DRUG TITLE

Actos (Pioglitazone)

USE OF THE MEDICINE

Actos  is used to treat type 2 diabetes in some patients. It is used together with diet and exercise. Can be used alone or with other anti-diabetic drugs.

HOW TO USE THE MEDICINE

Use Actos in compliance with your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for taking exact dose.

Take Actos orally, with or without food.

Continue to take Actos, even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Take the medicine in the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Actos is a drug that reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) in blood. It belongs to a class of anti-diabetic drugs called "thiazolidinediones" that are used in the treatment of type II diabetes.

Actos also lowers blood glucose levels by reducing the production and secretion of glucose in the blood of the liver. In addition, Actos may lead to changes in blood concentrations of lipids (fats) in the blood. In particular, it reduces triglycerides and raises "good" (HDL) cholesterol.

MISSED DOSE

Actos is anti-diabetic thiazolidinediones. It lowers blood sugar by making the body's cells more sensitive to insulin.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature between 15-30 degrees Celsius (59-86 degrees Fahrenheit).

PRECAUTIONS MEASURES

Do not use Actos if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in it;
• you have moderate or severe heart failure;
• have type 1 diabetes;
• you have liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called troglitazone.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of this applies to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Actos. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following applies to you:

• you have swelling.
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding;
• If you are taking any prescribed or non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances;
• if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (severe problem associated with diabetes);
• if you have liver problems, abnormal liver function, heart problems (e.g., severe congestive heart failure), eyes or vision;

Some medicines may interact with Actos. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially if it refers to the following:

• gemfibrozil, insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs (eg, glipizide) because the risk of lowering blood sugar levels may be increased;
• Rifampin because it may reduce the effectiveness of Actos, raising blood sugar;
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) because their effectiveness may be decreased or the risk of their side effects may be increased Actosom

Side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people do not have them, or they are insignificant. Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects become worse:

• Headache, muscle aches, sore throat, weight gain.

Call your doctor immediately if there are any of these serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision or other vision changes; symptoms of heart failure (e.g. shortness of breath, sudden unexplained weight gain, swelling of hands, ankles or feet); symptoms of liver problems (e.g., dark urine, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, unexplained nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain), symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., anxiety, sweating, dizziness or drowsiness, headache, chills, tremors, increased hunger); unusual bone pain, unusual tiredness or weakness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions about the medicine, please consult with your doctor.
Actos should be used by patients for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.