Actos

The active ingredient in Actos is pioglitazone hydrochloride, which is a part of the thiazolidinedione drug class. The mechanism of action involves increasing your body's sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Your body can transport more blood sugar into cells for energy usage when it uses insulin more effectively. Additionally, Actos reduces the quantity of sugar your liver produces.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Actos. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Actos:

• Typically, Actos is taken once a day, either with or without food.
• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause symptoms including extreme hunger, lightheadedness, agitation, confusion, anxiety, or shakiness. Eat or drink a fast-acting sugar source (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda) to cure hypoglycemia as soon as possible.
• If your hypoglycemia is severe, your doctor can recommend a glucagon injection kit. Make sure your loved ones or close acquaintances are prepared to administer this injection to you in an emergency.
• Stress, disease, surgery, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and meal skipping can all have an impact on blood sugar levels. Before altering your dosage or drug schedule, see your physician.
• Actos is just one component of a treatment plan that could include blood sugar tests, nutrition, exercise, weight control, and specialized medical attention. Pay strict attention to your doctor's recommendations.
• A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months.

The most common side effects of Actos seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Swelling or fluid retention.
• Heart failure.
• Headaches.
• Sinus infection.
• Sore throat.
• Pain in the arms and legs.
• Muscle pain.
• Trouble breathing.
• Back pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Actos. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of worsening heart failure include fatigue, unexpected swelling, difficulty breathing, and rapid weight gain.
• Severe liver issues include weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss without effort, black urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
• Low blood sugar, especially if taken with other diabetes drugs like metformin, a sulfonylurea (glipizide), or insulin. Symptoms include trembling, a racing heartbeat, perspiration, lightheadedness, anxiety, disorientation, and intense hunger.
• Increased risk of bladder cancer.
• Allergic reaction to the medication with symptoms such as shortness of breath, hives, and swelling of your face, tongue, or throat.
• Macular edema (fluid buildup in part of your eye).
• Increased risk of bone fractures.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Actos. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Actos, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Uncontrolled congestive heart failure or a heart attack.
• Eye problems.
• Bladder cancer.
• Liver disease.
• Heart disease.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Osteoporosis.

Boxed Warning

• Actos may cause or worsen congestive heart failure. You should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, and/or edema. Seek immediate medical help if these symptoms develop.

People with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure (severe heart failure) should not take pioglitazone.

After five to six months, the hemoglobin A1C of those using Actos decreased by 0.3% to 0.9%, according to some clinical studies. Remember that to get the most out of this medication, you must take it consistently in addition to eating right and exercising.

When Actos is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Gemfibrozil.
• Topiramate.

15 to 30 milligrams taken orally once a day is the usual dosage. 45 mg taken orally once daily is the maximum dosage to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Depending on whether you have heart failure and any other medications you are taking, your dosage may change.

Take the medication as soon as you can if you miss a dose. However, if your next dose is almost due, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company is the manufacturer of Actos.

There are lower-cost generic versions available of Actos.

Remind yourself that you should consult your doctor before stopping Actos. Your doctor will decide if it's safe for you to stop taking Actos, even though there are no known withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, they might prescribe you a drug other than Actos.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant, take Actos as directed by your doctor. It's critical to manage diabetes during pregnancy since elevated blood sugar levels can harm both the mother and the unborn child.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.