Actos (Pioglitazone)

        Actos is used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). This form of the illness is usually caused by inability of the body to respond correctly to insulin: either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is the natural hormone that helps to transfer sugar out of the blood and into the cells, where it is metabolized to energy. Actos works by improving the response of the body to insulin, rather than increasing its insulin output. Actos also reduces the production of unneeded sugar in the liver. 

It is possible to use Actos (and rosiglitazone maleate as well) alone or together with insulin injections or other oral diabetes medications such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin hydrochloride. 

        Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually one time a daily. Follow all directions of your health care advisor as dosage is based on your medical condition, possible reaction to therapy, and can be corrected if you are treated by other anti-diabetic medications. Take this drug each time the same day as this way you will get the most benefit from it. Regularly monitor blood glucose levels. It may take up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit is realized. Take all other medications for diabetes according to recommendations of your doctor. 

• rapid heartbeat, 

• sweating, 

• confusion, 

• blurred vision, 

• headache, 

• numbness or tingling of the mouth, 

• weakness,

• shakiness, 

• dizziness, 

• tiredness, 

• paleness and sudden hunger. 

        If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless just a few hours remained till your next dose. Skip the missed dose and return the dosing schedule in case it is near the time of the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up the dose you missed. 

        Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, weakness, dizziness, headache, irritability, drowsiness, fainting, sweating, confusion, tremors, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), or coma. 

        Inform your health care advisor if you are taking any other anti-diabetic medications (insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas such as glyburide), herbal/natural products (fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema). This medication is able to decrease the effectiveness of certain contraceptives which may result in pregnancy. Take care about additional form of reliable birth control while using Actos. Do not begin or discontinue intake of any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. 

        Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity.