Actos
Generic Name: Pioglitazone
What is Actos?
Actos is an oral antidiabetic drug that is used to improve high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or with other diabetes medication.What is the most important information I should know about Actos?
Actos can cause fluid retention when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, including insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or worsen heart failure. Tell your doctor if you experience signs of heart failure, including rapid weight gain, fluid retention, shortness of breath especially when you lie down, or if you feel unusually tired while taking Actos.Actos may cause low blood sugar, making you feel lightheaded, dizzy, shaky, and hungry. Call your doctor if this is a continuous problem for you.
Report any vision changes to your doctor immediately. You should have regular eye exams while taking Actos.
Your doctor may perform blood tests to check your liver function periodically. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any stomach pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), nausea and vomiting, or dark urine, as these could be signs of liver damage.
Who should not take Actos?
Certain patients with heart failure should not start taking Actos. It should not be taken by people with active liver disease or jaundice, people with type 1 diabetes, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Actos.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Actos?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Actos. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have congestive heart failure, liver problems, type 1 diabetes, edema (swelling), have a history of diabetic ketoacidosis, have a type of diabetic eye disease called macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye), if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are a premenopausal woman and do not have periods regularly or at all.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual dose is 15 milligrams (mg) or 30 mg once a day. If you do not respond adequately to the initial dose, the dose can be increased up to 45 mg once a day.
How should I take Actos?
Actos is taken once a day, with or without meals.What should I avoid while taking Actos?
Avoid rapidly increasing your dose without speaking to your doctor first. Avoid situations that may lead to low blood sugar, especially if you are also using insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. Test your blood sugar regularly.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Actos?
If Actos is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Actos with insulin or other diabetes medications.What are the possible side effects of Actos?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: cold symptoms, headache, sinus infection, muscle soreness, tooth problems, sore throat
Can I receive Actos if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Actos should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.If you are a premenopausal woman who is not ovulating, you should know that Actos might increase your risk of pregnancy by causing you to ovulate. Therefore, you may need to consider birth control options. If on the other hand you use contraceptives, talk with your doctor as you may be at increased risk for pregnancy if appropriate contraceptive methods or adjustments are not used.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Actos?
If you miss a dose of Actos, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a whole day, do not take two doses the next day to make up for it. Take your next dose as prescribed unless told otherwise by your doctor.How should I store Actos?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and humidity.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
