Which adverse effect is associated with thiazolidinedione therapy?

Which adverse effect is associated with thiazolidinedione therapy?

• A. Heart failure due to renal fluid retention
• B. Severe hypoglycemia in monotherapy
• C. Pancreatitis
• D. Nephrotoxicity

Answer: (A)

Thiazolidinediones commonly cause fluid retention that can lead to edema and, in some patients, worsen or trigger heart failure. This happens because these drugs promote sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing circulating volume. That makes heart failure or decompensation a recognized adverse effect, especially in patients with existing cardiac disease. In contrast, severe hypoglycemia is unlikely when these agents are used alone, and pancreatitis or nephrotoxicity are not typical adverse effects of this drug class. So the key adverse effect to recognize with thiazolidinedione therapy is heart failure due to renal fluid retention.

Thiazolidinediones commonly cause fluid retention that can lead to edema and, in some patients, worsen or trigger heart failure. This happens because these drugs promote sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing circulating volume. That makes heart failure or decompensation a recognized adverse effect, especially in patients with existing cardiac disease.

In contrast, severe hypoglycemia is unlikely when these agents are used alone, and pancreatitis or nephrotoxicity are not typical adverse effects of this drug class. So the key adverse effect to recognize with thiazolidinedione therapy is heart failure due to renal fluid retention.