Information about Pioglitazone (Generic Actos) :


Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic that is used for treating type 2 diabetes in certain patients. It decreases blood sugar by making the cells of the body more sensitive to the action of insulin. Pioglitazone should be used with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medicines.

You should not use Pioglitazone in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Pioglitazone; you have moderate to severe heart failure; you have type 1 diabetes; you have a history of liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called troglitazone.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Pioglitazone you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe problem associated with diabetes); you have a history of liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), or eye or vision problems; you have swelling problems (edema).

Be aware that Pioglitazone may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: Gemfibrozil, insulin, or oral antidiabetic medicines (eg, glipizide) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased; Rifampin because effectiveness of Pioglitazone may be decreased, resulting in high blood sugar; Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) because their effectiveness may be decreased or the risk of their side effects may be increased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Pioglitazone:

You should use Pioglitazone as recommended by your doctor with or without food.

Try not to miss any dose and take it according to regular scheduler. Do not give up taking Pioglitazone even if you feel well.

Taking Pioglitazone at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.

Important safety information:

You should carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.

For the best results, follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your doctor. Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular blood sugar testing are important.

It is obligatory to check your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor. If they are higher than they should be and you use Pioglitazone exactly as prescribed, consult with your doctor.

In some situations it may be harder to control your blood sugar (fever, infection, injury, or surgery). You should consult with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar in such cases. The dose of your medicine should not be changed without checking with your physician.

Pioglitazone in combination with insulin may lower your blood sugar levels. It makes you feel anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you hungrier. It is necessary to carry a reliable source of glucose (e.g., tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. In cases this is unavailable; you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. It elevates your blood sugar level rather quickly. Consult with your doctor if this happens immediately. Do not skip meals and eat meals at the same time each day.

Pioglitazone usage may lead to ovulation in women who have not reached menopause but do not ovulate. You should use effective birth control method while taking Pioglitazone.

Notice your doctor or dentist that you use Pioglitazone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Pioglitazone usage may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, eye examinations, and liver function, may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

It is not allowed to use Pioglitazone in children younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
If you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Pioglitazone while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Pioglitazone passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while using Pioglitazone.

Possible side effects of Pioglitazone:
You should consult with your doctor if you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: Headache; muscle aches; sore throat; weight gain.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; symptoms of heart failure (eg, shortness of breath; sudden unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet); symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine; yellowing of the skin or eyes; unexplained nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; stomach pain); symptoms of low blood sugar (eg, anxiety, increased sweating, dizziness or drowsiness, headache, chills, tremors, increased hunger); unusual tiredness or weakness.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.