How it works
Actos improves the ability of the body to use insulin. Also it reduces the amount of sugar released by the liver.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Actos may be used with or without food.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Actos?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
If you have a history of liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), eye or vision problems or have swelling problems (edema)
If you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe problem associated with diabetes).
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Actos if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it
Using Alcohol
Actos is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Actos.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications.
Additional Information
Actos is an oral treatment of Type II diabetes. It is not meant for treating Type 1 Diabetes.
Diabetec patients should carry an ID card on person that mentions about their condition. This may prove to be extremely beneficial in case of a medical emergency.
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is controllable to a large extent with a proper diet and exercise routine. Support your medication with this and you will experience better results faster.
Sugar levels must be monitored constantly and in case of low blood sugar, use (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda to quicky elevate sugar levels to normal. Some of the symptoms of low blood sugar are rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger.
Low Blood sugar can be prevented easily by having your meals on time and not skipping them.
Some doctors recommend using multiple birth control methods while using Actos because it may cause ovulation even in women who have undergone menopause.
Your sugar levels may rise during periods of stress, high fever or surgery. Insulin therapy may be required at such times.
Actos can interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests. If one of these tests are prescribed for you, then we recommend that you speak to your lab technician that you are using Actos before you undertake the test.
If your doctor has prescribed laboratory tests then ensure that you do not miss out on them.
Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Actos. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Actos is categorized under FDA category C.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
