Actos
Generically: pioglitazone Brand name: Actos
Class of drugs: Thiazolidinediones
What is Actos?
Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medication that aids in controlling the blood sugar level.
Actos is used in conjunction with exercise and diet to help improve the control of blood sugar levels in those suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Actos is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes.¶
Warnings
You shouldn’t make use of Actos when you suffer from uncontrolled or severe heart failure or active bladder cancer or ketoacidosis due to diabetes (call your physician for treatments with insulin). This medication is not intended used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Actos may cause or exacerbate the condition of congestive heart failure. Take this medicine off and consult your physician immediately if you experience shortness of breath (even at a moderate level of exertion) swelling, shortness of breath, or rapid weight growth.
Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor
It is not recommended to take Actos If you have an allergy to pioglitazone, or you suffer from:
- Uncontrolled or severe heart failure severe or uncontrolled heart failure
- diabetes ketoacidosis (call your doctor to seek treatment).
This medication can increase the risk of developing cancer of the bladder. Consult your physician regarding the risk you face.
To be sure Actos is safe for you, inform your physician if you’ve previously had:
- congestive heart failure, or heart disease
- heart attack or stroke;
- eyesight problems caused by diabetes
- bladder cancer
- liver disease.
Actos can increase the chances of developing serious heart problems However, not taking care of your diabetes may also cause damage to your heart as well as other organs. Discuss with your physician the potential risks as well as the benefits of this medication.
Follow the instructions of your physician concerning the use of Actos when you are expecting or are planning to be pregnant. Controlling diabetes is crucial during pregnancy and having high blood sugar can cause problems for both the mother as well as the infant.
Pioglitazone can stimulate ovulation in women who are premenopausal and could increase the risk of unintentional pregnancy. Discuss with your physician about the potential risk.
Women are more likely to experience fractured bones while taking Actos. Discuss with your doctor ways to ensure your bones are well.
It is not recommended to breastfeed during this medication. Talk to your doctor regarding any risks.
Actos is not suitable to be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How to take Actos?
Use Actos exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides or instructions sheets. The doctor might modify your dose.
Actos is generally taken every day, whether or not food is included.
There is a possibility that you may experience insufficient glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and experience extreme hunger, dizziness, and confusion. You may also feel irritable, angry, and shaky. To treat hypoglycemia quickly consume or drink rapid-acting sources of sugar (fruit juice crackers, hard candy raisins, or any non-diet beverage).
Your physician may recommend the glucagon injection kit in the event that you suffer from severe hypoglycemia. Be sure that your family or friends are aware of how to administer the injection in case of emergency.
The blood sugar levels may be affected by illness, stress, or surgery drinking alcohol, not eating meals. Talk to your physician before altering your dosage or medication schedule.
Actos is just one component of a treatment plan which may include diet exercises, weight loss, blood sugar tests, and medical treatment that is specific to you. Follow the directions of your doctor precisely.
Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Close the bottle when not being used.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:
Patients with no heart failure due to congestive:
The initial dosage is 15 , 30, or even 30 mg taken orally at least once per day.
Patients with chronic heart disease (New York Heart Association, NYHA class I and II):
Initial dosage: 15 mg orally every day
The maintenance dosage of 15 , 30, or 45, mg daily every day, based on the response to glycemic control as assessed by HbA1c
The maximum dosage is 45 mg taken orally, at least once per day
Comments:
The drug is able to exert its antihyperglycemic effects only when it is in conjunction with endogenous insulin, and cannot be expected to work in people suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Patients who are receiving insulin secretagogue or insulin might require a reduction in the dosage that they receive of insulin, or insulin if hypoglycemia develops.
Make use of: an alternative to exercise and diet to increase glycemic control people suffering from the condition of type 2 diabetes, in various clinical situations
If I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if it’s nearing the time to take the next dose. Don’t have two doses at one time.
If I take too much?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You could be suffering from low blood sugar like intense weakness, blurred vision excessive sweating, trouble speaking, and tremors. You may also experience stomach pain as well as confusion and seizures (convulsions).
What to avoid?
Beware of drinking alcohol. It reduces blood sugar levels and can interfere with treatment for diabetes.
Actos side effects
See a doctor immediately If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction Actos include difficulty breathing; hives and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Stop taking Actos and contact your physician immediately if you notice signs that indicate liver problems such as nausea, stomach pain in the upper part of your body Itching, and loss of appetite. black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Consult your physician immediately If you are suffering from:
- breathing shortness (especially in the position of lying) fatigue, unusual swelling fast weight gain
- Pink or red urine pain or difficulty in urine, new or more severe urge to urine;
- visual changes; or
- suddenly, you feel a sudden pain in your arm, hand, or foot.
Some patients taking this medication have developed bladder cancer but it’s unclear whether pioglitazone is the primary reason for this.
Common Actos side effects may include:
- headache;
- muscle pain; or
- cold symptoms, such as sinus pain, stuffy nose as well as sneezing, and sore throat.
This isn’t a complete list of all side effects. others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report symptoms to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications can impact Actos?
Tell your doctor if you use insulin. taking Actos in conjunction with insulin can increase the risk of having serious heart problems.
Numerous drugs may be incompatible with pioglitazone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, as well as herbal supplements. The interactions of all medications are not included in this article. Inform your doctor of your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.
For more information
Always consult your physician to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your particular situation.