For what conditions or diseases is this medicine prescribed?

Treat Diabetis or for Diabetes

Actos is used to treat type 2 diabetes in certain patients. It is used in conjunction with diet and exercise. It can be used alone or with other antidiabetic medications. Actos is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic. It works by reducing blood sugar, making the body's cells more sensitive to the action of insulin.

DO NOT use Acts if:

• are allergic to any ingredient in Actos
• have moderate to severe heart failure
• have type 1 diabetes
• have a history of liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during treatment with a similar medicine called troglitazone.

Contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately if any of these apply to you.

Some diseases can interact with Actos. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious problem associated with diabetes)
• if you have a history of liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, heart problems (for example, congestive heart failure [CHF]), or eye or vision problems
• if you have problems with swelling (edema).

Some medicines can interact with Actos. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Gemfibrozil, insulin or oral antidiabetic medicines (eg glipizide) because it may increase the risk of low blood sugar
• Rifampicin because it can decrease the effectiveness of Actos, causing an increase in blood sugar
• Anticoagulants (eg warfarin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased or their effectiveness may be decreased with Actos.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that can occur. Ask your doctor if Actos can interact with other medicines you take. Consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medicine.

How should this medicine be used?

Use Actos as directed by your doctor.

• Take Actos by mouth with or without food.
• Keep taking Actos even if you feel fine. Do not miss any doses.
• Taking Actos at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• If you miss a dose of Actos, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about the use of Actos.

What are the side effects that this medicine could cause?

Important safety information:

• To get the best results with Actos, it is important to follow a proper diet, exercise regularly, and perform regular blood sugar tests. Follow the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.
• Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher than they should be and you take Actos exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.
• It can be more difficult to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk to your doctor about how to control your blood sugar level if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.
• DO NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• Actos can cause low blood sugar levels when used together with insulin or other oral diabetes medications. Low blood sugar levels can cause anxiety, sweating, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It can also make your heart beat faster; may your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you hungrier. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (for example, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have it, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor immediately if this happens. To avoid low blood sugar, eat at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
• Acts can cause ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. Make sure you use effective contraception while using Actos.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Actos before receiving any type of medical or dental care, urgent care or surgery.
• Actos may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.
• An increased incidence of bone fractures has been reported in women taking Actos. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bone fracture, low calcium intake, or weak bones (for example, osteoporosis). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual bone pain.
• Laboratory tests may be performed, including fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin_A1c, eye and liver function tests, while you are using Actos. These tests can be used to monitor your condition or to check for side effects. Make sure you keep all your medical and lab appointments.
• Actos should not be used in children under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy in these children has not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Actos during pregnancy. It is not known if Actos is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Actos.

Use Actos as indicated in the package insert

How is Actos (Pioglitazone) stored?

Store Actos at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief storage is allowed at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep Actos out of the reach of children and away from pets.

what should I do in case of an overdose?

If you miss a dose of Actos, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time
Ask your doctor any questions you have about the use of Actos.

Important safety information:

• To get the best results with Actos, it is important to follow a proper diet, exercise regularly, and perform regular blood sugar tests. Follow the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.
• Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher than they should be and you take Actos exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.
• It can be more difficult to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk to your doctor about how to control your blood sugar level if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.
• DO NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• Actos can cause low blood sugar levels when used together with insulin or other oral diabetes medications. Low blood sugar levels can cause anxiety, sweating, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It can also make your heart beat faster; may your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you hungrier. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (for example, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have it, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor immediately if this happens. To avoid low blood sugar, eat at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
• Acts can cause ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. Make sure you use effective contraception while using Actos.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Actos before receiving any type of medical or dental care, urgent care or surgery.
• Actos may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.
• An increased incidence of bone fractures has been reported in women taking Actos. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bone fracture, low calcium intake, or weak bones (for example, osteoporosis). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual bone pain.
• Laboratory tests may be performed, including fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin_A1c, eye and liver function tests, while you are using Actos. These tests can be used to monitor your condition or to check for side effects. Make sure you keep all your medical and lab appointments.
• Actos should not be used in children under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy in these children has not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Actos during pregnancy. It is not known if Actos is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Actos.