Actos (Pioglitazone)

Do's

• Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting Actos and with each refill. 
• Ask your healthcare provider for clarification if you have any questions. 
• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day. 
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. 
• Wait for 2 to 3 months to experience the full benefit of this drug. 
• Inform your healthcare provider promptly if your condition does not improve or worsens (e.g. if your blood sugar is too high or too low). 
• Take this medication regularly to derive the maximum benefit from it. 
• Take it at the same time each day to help with consistency. 
• Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized and detailed information about the dosage and administration of Actos. 

Don'ts

• Don't skip doses of Actos without consulting your healthcare provider. 

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you may be taking. 

Common and Mild Side Effects:

• Weight gain
• Edema (fluid retention)

Serious Side Effects:

• Heart failure
• Liver failure

Rare but Serious Side Effects:

• Lactic acidosis
• Macular edema

If you develop serious side effects while taking Actos, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If the side effects seem life-threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.

Discuss any bothersome or severe side effects with your healthacre provider, as they may be able to suggest treatments to help ease the side effects or recommend alternative medications.

Actos can cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. Monitor for signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and edema, especially after initiation of Actos or dose increases. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of Actos must be considered. Actos is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure, and its initiation in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated.

Actos is associated with the risk of edema and fractures. Be aware of these potential side effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Actos may interact with other drugs. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Discuss any concerns or questions about Actos and its associated warnings and precautions with your healthcare provider.