ACTOS

Generic name: Pioglitazone hydrochloride

What is ACTOS?

Actos is an oral antidiabetic drug that is used to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or with other diabetes medicine. Actos decreases insulin resistance and reduces circulating insulin levels. Actos should be used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and weight loss, if needed.

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 have a history of heart problems or if you experience signs of heart failure, including rapid weight gain, fluid retention, shortness of breath, or if you feel unusually tired while taking Actos Your doctor may also perform blood tests for liver function periodically; if you notice any unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, or dark urine, tell your doctor immediately.

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 (yellowing of the skin), people with type 1 diabetes, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are allergic to Actos or any of its ingredients.

Actos should not be used for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes in which acids called ketones build up in the blood). Actos should be used with caution in people with swelling (edema).

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), if you are being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis, have a type of diabetic eye disease called macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye), if you are pregnant or planning 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 dosage of Actos 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 which may lead to low blood sugar, especially if you are also using insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. Test your blood sugar and HBA1C 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 oral hypoglycemic 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: new or worsened heart failure, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), swelling (edema), weight gain, ovulation, low red blood cell count (anemia), liver problems, swelling in the back of the eye, bone fractures upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinus infection,, muscle soreness, tooth problems, aggravated diabetes, 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, planning 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. However, women using oral contraceptives should talk with their health professionals, as they 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 on one day, take it as soon as you remember within the same day. If you miss a day, do not take a double dose the next day to make up for it. Take your next dose as prescribed unless otherwise told by your doctor.

How should I store ACTOS?

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and humidity.