Actos® (Pioglitazone) | Actos (Pioglitazone) - 15mg (28 Tablets)

What is Actos (Pioglitazone)?

• Actos (Pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that help control blood sugar levels.
• Actos (Pioglitazone) is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.
• Actos (Pioglitazone) is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
• Actos (Pioglitazone) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
  

How should I take Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Take Actos (Pioglitazone) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take Actos (Pioglitazone) in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Actos (Pioglitazone).

Actos (Pioglitazone) is usually taken once daily. You may take Actos (Pioglitazone) with or without food.

Actos (Pioglitazone) 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 Actos (Pioglitazone) regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure Actos (Pioglitazone) 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 Actos (Pioglitazone) 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); or
• fainting, 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 Actos (Pioglitazone) at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. 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 Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Actos (Pioglitazone). Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia while you are taking this medicine.

Actos (Pioglitazone) 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 Actos (Pioglitazone) 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; or
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness.

Continue taking Actos (Pioglitazone) and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold;
• headache;
• gradual weight gain;
• muscle pain; or
• tooth problems.