What is Actos (Pioglitazone )?
It is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.This medication is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. It is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.This may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
It is available in 15mg,30mg & 45mg tablets
Important information
Do not use it if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, or liver disease.Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.Some women using it have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking it. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with it.
Before taking this medications
Do not use it if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).If you have any of these other conditions, you may need to adjust your dose of it or have special tests:congestive heart failure or heart disease;a history of heart attack or stroke; orliver disease.Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with it.Some women using it have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking it. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether it is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take it without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take this medication?
Take it exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from it.This medicine is usually taken once daily. You may take it with or without food.This is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your doctor may also recommend other medicines to treat your diabetes.It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.To be sure it is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need regular eye exams. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking it for a short time if any of these situations affect you.Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;sweating, fast heartbeat;seizure (convulsions); orfainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.Store it at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking it. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia while you are taking this medicine.
Side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using it and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;swelling or rapid weight gain;chest pain, general ill feeling;nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);blurred vision;increased thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual; orpale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness.
Less serious it side effects may include:sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold;headache;gradual weight gain;muscle pain; ortooth problems.
What other drugs will affect this mediciations?
You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you take it with other drugs that raise blood sugar, such as:isoniazid;diuretics (water pills);steroids (prednisone and others);phenothiazines (Compazine and others);thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);birth control pills and other hormones;seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); anddiet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you take it with other drugs that lower blood sugar, such as:some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or probenecid (Benemid).The following drugs can interact with it:midazolam (Versed);gemfibrozil (Lopid);rifampin (Rifadin);furosemide (Lasix); ornifedipine (Adalat, Procardia).
