Manufacturer: Generic, India
Pharmaceutical name: Pack: 1 tab (30 mg)
Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Actos is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Pioglitazone is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Use:
Actos (Pioglitazone) is used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the resistance your body has to insulin. It is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes medicines, including metformin or insulin, as part of a diet and exercise program.
How does it work:
Actos is part of a group of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones. The medication helps to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that it helps your body use its natural insulin better. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
How to take:
Take Actos exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Actos can be taken with or without food or meals. It is important to take Actos regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have blood or urine tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Actos to monitor blood sugar levels, liver function, or other factors.
Usually, liver function is monitored with blood tests at the start of treatment, every two months for the first year of treatment, and periodically thereafter during treatment with Actos. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.
Although Actos does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypoglycemia may result from skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Missed dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
Overdose:
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Actos overdose are not known.
