Actos
 = Prescription Required
 = Generic Equvalent
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Actos Prescription Drug Information
Pioglitazone (By mouth)
Pioglitazone (pye-oh-GLI-ta-zone)
Used together with proper diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Brand Name(s):Actos
There may be other brand names for Actos. When Actos Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Actos if you have had an allergic reaction to pioglitazone, or if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (ketones in the blood), or severe heart failure. How to Use Actos:
Tablet
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Actos to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
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You may take Actos with or without food.
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To best manage your diabetes, carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet, exercise, or weight loss. Test your blood sugar regularly.
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Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
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Actos should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
If a dose of Actos is missed:
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If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Actos:
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Actos:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines to treat your diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are using gemfibrozil (Lopid®) or rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®).
Warnings While Using Actos:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Actos can increase your chance of getting pregnant, even if you have irregular periods. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control while you are using Actos.
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Do not breastfeed while you are using Actos.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, or edema (problems with fluid retention or swelling). Also, tell your doctor if you have an eye disease such as macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye), fragile bones (especially women), or if you recently had a fever, infection, trauma, or surgery.
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Check with your doctor right away if you start having chest pain; shortness of breath; excessive swelling of the hands, wrist, ankles, or feet; or if you are rapidly gaining weight. These may be symptoms of a serious heart problem.
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Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using Actos. Be sure to keep all appointments. You will also need to check your blood sugar regularly at home.
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If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or below, do one of the following: Drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of fruit juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Recheck your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If your blood sugar goes above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack or a meal. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, drink one-half cup juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Carry candy or some type of sugar with you at all times, especially if you are away from home. You can take this if you feel that your blood sugar is too low, even if you do not have a blood glucose meter. Always carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to treat your low blood sugar. Learn what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach friends, coworkers, and family members what they can do to help if you have low blood sugar.
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Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, decreased vision, or any other change in vision occurs during your treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
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Actos may increase the risk of bone fractures in women. Ask your doctor about ways to keep your bones strong to help prevent fractures.
Possible Side Effects While Using Actos:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Blurred vision or other changes in vision.
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Chest pain or uneven heartbeat.
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Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
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Lightheadedness, dizziness, shakiness, or increased hunger.
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Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
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Pain or swelling in the arms or legs without an injury.
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Rapid weight gain.
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Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
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Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
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Unusual bleeding or bruising.
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Unusual tiredness or weakness.
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Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Actos, talk with your doctor:
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Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat.
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Headache.
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Muscle pain.
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Problems with your teeth.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Actos, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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