Drug Uses

Actos is primarily used in treating type II diabetes. For this purpose it is mostly used along with diet and exercise though it may be used on a standalone basis also. You may use it for treating other conditions as prescribed by your doctorl.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may take Actos with or without a meal.

Please drink a full glass of water with Actos.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.


Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.


Storage

Store Actos at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Actos, if you have a history of liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), eye or vision problems or have swelling problems (edema), if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe problem associated with diabetes) if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding.

Actos may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Actos. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Actos. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Actos before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Actos is not useful for treating type I diabetes. Being a diabetic patient, it is always advisable that you carry an ID card on person that mentions about your condition and Actos usage.

For best results, it is important to bring about lifestyle changes and pair it with Actos. A healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders with the way you respond to treatment.

Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly and if you find the levels of blood sugar fluctuating despite the treatment with Actos, then consult your doctor.

The risk of treating a child with Actos has not been determined and therefore Actos should not be used in a child below 18 years. In some cases, it may lead to Low Blood Sugar. Symptoms like rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger are signs of your blood sugar plummeting low. If you notice any of these symptoms then quickly consume a source of sugar (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda) as this will help elevate your sugar levels quickly. Now seek medical attention.

Have your meals on time and you can easily avoid low blood sugar.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Actos to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Actos as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.