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Actos Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Pioglitazone hydrochloride

ACTOplus met is a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. This is also called non-­insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin or do not respond normally to the insulin their bodies make. When this happens, glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems including kidney damage, amputations, and blindness. Diabetes is also closely linked to heart disease. The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level. Studies have shown that controlling blood glucose may prevent or delay complications of diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, or blindness.

Actos Dosage

• The recommended starting dose of Actos is 15 to 30 milligrams once a day.
• If this fails to bring your blood sugar under control, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 45 milligrams a day. If your blood sugar still remains high, the doctor may add a second medication.

Uses of Actos

• Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic drug (thiazolidinedione-type, also called "glitazones") used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes).
• Pioglitazone is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin).

Side Effects of Actos

Common side effects of Actos may include :

• Headache
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
• Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)
• Impotence
• Weight gain
• Visual disturbances
• Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)
• Dizziness
• Low red blood cell count (anaemia)
• Pain in the joints (arthralgia)
• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
• Upper airway infections
• Presence of glucose in the urine (glycosuria)
• Presence of protein in the urine
• Decreased sense of touch

Warnings and precautions before taking Actos:

• Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia.
• This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking this medication.
• During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required.
• ACTOS, like other thiazolidinediones, can cause fluid retention when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, including insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure (see Information for Patients). ACTOS should be discontinued if any deterioration in cardiac status occurs.

Drug Interaction :-

If Actos is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Actos with the following:

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Midazolam (Versed)

Overdose

The effects of a massive Actos overdose are unknown, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose with Actos, seek medical attention immediately.

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