:: Health Conditions - Diabetes - Pioglitazone HCl

Actos - Pioglitazone hcl

Actos is the brand name of a drug Pioglitazone HCl.
Pioglitazone (Actos) is an antihyperglycemic agent. It helps the body respond better to insulin and it reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It can help control blood sugar levels.
Actos, Pioglitazone is used, along with diet and exercise, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone - Actos may also be used with a sulfonylurea (e.g., Diabeta, Glucotrol, Micronase, others), metformin (Glucophage), or insulin when diet and exercise plus any one of these medicines alone do not result in adequate blood sugar control.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a pioglitazone overdose are not known.

What are the possible side effects of Actos?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pioglitazone and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite;
• unusual fatigue;
• yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
• dark urine.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or edema (swelling, water retention), shortness of breath, or chest pain during treatment with pioglitazone. These may be early symptoms of heart problems.
Although pioglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypoglycemia may result from skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Other less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take pioglitazone and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• headache;
• muscle aches; or
• sore throat, nasal discharge, or cold symptoms.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.