Actos

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Common uses

This medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the resistance your body has to insulin. It is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes medicines, including metformin or insulin, as part of a diet and exercise program.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking ketoconazole, birth control pills, or other medicine for diabetes (such as insulin, glipizide, or glyburide).

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, active liver disease, or experienced jaundice with troglitazone. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine in children under age 18 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop using this medicine or other diabetes medicine without first checking with your doctor. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. If you are taking this medicine with other diabetes medicine, you are at an increased risk of becoming hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include an increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Discuss with your doctor or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic reactions.

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver function tests and hba1c blood levels may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women taking birth control pills: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control.

For women: this medicine may increase your chance of pregnancy by causing ovulation to resume in premenopausal women who have not been ovulating. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

A side effect that may occur while taking this medicine is sore throat. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following side effects: bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; chest pain; rapid weight gain; shortness of breath; fatigue; unexplained nausea or vomiting; stomach pain; loss of appetite; unusual thirst; unusual amount of urine; dark urine; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor.

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this product out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

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