How does Actos (Pioglitazone) work:

Actos (Pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that help control blood sugar levels. It is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Actos (Pioglitazone) is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Actos (Pioglitazone) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Dosage & Administration:

Actos (Pioglitazone) is usually taken once daily. You may take Actos (Pioglitazone) with or without food.

Take Actos (Pioglitazone) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take Actos (Pioglitazone) in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your physician. Your physician may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Actos (Pioglitazone).

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma.

Side Effects:

STOP using Actos (Pioglitazone) and call your physician at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath
• swelling
• rapid weight gain
• chest pain
• general ill feeling;
• nausea
• stomach pain
• low fever
• loss of appetite
• dark urine
• clay-colored stools
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• blurred vision
• increased thirst or hunger
• urinating more than usual
• pale skin
• easy bruising or bleeding

Less serious side effects:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• cough
• headache
• weight gain
• muscle pain
• tooth problems

Precautions:

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Actos (Pioglitazone). Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia while you are taking this medicine.

Further Advice:

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them: hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, convulsions, fainting and coma(severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).