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 Drug Name
Actos (Pioglitazone)
Drug Uses
Actos is used for the treatment of type II diabetes along with a healthy diabetic diet, regular exercise, weight control, smoking reduction, and careful monitoring of blood glucose.
Actos may be used alone or in combination with metformin, a drug in a different class of anti-diabetic drugs, that also lowers blood glucose.
Actos is approved for treating type II diabetes in combination with insulin as well as another class of anti-diabetic drugs, the sulfonylureas.
How Taken
Actos is prescribed once daily in doses ranging from 15 to 45 mg. It may be taken any time of the day, with or without meals.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Actos is a drug that reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is in a class of anti-diabetic drugs, called "thiazolidinediones", that are used in the treatment of type II diabetes.
Actos also lowers the level of glucose in the blood by reducing the production and secretion of glucose into the blood by the liver. In addition, actos may alter the blood concentrations of lipids (fats) in the blood. Specifically, it decreases triglycerides and increases the "good" (HDL) cholesterol.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missed on one day, two doses should not be taken the next day to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).
Warnings/Precautions
PIOGLITZAONE can cause fluid retention or edema (swelling), which may lead to or worsen heart failure, so tell your doctor if you have a history of these conditions. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience rapid weight gain, swelling, or shortness of breath while taking PIOGLITZAONE. If you have moderate to severe heart failure, PIOGLITZAONE is not recommended. Also, your doctor should perform a blood test to check for serious liver problems or active liver disease before you start PIOGLITZAONE and regularly thereafter. Do not take PIOGLITZAONE if you have active liver disease. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, anorexia, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin. If you are of childbearing age, talk to your doctor before taking PIOGLITZAONE because it could increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Some people taking PIOGLITZAONE may experience cold and flu-like symptoms, mild to moderate swelling of legs and ankles, and anemia. Occasionally, blood glucose levels increased during clinical trials. When taking PIOGLITZAONE with insulin or sulfonylureas, you may be at risk for low blood glucose.
Possible Side Effects
Diabetic Drug PIOGLITZAONE side effects that may occur while taking this medicine is sore throat. If PIOGLITZAONE side effects continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following PIOGLITZAONE side effects: bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; chest pain; rapid weight gain; shortness of breath; fatigue; unexplained nausea or vomiting; stomach pain; loss of appetite; unusual thirst; unusual amount of urine; dark urine; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. DO NOT STOP USING PIOGLITZAONE or other diabetes medicine without first checking with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. IF YOU ARE TAKING PIOGLITZAONE WITH OTHER DIABETES MEDICINE, you are at an increased risk of becoming hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include an increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Discuss with your doctor or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic reactions.
More Information
Do not share this medication with others. |
