Actos (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Medicine Uses

Actos is used for treatment of type 2 diabetes in certain patients. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Actos as directed by your doctor. Take Actos with or without a meal. Continue to take Actos even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Actos at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

Store Actos at 77 °F (25 °C), excursions permitted to 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Actos out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Actos, if you have a history of liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), eye or vision problems or have swelling problems (edema), if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe problem associated with diabetes) if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Actos while you are pregnant. It is not known if Actos is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Actos. Some medicines may interact with Actos. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Actos if you have type 1 diabetes. You should carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes. Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular blood sugar testing are important for best results with Actos. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your doctor. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher than they should be and you take Actos exactly as prescribed, let your doctor know. It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor. Actos may lower your blood sugar levels when it is used along with insulin or other oral diabetic medicines. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster, make your vision change, give you a headache, chills, or tremors, or make you hungrier. You should carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals. Actos may cause ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. Be sure to use effective birth control while using Actos. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Actos before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Actos may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Actos should not be used in children younger than 18 years old. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Headache, muscle aches, sore throat, weight gain. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision or other vision changes, symptoms of heart failure (eg, shortness of breath, sudden unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet), symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unexplained nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, stomach pain), symptoms of low blood sugar (eg, anxiety, increased sweating, dizziness or drowsiness, headache, chills, tremors, increased hunger), unusual tiredness or weakness.

More Information

Do not take more or less of Actos than prescribed by your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Actos should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. The data is general and shouldn't be trusted for every aim.