Actos

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetic ketoacidosis

heart disease

heart failure

kidney disease

liver disease

polycystic ovary syndrome

swelling of the arms, legs, or feet

an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

atorvastatin

birth control pills or other hormonal methods of birth control

bosentan

traconazole

ketoconazole

midazolam

nifedipine

other medicines for diabetes, including insulin

topiramate

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:

alcohol containing beverages

aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

chloramphenicol

chromium

diuretics

female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

heart medicines

soniazid

male hormones or anabolic steroids

medicines for weight loss

medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough

medicines for mental problems

medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl

niacin

NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

pentamidine

phenytoin

probenecid

quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin

some herbal dietary supplements

steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

thyroid medicine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
Your health care professional will have to check blood tests regularly to assess the effect of this medication on your liver.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
If you have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that has sugar. Make sure others know to get medical help quickly if you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like if you become unconscious or have a seizure.
This medicine may increase your risk of having some heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.
This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.
If you need surgery or if you will need a procedure with contrast drugs, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

changes in vision

dark urine

fever, chills, sore throat

low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)

muscle pain

sudden weight gain

swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

headache

nfection

problems with teeth

slow weight gain

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.