Actos
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Pioglitazone
Brand names: Actos
Related Medical Conditions: Diabetes
Related Groups: Antihyperglycemic Agent
Contents |
What is Actos?
Pioglitazone is an antihyperglycemic agent. It helps the body respond better to insulin and it reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It can help control blood sugar levels.
Pioglitazone is used to treat a certain type of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) called type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone, with insulin, or with metformin or another type of oral diabetes medicine called a sulfonylurea. Pioglitazone is to be used when diet and exercise plus another diabetes medicine do not result in good blood sugar control.
Actos Usage and Dosage
Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed. Although pioglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypoglycemia may result from skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Usually, liver function is monitored with blood tests at the start of treatment, every two months for the first year of treatment, and periodically thereafter during treatment with pioglitazone. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.
Pioglitazone may be taken with or without food. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Certain women may be at an increased risk for pregnancy while taking pioglitazone. Adequate contraception is recommended.
The dose of pioglitazone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For type 2 diabetes:
- Pioglitazone alone:
- Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 milligrams (mg) once daily with or without meals. Your doctor may later increase your dose up to 45 mg once daily.
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Pioglitazone with insulin:
- Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 mg once daily with or without meals.
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Pioglitazone with metformin:
- Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 mg once daily with or without meals.
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Pioglitazone with a sulfonylurea:
- Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 mg once daily with or without meals.
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Pioglitazone alone:
Actos Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pioglitazone and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite;
- unusual fatigue;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
- dark urine.
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or edema (swelling, water retention), shortness of breath, or chest pain during treatment with pioglitazone. These may be early symptoms of heart problems.
Although pioglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypoglycemia may result from skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Other less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take pioglitazone and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- headache;
- muscle aches;
- sore throat, nasal discharge, or cold symptoms.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Other Drugs Interaction
Pioglitazone may decrease the effects of some birth control pills. Additional measures may be necessary to prevent pregnancy while taking pioglitazone. Talk to your doctor about the use of birth control.
Do not take over-the-counter or prescription cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight-loss medications during treatment with pioglitazone without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pioglitazone or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Actos Storage
Store pioglitazone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
