Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Actos is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Actos is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

Actos works by helping your body use insulin better.

It may be used alone or with other medicines such as insulin, metformin or sulfonylurea agents. 

Take Actos exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress,  illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Actos is usually taken once daily, with or without food.

Low blood sugar can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, and feeling shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

Actos is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the label. 

This medicine may cause some women who do not have regular monthly periods to ovulate. This can increase the chance of pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you should discuss birth control options with your doctor.

This medicine may increase the risk for bone fractures in women. Ask your doctor about ways to keep your bones strong to help prevent fractures.

There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your  diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says you have diabetes with a list of all your medicines.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (especially when lying down), unusual tiredness, swelling, rapid weight gain;

• pink or red urine, painful or difficult urination, new or worsening urge to urinate;

• changes in your vision; or

• sudden unusual pain in your hand, arm, or foot.

• headache;

• muscle pain; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-bladder cancer
-diabetic ketoacidosis
-eye disease called macular edema
-heart disease
-swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
-type 1 diabetes
-an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.