CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic Actos is available as a tablet for oral administration containing 15 mg or 30 mg, of pioglitazone (as the base). Generic Actos helps the body effectively use insulin. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve sugar control. A member of the thiazolidinedione class of drugs, Generic Actos helps reduce insulin resistance, a major problem associated with Type II diabetes.
Active Ingredients: pioglitazone
Inactive Ingredients: lactose monohydrate NF, hydroxypropylcellulose NF, arboxymethylcellulose calcium NF, and magnesium stearate NF.
What is Generic Actos PRESCRIBED For?
Generic Actos is used to treat Type II diabetes. Generic Actos along with physical activity and healthy eating helps the body to use its own natural insulin or the insulin you take more effectively. Usually Generic Actos is prescribed once a day and it can be used by itself or in combination with certain other diabetes pills (sulfonylureas, metformin) or insulin to lower blood glucose.
How Should I Take Generic Actos?
Generic Actos is taken orally usually once per day, or as directed by your health care professional. You may take it with or without food. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if you are taking other anti-diabetic drugs.
In order to get the most benefit from it use Generic Actos regularly. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Your blood glucose levels should be monitored on a regular basis. It may last up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity.
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic Actos?
Generic Actos is contraindicated for Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) or diabetic ketoacidosis. You should consult your health care professional before taken Generic Actos if you ever had:
heart failure;
fluid retention;
active liver disease;
Generic Actos should be used with caution in patients with edema. If Generic Actos gives you an allergic reaction, you should not take this drug.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your health care professional immediately. He may switch you to insulin during your pregnancy, since normal blood sugar levels are very important for the developing baby. Generic Actos should not be administered to a breastfeeding woman.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose on one day, skip it and go back to your regular schedule.
Note: Do not double your dose the following day.
What happens if I OVERDOSE?
The effects of a massive Generic Actos overdose are unknown, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose with Generic Actos, seek medical attention immediately.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic Actos?
If any of the following side effects appear contact your health care professional - immediately:
- dark urine;
- stomach/abdominal pain;
- yellowing of eyes/skin;
- persistent nausea/vomiting;
Your health care professional should be notified also if you experience:
- sore throat
- muscle pain
- tooth problems.
In some rare case Generic Actos can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.).The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your health care professional immediately.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic Actos?
Before using Generic Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-diabetic medications (e.g., insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas such as glyburide), herbal/natural products (e.g., fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema). This medication may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your health care professional for details.
Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
- antiretroviral protease inhibitors (examples: indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
- aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- baclofen
- clonidine
- alcohol containing beverages
- angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples: captopril, enalapril, lisinopril)
- female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
- fibric acid derivatives, used to treat high cholesterol (examples: fenofibrate and gemfibrozil)
- glucagon
- growth hormone (somatropin)
- cyclosporine
- diazoxide
- disopyramide
- epinephrine
- guanethidine
- isoniazid
- lithium
- beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
- certain medicines used for mental depression, emotional, or psychotic disturbances
- chromium
- cisapride
- metoclopramide
- male hormones or anabolic steroids
- medications to suppress appetite or for weight loss
- pentamidine
- phenytoin
- thyroid hormones
- water pills (diuretics)
- quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
- some herbal dietary supplements
- steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
- sulfonamides, medicines for infection (examples: Azulfidine, Bactrim, Gantrisin Septra)
- tacrolimus
- tegaserod
- medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
- niacin
- nicotine (including nicotine found in patches and gum)
- octreotide
Your health care professional should know if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Additional Information
Learn how to monitor blood or urine sugar and urine ketones regularly.
Your health care professional will have to check blood tests regularly to assess the effect of this medication on your liver.
Generic Actos may rarely cause changes in some of these measurements. If you are going to have surgery, tell your health care professional that you are taking Generic Actos. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.
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