Also known as:  Pioglitazone.

Description

Actos is an effective drug of the class thiazolidinedione (TZD) with hypoglycemic (antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic) action to treat diabetes mellitus type 2.

Actos contains the active ingredient Pioglitazone Hydrochloride.

Pioglitazone helps to lower blood glucose levels by increasing the sensitivity of liver, fat, and muscle cells to insulin; enables cells to remove glucose from the blood more effectively, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and preserves the functioning of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Actos does not cause the body to make more insulin. Therefore, when used alone, it does not cause low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).

Actos is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications (such as insulin, metformin, or a sulfonylurea such as glyburide).

Actos is not taken to treat type 1 diabetes.

Dosage

Take Actos by mouth with a full glass of water with or without food.

The initial dose of Actos is 15 mg once a day.

In case of inadequate glycemic control, the dose can be increased up to 45 mg once daily.

If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient co-administering Actos and insulin, the dose of insulin should be decreased by 10% to 25%. Further adjustments to the insulin dose should be individualized based on glycemic response.

Take the drug at the same time each day.

If you want to achieve the most effective results, do not stop taking Actos suddenly.

Missing a dose

Do not take a double dose. If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember about the missed dose. If it is the time for the next dose, you should continue your regular dosing schedule.

Overdose

If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your health care provider immediately. You can experience the following symptoms of Actos overdose: signs of low blood sugar, such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.

Side effects

Actos has side effects. The most common are:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, and sore throat
• headache
• gradual weight gain
• muscle pain
• back pain
• tooth problems

Less common, but more serious side effects during taking Actos:

• stomach pain, blood in your urine
• painful urination
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling or rapid weight gain
• chest pain, general ill feeling
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• blurred vision
• increased thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness

Side effect occurrence does not only depend on medication you are taking, but also on your overall health and other factors.

Contra-indications

Do not take Actos if you are allergic to Actos ingredients.

Do not take Actos if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Actos is ineffective and possibly harmful in treatment of type 1 diabetes.

Do not take Actos if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, fluid retention, a history of bladder cancer, heart attack, stroke, liver disease, certain eye problems (macular edema), or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Actos is not to be used in people with blood in their urine when the cause of this is unknown.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar level and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Be careful with Actos if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use Actos in treatment of children under 18 years old.

Actos may increase the risk of bone fracture in women (usually in the upper arm, hand, or foot).

Actos can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant.

Do not take Actos for longer than recommended. Taking Actos for more than 1 year may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer.

Q: What is Actos?

A: Actos is an effective drug of the class thiazolidinedione (TZD) with hypoglycemic (antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic) action to treat diabetes mellitus type 2.

Q: How does Actos work?

A: Actos helps to lower blood glucose levels by increasing the sensitivity of liver, fat, and muscle cells to insulin; enables cells to remove glucose from the blood more effectively, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and preserves the functioning of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Q: How long should I take Actos?

A: Do not take Actos for longer than recommended. Taking Actos for more than 1 year may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer.

Q: Can I take Actos to treat type 1 diabetes?

A: No. Actos is ineffective and possibly harmful in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

Target Point	Shipping Method	Tracking	Delivery Time	Price
Worldwide Shipping		Not trackable	21-30 business days	USD 15.00 per order
		Trackable, where available	14-21 business days	USD 25.00 per order

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EMS - 14-21 business days, price - USD 25.00, signature is required on delivery.
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