Why is Actos prescribed?

Pioglitazone (Actos) is prescribed to control and manage type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to use insulin normally, causing high blood sugar levels. Actos is unable to control type 1 diabetes and is specific for type 2 diabetes only. It should be taken in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise to improve blood sugar control.

What does it do?

Pioglitazone is classified as a thiazolidinedione and it requires insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels) to elicit its effect. Pioglitazone allows the body to control blood sugar levels by increasing your body’s response to insulin.

How should I take it?

Actos is available in 15mg, 30mg, and 45mg tablets intended for oral administration. It is normally taken once daily and can be taken with or without meals. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take it.

When taking Actos, swallow the tablet whole. It should not be crushed, chewed, broken in half, or tampered with in any way.

Taking this drug may cause you to have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may feel dizzy, extremely hungry, and irritable. To treat this, you can eat or drink a source of sugar that is readily available such as regular soda, candies, and fruit juices.

Do not stop taking Actos without consulting your doctor. Actos does not treat your diabetes and only controls it.

The effects of this medication may not be immediate and may take two weeks until your blood sugar level decreases. The full effect of Actos may take around 2 to 3 months.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any concerns you may have in taking Actos. Do not alter your dose without consulting your doctor.

What if I missed a dose?

The desired effects of prescribed medications will only be achieved if taken properly. As much as possible, strictly follow your doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule. However, if you miss a dose, take it immediately and adjust the time of your next dose depending on your doctor’s advice. Never take two doses at the same time just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before taking Actos?

Inform your doctor of any medical condition you have especially if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, or kidney problems. Pioglitazone may not be suitable for you to take in these cases and should be discussed with your doctor.

Inform your doctor of your past medical history especially if you had congestive heart failure, heart disease, a heart attack, stroke, bladder tumors or cancer, eye problems due to diabetes, or liver disease.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any component of Actos. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergies if you are susceptible.

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications.

Pioglitazone may increase your chance of getting fractures and broken bones. Discuss the actions you can take to maintain your bone strength with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you develop an infection, have a fever, have been exposed to unusual stress, or have gotten injured as these conditions may affect your blood sugar levels.

For the drug label information of Actos, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects may include:
• Flatulence
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Hypoglycemia
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory tract infections

Serious side effects may include:
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Extreme fatigue
• Loss of vision
• Painful and difficult urination
• Swollen face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• Vision changes

Is it safe to take it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause serious or life-threatening reactions when administered together. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Pioglitazone with any of the following medications:

• Atacand
• Avandamet
• Insulin glargine
• Januvia
• Levaquin
• Lipitor
• Lopid
• Metaglip
• Midazolam
• Nizoral
• Normodyne
• Prednisone
• Prilosec
• Procardia
• Ranitidine
• Rifadin
• Topamax
• Toprol XL
• Tradjenta
• Uniphyllin

This information does not reflect all possible drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Actos in a clean environment away from light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed.

Keep out of reach from children and pets. This medication is specific for you and must not be consumed by others. Dispose medications that are no longer needed or expired.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:

1. Hypoglycemia
2. Extreme weakness
3. Blurry vision
4. Profuse sweating
5. Speech difficulties
6. Tremors
7. Stomach pain
8. Seizures
9. Confusion

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Pioglitazone should not be taken during pregnancy since it has not been determined if it will cause harm to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. It is crucial to control high blood glucose levels during pregnancy as the presence of high blood sugar in the body may cause complications to you and your baby.

Pioglitazone should not be taken while breastfeeding your baby. It is not established if the use of this medication passes into human milk, which may cause harm to your baby. Consult your doctor on how to manage your blood sugar levels if you are breastfeeding.

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