Information About Actos

Common uses
Actos is used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the resistance your body has to insulin. It is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes medicines, including metformin or insulin, as part of a diet and exercise program.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: ketoconazole, birth control pills, or other medicine for diabetes (such as insulin, glipizide, or glyburide). You should not take Actos if you have newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, active liver disease, or experienced jaundice with troglitazone. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, including heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of Actos in children under age 18 is not recommended. Discuss with your physician the risks and benefits of giving Actos to your child. If you have questions or concerns about Actos, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Actos. You may take Actos with food, or on an empty stomach. Store Actos at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Actos, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Warnings
Do not stop using Actos or other diabetes medicine without first checking with your physician. Check with your physician before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. If you are taking Actos with other diabetes medicine, you are at an increased risk of becoming hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include an increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Discuss with your physician or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic reactions. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Actos. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver function tests and HBA1C blood levels may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Actos. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: Actos may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. Women, Actos may increase your chance of pregnancy by causing ovulation to resume in premenopausal women who have not been ovulating. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Actos during pregnancy. The effects of Actos on breast milk is not known. You should not breast-feed if you are using Actos.

Potential Side Effects
A side effect that may occur while taking Actos is sore throat. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your physician. Contact your physician immediately if you experience the following side effects: bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; chest pain; rapid weight gain; shortness of breath; fatigue; unexplained nausea or vomiting; stomach pain; loss of appetite; unusual thirst; unusual amount of urine; dark urine; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.

Additional information
Follow the dietary plan provided by your physician. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your physician's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking Actos according to directions, check with your physician. Do not let anyone else use Actos. Do not take Actos to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Keep this product out of the reach of children. If using Actos for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.