Actos
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
PIOGLITAZONE (pye oh GLI ta zone) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed. Read More ›
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
blood in the urine
bone fractures
breathing problems
changes in vision
dark urine
fever, chills, sore throat
increased urination
low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
muscle pain
pain when urinating
sudden weight gain
swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
infection
problems with teeth
slow weight gain
sore throat
What may interact with this medicine?
atorvastatin
birth control pills or other hormonal methods of birth control
bosentan
itraconazole
ketoconazole
midazolam
nifedipine
other medicines for diabetes, including insulin
topiramate
Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:
alcohol containing beverages
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
chloramphenicol
chromium
diuretics
female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
heart medicines
isoniazid
male hormones or anabolic steroids
medicines for weight loss
medicines for mental problems
medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
niacin
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
pentamidine
phenytoin
probenecid
quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
some herbal dietary supplements
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
thyroid medicine
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetic ketoacidosis
eye disease called macular edema
polycystic ovary syndrome
premenopausal
swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
type 1 diabetes
an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
Your health care professional will have to check blood tests regularly to assess the effect of this medication on your liver.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
If you have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that has sugar. Make sure others know to get medical help quickly if you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like if you become unconscious or have a seizure.
This medicine may increase your risk of having some heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.
This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.
If you need surgery or if you will need a procedure with contrast drugs, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.
Who should not take Actos?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
acute heart failure, anemia, breast-feeding, cardiac disease, children, diabetic ketoacidosis, edema, females, geriatric, heart failure, hepatic disease, hypoglycemia, jaundice, osteoporosis, peripheral edema, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, pulmonary edema
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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