Tablet

Eli Lilly

Actos (pioglitazone) is used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It may be used in combination with other medications.

Do not take Actos (pioglitazone) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Actos (pioglitazone)

Before using Actos (pioglitazone), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a history of heart failure or other heart problems if you have a history of swelling if you have liver problems if you have any other medical condition

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

Other: Headache, hypoglycemia, muscle aches, respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling, tooth disorder

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Actos (pioglitazone) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with Actos (pioglitazone) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take Actos (pioglitazone) exactly as directed by your health care provider. Actos (pioglitazone) may be taken with or without meals. Carefully follow the diet plan provided by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occurs: Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; fatigue; loss of appetite; dark urine. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occur: An unusually rapid increase in weight; swelling; shortness of breath. During periods of stress such as fever, infection or surgery, you may need to change your insulin dose. Talk with your health care provider. When using Actos (pioglitazone) with insulin or other diabetes medicine, be sure that you and your family members know the risks, symptoms (eg, numbness, fatigue, hunger, sweating, rapid pulse, confusion), and treatment (eg, sugar-containing beverages or food) of low blood sugar. Actos (pioglitazone) may cause ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. Be sure to use effective birth control methods while using Actos (pioglitazone). Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Actos (pioglitazone). Do not stop taking Actos (pioglitazone) without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of Actos (pioglitazone). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Store Actos (pioglitazone) at 77 degrees F. Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture and humidity.