Actos

Drug Uses

Actos is an anti diabetic drug used to control Type 2 Diabetes in certain patients along with a proper diet, exercise and other antibiotic medication.

How it is taken

The best way to take is as recommended by your doctor. You may also check dosage instructions on the product label. You must continue to take Actos even if you feel better in a few days.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. 

Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Actos if you are allergic to any ingredient in the drug.
Before taking Actos, discuss with your doctor any prior medical condition that you may have including kidney disorders, liver problems, abnormal liver function, eye or vision problems, diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe problem associated with diabetes).
Certain drugs can interact with Actos and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Actos. It is unknown whether Actos is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Actos is not for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Carry an ID card on person that says that you have diabetes. Combine the medication with a proper diet, other forms of medication like insulin or oral diabetic medicines and exercise to gain maximum benefits from it.
Monitor your blood sugar level at all times to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment.
Speak to your doctor about maintaining your blood sugar level at all times (fever, stress, fatigue, injury)
Low blood sugar can make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or even faint. You must carry a reliable source of glucose at all times to control this. If nothing is available, then drink or eat a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda.
To prevent low blood sugar, you must eat the meal at the same time each day and avoid skipping meals. Actos is also associated with causing ovulation in women who have reached menopause and an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Possible Side Effects
Common side effects include back pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, joint pain, mild stomach pain and nausea. You may contact your doctor if these side effects become bothersome.
Severe side effects such as allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), vision changes, symptoms of a heart failure (shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain and swelling of arms and feet), liver problems, kidney problems and unusual pain or redness of the eye and severe heartburn may also occur. Seek medical attention immediately if these occur.