Actos: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Actos?

What is Actos?

Actos is a diabetes drug that belongs to the glitazone group. This drug contains pioglitazone as the main ingredient. Actos is used to help reduce high blood sugar levels in type two diabetes patients along with diet and exercise programs. Actos is not used to help manage blood sugar levels in patients with type one diabetes.

Actos is an oral medication that works by helping to improve your body's sensitivity to insulin. When the body is able to receive insulin properly, glucose will be broken down into energy, so that it will not flow in the blood and produce normal blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar control can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, amputations, and problems with sexual function. Proper blood sugar control also lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke in type two diabetes patients.

Actos drinking rules

Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Actos. Actos is an oral diabetes medication that can be taken with or without food, according to the directions given by your doctor. This medicine is usually taken once a day.

The dose given may change as you take it. Your doctor may give you a low dose at the start of treatment before increasing it gradually depending on the blood sugar levels you have, your body's response to treatment, and your health condition. Do not stop taking or stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor.

If you are taking other anti-diabetic medications, such as metformin or another sulfonylurea class, inform your doctor. Pay close attention to the instructions your doctor gives you about when to stop old medications and switch to Actos.

Actos may take two to three months to show optimal results. Take this medication regularly for the results you expect. To make it easier for you to remember, take this medication at the same time every day. If you do not experience improvement or it gets worse, contact your doctor immediately.

How do I save Actos?

Store this drug at room temperature between 15-30 degrees Celsius. Keep away from direct sunlight and hot places. Do not store this medication in the bathroom and do not freeze it. Other brands of pioglitazone may require different treatment. Read carefully the label on the package listed. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Actos dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Actos for adult patients?

• Initial dose for patients without complaints of congestive heart failure: 15 mg or 30 mg, once daily
• Initial dose for patients with congestive heart failure: 15 mg, once daily
• Maintenance dose: 15 - 45 mg, once a day depending on the blood sugar level seen from the HbA1C test results
• Maximum daily dose: 45 mg

What is the dosage of Actos for pediatric patients?

The use of Actos is not recommended for pediatric patients younger than 18 years.

In what dosages and preparations is Actos available?

Tablet, Oral: 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg

Actos side effects

What side effects may occur due to consumption of Actos?

Sore throat, muscle aches, weight gain, or dental problems may result from taking Actos. If the symptoms persist or get worse, tell your doctor immediately.

Your doctor gives this drug because the benefits are considered to be greater than the possible risks that will arise. The use of Actos itself is known to rarely cause serious allergic reactions.

Call your doctor immediately, if you find signs of serious side effects, such as vision problems / worsening of vision, fractures, reddish urine, unable to hold your urine, pain when urinating, unexplained pain in your feet, hands, and arms.

Pioglitazone contained in Actos, in rare cases, causes liver disease. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of liver disease characterized by dark urine, yellow in the eyes or skin, nausea and vomiting that doesn't go away, upper abdominal pain.

Serious allergic reactions are rare as a result of taking this drug. Even so, if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling (on the face, tongue and throat), dizziness, and difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.

The above list is not a complete list of the side effects that occur due to consumption of Actos. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects that you are worried about will occur.

Actos Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should I know before taking Actos?

• Tell your doctor about any drug allergies you have, including pioglitazone, as well as other drugs. Actos may contain other ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction if you have them
• Before using this medicine, inform your doctor about your medical history including past and current illnesses, especially congestive heart failure or heart disease, fluid accumulation, history of bladder cancer, history of heart attack or stroke, and liver disease.
• Tell me about all medicinal products that you are currently taking, including prescription, non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or other herbal medicines. Several drugs may interact
• You may experience vision problems, dizziness, or drowsiness due to the drop in blood sugar that is too extreme or blood sugar that is too high. Do not engage in activities requiring high alertness after taking this medicine until you know its effect on your body
• If you are planning to have surgical procedures, including dental surgery, inform your doctor / dentist about the medications you are currently undergoing
• Pioglitazone in Actos may increase the risk of fractures in women. Talk to your doctor about preventive steps you can take
• Pioglitazone in Actos can trigger ovulation even in women who have entered menopause and increase the chances of having an unplanned pregnancy. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of proper birth control tools while taking this medicine
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The use of this drug in pregnant women is only given if the benefits provided outweigh the risks to the fetus

Is Actos safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research regarding the risks of Pioglitazone contained in Actos for pregnant or lactating women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug falls into a category C pregnancy risk (possibly risky) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Actos Drug Interactions

What drugs may interact with Actos?

Several drugs cannot be used simultaneously because it will cause drug interactions. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicinal products you use, both prescription / non-prescription, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

If you are taking insulin, inform your doctor before taking Actos. Taking pioglitazine while on insulin can increase your risk of serious heart disease.

Some of the drugs that may cause interactions with Actos are:

• Gemfibrozil
• Rifampin
• Aspirin
• Insulin
• Vitamin B12
• Other oral diabetes medications, such as acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, tolbutamide

The above list may not include all drugs that interact with Actos. Tell your doctor about the products you consume.

What health conditions can interact with Actos?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Type one diabetes
• Bladder cancer
• Edema
• Liver disease
• Anemia

Actos overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Immediately call for emergency medical assistance (119) or rush to the nearest hospital emergency department for help in an overdose. An overdose can be characterized by a drop in blood sugar or hypoglycemia, which is characterized by severe weakness, blurred vision, sweating, difficulty speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizures.

What if I forget to take medicine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the time is too close to the next schedule, ignore the missed schedule and move on to the next schedule. Do not double your dose on a single medication schedule.