Which of the following is a common side effect of pioglitazone?

Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione used primarily in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is known for its mechanism of improving insulin sensitivity. One of the well-documented side effects associated with pioglitazone is weight gain. This weight gain can occur for a few reasons: the drug leads to fluid retention, which contributes to increased weight, and it may also have effects on fat distribution in the body, promoting fat storage.

In contrast, hyperkalemia is not a well-established side effect of pioglitazone; it is more commonly associated with other medications such as certain diuretics or ACE inhibitors. Hypoglycemia is generally not a side effect of pioglitazone when used alone, as it does not increase insulin secretion but rather enhances insulin action. Hepatotoxicity, while a concern for some antidiabetic medications, is not a primary concern with pioglitazone, though monitoring liver function is still advised in patients taking it.

Thus, the recognition of weight gain as a common side effect helps to guide patient management and expectations when initiating therapy with pioglitazone, making it an important point for healthcare providers to consider in the context of diabetes treatment.