The following information is a summary about Actos. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Actos medication prescribed?
Actos/Pioglitazone is used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Actos/Pioglitazone is in a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. Actos works by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, a substance your body produces to help control blood sugar levels.
How should this Actos medicine be used?
Actos/Pioglitazone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Actos is usually taken once daily with or without meals. Follow the Actos directions on your Actos prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Actos pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Actos/pioglitazone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Actos or take Actos more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Actos/Pioglitazone controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take Actos/pioglitazone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Actos/pioglitazone without talking to your doctor.
What special Actos precautions should I follow?
Before taking Actos/pioglitazone:
- tell your doctor and Actos pharmacist if you are allergic to Actos/pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, troglitazone, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and Actos pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ketoconazole (Nizoral), oral contraceptives, other medications for type 2 diabetes, and vitamins or herbal products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if your have ever taken troglitazone (Rezulin).
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), swollen ankles or feet (edema), high cholesterol, or a history of alcohol abuse.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Actos/pioglitazone, call your doctor immediately.
- you should know that Actos/pioglitazone can restart ovulation in women taking oral contraceptives or those with polycystic ovary disease. You are at risk for pregnancy if adequate birth control is not used. You should discuss a reliable form of birth control with your doctor. If you are taking birth control pills, your doctor may choose to adjust your Actos dose.
What special Actos dietary instructions should I follow?
Actos/Pioglitazone should be taken with the same meals every day. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. Calorie reduction, weight loss, and exercise will help control your diabetes and will also make Actos/pioglitazone work better. It is important to eat a healthy diet.
Alcohol increases blood sugar; ask your doctor for information on how much alcohol is safe to drink.
Actos Side Effects
Actos/Pioglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, but Actos may cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes. If you have any of the following Actos symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- shakiness
- dizziness
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- confusion
- blurred vision
- headache
- numbness or tingling of the mouth
- weakness
- tiredness
- pale color
- sudden hunger
If you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), call your doctor immediately:
- thirst
- dry mouth
- tiredness
- flushing
- dry skin
- frequent urination
- loss of appetite
- trouble breathing
Although side effects from Actos/pioglitazone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Actos symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- sinus or respiratory infection
- headache
- muscle pain
- tooth or mouth pain
- sore throat
- weight gain
- swelling of the ankles or feet
If you experience any of the following Actos symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- rapid weight gain
- swelling of the ankles or feet that happens very quickly
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- excessive tiredness
- dark urine
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Additional Actos Information
Rare cases of liver injury and failure have occurred during therapy with troglitazone, a drug similar to Actos/pioglitazone. The potential risk of liver injury with Actos/pioglitazone is not known at this time. It is important that you keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment to check your response to Actos/pioglitazone. You will have these tests before you begin to take Actos/pioglitazone, and then every 2 months for the first year of therapy. After the first year, these tests will be done less frequently.
Call your doctor during periods of stress, such as fever, trauma, infection, or prolonged illness. Your Actos medications may need to be adjusted.
Actos/Pioglitazone may cause a slight decrease in red and white blood cells. Before you have any laboratory test, tell the laboratory personnel and your doctor that you take this Actos medication.
What storage conditions are needed for Actos?
Keep Actos in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Actos at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Actos medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Actos medication.
In case of Actos emergency/overdose
In case of Actos overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other Actos information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Actos.
Do not let anyone else take your Actos medication. Ask your Actos pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Actos prescription.
Other uses for this Actos medicine
This Actos medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Actos information.
What should I do if I forget a Actos dose?
Take the missed Actos dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Actos dose, skip the missed Actos dose and continue your regular Actos dosing schedule. Do not take a double Actos dose to make up for a missed one.
