What is Actos?

Actos is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. It is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Actos may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Actos

Before taking Actos, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, or liver disease.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.

Some women using Actos 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 Actos. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

Taking 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 Actos.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Actos?
Do not use Actos 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 certain conditions, you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to safely take Actos. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

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

Taking 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 Actos.

Some women using Actos 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 Actos. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Actos is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take Actos without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Actos?

This medicine is usually taken once daily. You may take Actos with or without food.

Actos 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.

It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure Actos is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need regular eye exams. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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 Actos 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 Actos at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking Actos?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Actos. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia while you are taking this medicine.

Actos 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 Actos side effects may include:

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

What other drugs will affect Actos?
You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking Actos with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

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 are taking Actos with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

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 Actos:

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

This list is not complete and there may be other medications that can interact with Actos. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

What does my medication look like?

Actos 15 mg - white, round tablets
Actos 30 mg - white, round tablets
Actos 45 mg - white, round tablets