Pioglitazone and who it might benefit.....

[Troutwhisperer]

I’m reading posts by members who have been prescribed this drug for reduction of liver fat.

Does anyone else have a positive or negative result with this drug? Are hepatologists in favor of using it?

Any thoughts or experiences are welcome.

Sincerely,

Troutwhisperer

[vandelay]

Here is a link to the most robust study that I know of studying it’s efficacy vs Vitamin E and placebo.

nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/N...

FWIW my hepatologist prescribed Vitamin E to me for NASH and never mentioned pioglitazone.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to vandelay]

Thank you for the link regarding a study of pioglitazone and vitamin E and possible benefit for NASH patients. Just a few days ago I had not heard of pioglitazone. It will be one question for a consult with a hepatologist. Apparently I should have had my first consult years ago. I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease in 1986. I have had Kaiser Permanente as my provider since 2007. I have had a diagnosis of NASH since 2007. 2021 has been a year of firsts: first Liverfast test, first Fibroscan, and hopefully first consult with a hepatologist.

Thank you for helping me learn about a possible treatment!

Sincerely,

Troutwhisperer

[nash2 Partner]

It is a diabetic drug so use for liver is off label but there have been some positive studies. It is a PPAR drug so a lot of people have side effects.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to nash2]

Your comment is appreciated. I hope I am able to see a hepatologist so I might ask my questions. I’m not sure how many drugs are in phase 3 trials, and I hope I can ask about several. I’m thinking Obeticholic acid and Resmitiron (probably off on my spelling). If there are others in phase 3 that is great news. I probably have said this before, but I am willing to take the risk of itching to death if Obeticholic acid has any possible benefit. If biliary cholangitis (chk spelling) patients are ok with it I think the FDA ought to be ok with it also. Maybe I’m wrong, but I hope not.

Sincerely,

Troutwhisperer

[Hidden in reply to nash2]

I was prescribed this off label by my consultant who is a professor in hepatology. I have had no side effects and positive results following a liver biopsy.

[Newdeck in reply to Hidden]

I too take it (Actos) and am seeing positive effects.

[Hidden in reply to Newdeck]

Good to hear.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to Hidden]

I apologize for my late response as your news is good news. I hope I can see a hepatologist as I never have had the privilege. So far Kaiser Permanente is denying my referral request.

Thanks for sharing.

Best Wishes,

Troutwhisperer

[Gratefulhog]

Greetings fellow travelers: I added pioglitazone as a secondary Type II diabetic therapy (low dose) about two months ago. To date, I've not encountered any side effect (which, yes, are highly individual). I'm not scheduled for my next Fibroscan until December, so I'll have a decent number of months behind me by then. Blessings to all!

[NYLassie]

Several other diabetes medications reduce liver fat. Victoza, Trulicity, and the one I take, Bydureon, come to mind off the top of my head.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to NYLassie]

Thanks for sharing, and more questions I hope to ask a Hepatologist. So far Kaiser Permanente is denying my request for a referral. I have never had the privilege of a consult with a Hepatologist.

Best Wishes,

Troutwhisperer

[NYLassie]

I hope you can get to see a hepatologist soon.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to NYLassie]

Thank you! I will be filing a grievance as Liverfast test indicated substantial fibrosis.

Best Wishes for you and your health!