What is Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Pioglitazone is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Pioglitazone 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.

Pioglitazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Do not use pioglitazone if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• congestive heart failure or heart disease
• a history of heart attack or stroke; or
• liver disease

Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with pioglitazone.

Some women using pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking pioglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pioglitazone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take pioglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Actos Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pioglitazone and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling or rapid weight gain
• chest pain, general ill feeling
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• blurred vision
• increased thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual; or
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

• sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold
• headache
• gradual weight gain
• muscle pain; or
• tooth problems

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Actos Interactions

What other drugs affect Actos (Pioglitazone)?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you take pioglitazone with other drugs that can raise blood sugar, such as:

• isoniazid
• diuretics (water pills)
• steroids (prednisone and others)
• phenothiazines (Compazine and others)
• thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others)
• birth control pills and other hormones
• seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and
• diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you take pioglitazone with other drugs that can lower blood sugar, such as:

• some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol)
• sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others)
• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
• beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or
• probenecid (Benemid)

The following drugs can interact with pioglitazone:

• midazolam (Versed)
• gemfibrozil (Lopid)
• rifampin (Rifadin)
• furosemide (Lasix); or
• nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with pioglitazone. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood sugar.

Actos Dosage

How should I take Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Pioglitazone is usually taken once daily. You may take the medicine with or without food.

Pioglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Your doctor may also recommend other medicines to treat your diabetes.

Use pioglitazone regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need regular eye exams. Visit your doctor regularly.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking pioglitazone for a short time if any of these situations affect you.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

• hunger, headache, confusion, irritability
• drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors
• sweating, fast heartbeat
• seizure (convulsions); or
• fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal)

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Store pioglitazone at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose on Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma.

What happens if I miss a dose of Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com