What Is Pioglitazone (Actos)?
It's used along with diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes.
When you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make or use the hormone insulin normally, so it can't control the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood.
Pioglitazone is in a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones.
It lowers blood-sugar levels by making the body's cells more sensitive to insulin, allowing them to take up more glucose from your blood.
Taking pioglitazone, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle, can decrease your risk of developing the serious or life-threatening complications of type 2 diabetes.
These may include cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and problems related to blood circulation; nerve damage; kidney disease; or eye conditions.
The drug is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.
Pioglitazone Warnings
Pioglitazone carries a black-box warning because it may cause or worsen congestive heart failure.Before taking pioglitazone, tell your doctor about any conditions you've had that may be related to or affect the heart, such as:
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart disease
- A heart attack
- A heart defect
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- An irregular heartbeat
- Sleep apnea
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, lower back, or lower legs
- Stomach swelling or pain
- Waking up during the night feeling short of breath
- Inability to sleep while laying flat
- Frequent dry cough or wheezing
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- Increased fatigue
- Difficulty walking or exercising
- Significant weight gain in a short period of time
- Bladder cancer
- Diabetic eye disease
- Kidney disease
Stop taking the medicine and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right part of your stomach
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dark urine
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Profound lack of energy
Also, tell your healthcare providers that you're taking pioglitazone before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
You shouldn't take pioglitazone if you have type 1 diabetes (the body doesn't produce any insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous condition that can occur if high blood sugar is untreated).
Pioglitazone may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of high (hyperglycemic) or low (hypoglycemic) blood-sugar episodes and be prepared to treat them.
Tell your physician if you experience an illness, fever, injury, or unusual stress while taking pioglitazone, because these can change your blood sugar and the dosage you need.
Pioglitazone controls diabetes, but it doesn't cure it. Continue to take it even if you feel well.
It may take two weeks for your blood sugar to decrease and up to three months to feel the full effects of this drug.
Your physician will probably want to check your glucose levels often while you are taking pioglitazone.
Always wear a diabetic ID bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in case of an emergency.
Pioglitazone and Bladder Cancer
People who took pioglitazone for more than a year were more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who didn't take the medicine.The FDA recommends that this drug shouldn't be prescribed to people with bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer.
Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms that could be associated with bladder cancer. These may include:
- Red or bloody urine
- Difficult or painful urination
- An increased need to urinate
Pregnancy and Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone is an FDA Pregnancy Category C drug, which means harm to an unborn baby is possible.Discuss the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy with your doctor.
The medicine may also increase the chance that you will become pregnant, even if you don't have regular monthly periods. Talk to your doctor about effective birth-control methods.
It's not known whether pioglitazone passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby.
Don't take this medication while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor first.
Pioglitazone (Actos) Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Pioglitazone
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Headache
- Sore throat
- Gas
- Muscle pain
- Sinus pain
- Weight gain
- Tooth problems
- Pain in the arms or legs
Serious Side Effects of Pioglitazone
Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section or any of the following serious side effects:- Vision changes or vision loss
- Discolored, cloudy, or bloody urine
- Back or abdominal pain
Pioglitazone (Actos) Interactions
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- Contraceptives, such as birth-control pills, patches, rings, implants, and injections
- Diabetes medications
- Insulin
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Nifedipine (Procardia)
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactance, in Rifamate)
Pioglitazone and Alcohol
Alcohol can cause your blood-sugar levels to decrease.Ask your doctor if it's safe for you to consume alcoholic beverages while taking pioglitazone.
Pioglitazone (Actos) Dosage
Your dosage will be based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other drugs you're taking.
Try to take pioglitazone around the same time each day.
Your doctor might start you on a low dose and gradually increase it.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Don't take more or less than is prescribed.
Pioglitazone Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, you should contact a poison-control center or emergency room immediately.You can get reach a poison-control center at (800) 222-1222.
Missed Dose of Pioglitazone
If you miss a dose of pioglitazone, and you remember that same day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.If you don't remember until the next day, don't take an extra pill. Just continue on your regular medication schedule.
Don't take more than one dose a day or double up to make up for a missed one.
Pioglitazone Pictures
