Dear Healthcare Professsional Letter (DHCPL) for the details of HSA's recommendations.