Actos is Pioglitazone and is used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. This form of the illness usually stems from the body s inability to make good use of insulin, the natural hormone that helps to transfer sugar out of the blood and into the cells, where it s converted to energy.

Actos works by improving the body s response to its natural supply of insulin, rather than increasing its insulin output.

Actos also reduces the production of unneeded sugar in the liver. Actos (and

Actos (Pioglitazone) is a drug that reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Actos is in a class of anti-diabetic drugs called thiazolidinediones that are used in the treatment of type II diabetes. The other member in this class is rosiglitazone (Avandia). (Another member of this class, troglitazone or Rezulin, was removed from the market because of liver toxicity.)

Patients with type II diabetes cannot make enough insulin, and the cells of their body

Actos should be taken once a day with or without meals.

If you miss a Actos dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a Actos dose on one day, skip it and go back to your regular Actos medication schedule. Do not double your Actos the following day.

Actos Storage instructions: Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity.

Actos Preparations: Tablets:

It is possible that Actos may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. To guard against an unwanted pregnancy, be sure to use some other form of contraception.

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).

The effects of Actos during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. He may switch you to insulin during your pregnancy, since normal blood sugar levels are very important for the developing baby.

It is not known whether Actos appears in breast milk. For safety s sake, do not use Actos doses while breastfeeding.

In very rare cases, a drug similar to Actos has proven toxic to the liver. The manufacturer therefore recommends

Side effects of Actos cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Actos.

More common side effects may include:
Headache, hypoglycemia, muscle aches, respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling, tooth disorder.

Less common side effects may include:
Anemia, shortness of breath, weight gain.