Actos  Information
Actos (Pioglitazone) is a once-a-day prescription pill for type 2 diabetes that along with healthy eating and physical activity helps your body more effectively use its own natural insulin or the insulin you take. When your necessary efforts at healthy eating and physical activity alone do not control your blood glucose levels, Actos (Pioglitazone) can be used by itself or in combination with certain other diabetes pills (sulfonylureas, metformin) or insulin to lower blood glucose.1 Actos (Pioglitazone) is a member of the type of oral diabetes agents called thiazolidinediones (THIGH-ah-ZO-li-deen-DYE-owns; TZDs). These medications help reduce insulin resistance, which has been identified as one of the major problems in type 2 diabetes.

Actos  Directions
Actos (Pioglitazone) can cause fluid retention or edema (swelling), which may lead to or worsen heart failure, so tell your doctor if you have a history of these conditions. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience rapid weight gain, swelling, or shortness of breath while taking Actos (Pioglitazone). If you have moderate to severe heart failure, Actos (Pioglitazone) is not recommended. Also, your doctor should perform a blood test to check for serious liver problems or active liver disease before you start Actos (Pioglitazone) and regularly thereafter. Do not take Actos (Pioglitazone) if you have active liver disease. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, anorexia, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin. If you are of childbearing age, talk to your doctor before taking Actos (Pioglitazone) because it could increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Some people taking Actos (Pioglitazone) may experience cold and flu-like symptoms, mild to moderate swelling of legs and ankles, and anemia. Occasionally, blood glucose levels increased during clinical trials. When taking Actos (Pioglitazone) with insulin or sulfonylureas, you may be at risk for low blood glucose.

Actos  Side Effects
Diabetic Drug Actos (Pioglitazone) side effects that may occur while taking this medicine is sore throat. If Actos (Pioglitazone) side effects continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following PIOGLITZAONE 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. DO NOT STOP USING Actos (Pioglitazone) or other diabetes medicine without first checking with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. IF YOU ARE TAKING Actos (Pioglitazone) 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 doctor or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic reactions.

The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.