Actos

Common uses

Actos is used for 2 diabetes treatment. Sometimes medical specialist may prescribe you to take this medicine in combination with other drugs (insulin, metformin, etc.).

Before using

This medicine is not recommended to children younger than 18 years of age. Notify your doctor of taking any other medicines, including inslulin, blyburide, glipizide, ketoconazole or birth control pills. Notify your medical specialist of having special medical conditions like liver disease, heart disease, type 1 diabetes.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, active liver disease, or experienced jaundice with troglitazone. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Warning for women. Inform your doctor of being pregnant or breast-feeding. Ask your medical specialist for the details and possible risks of using Actos during pregnancy or nursing. Notify your doctor of taking birth control pills. You may need to change your way of birth control in order to avoid pregnancy due to decreased effect of birth pills while using Pioglitazone. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women. Actos may pass into breast milk and influence newborn baby.

Directions

You may take Actos with or without food. Do not stop or start using this medicine without your doctor's approval. If you missed your regular dose, wait for the next scheduled time to take tablet. Do not double-up your regular dose. Follow the dosing and intake frequency exactly under the prescription of your doctor.

This medicine should be stored in dry and cool place at room temperature. Keep it in tightly closed container.

Cautions

Inform your doctor of taking any other diabetes drugs in order to avoid undesired consequences. Using Actos together with other medicines for diabetes treatment may lead to low blood sugar. Notify your doctor of having any signs of hypoglycemic condition. Call your doctor if you experience sweating, increased heartbeat, increased hunger, unusual tiredness and weakness, headache, vision changes or nervousness. Consult your medical specialist if you experience medical conditions listed above. Notify your doctor of using Actos before having surgery, emergency care or dental treatment. Follow the instruction of your doctor or specialist during Actos treatment. You may need to pass additional tests to avoid possible side effects.

Possible side effects

Contact your medical specialist if you experience any of the side effects listed below:

• shortness of breath
• nausea
• vomiting
• sore throat
• urination problems
• yellowing of your eyes or skin
• increased thirst
• swelling of hands or feet
• chest pain

If you take too much

Get immediate medical care if you have taken more than prescribed quantity of this medicine.

Additional information

It is strongly recommended to check your blood sugar level regularly. Notify your medical specialist of changing in your blood sugar level if you are using this medicine. You may need special diet during using Actos.

Keep this drug away from the reach of children and pets. Do not give this medicine to others for whom it was not prescribed.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may cause side effects or neutralize the treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the interaction of Actos and other prescription and over-the-counter medicines.