Brand Names: Actos, Glustin, Zactos.
Generic Name: Pioglitazone.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Actos is a thiazolidinedione with hypoglycemic drug. It is used for treating patients with diabetes of second type, by lowering blood sugar and making the body cells more sensitive to the action of insulin. Actos curtails the production of unneeded sugar in the liver. Sometimes it is prescribed with other antidiabetic medicines or in combination with special diet and exercises.

How to Take
Before start taking any new medicine please consult with a doctor. The recommended starting dose of Actos is 15 to 30 mg once a day. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 45 mg a day.

Warning and Precautions
If you are diabetic carry ID card all the time. To achieve better results while using Actos you should follow appropriate diet and special exercises. It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Use effective birth control while taking Actos. Before receiving any medical help, tell doctor that you are taking Actos. In rare cases, Actos can lead to congestive heart failure. If you already have this problem, you should avoid using this medicine. Actos may cause low blood sugar levels when it is used along with insulin or other oral diabetic medicines. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster, change your vision or make you more hungry. To increase blood sugar you may carry reliable source of glucose or you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.

Important
Actos should not be used while pregnant. If you are pregnant, stop taking Actos. If you are planning to become pregnant, make sure your doctor knows that you are taking Actos. It also appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.

Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, lightheadedness or dizziness, very fast or slow heart rate.If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Storage
Actos should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.

Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  chest pain, coughing, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, weight gain, nausea, tiredness, vomiting. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain, dark urine, vision problems.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Actos. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.