What is Actos used for?
Actos is used in diabetic patients as an antidiabetic to be consumed orally. It prevents the formation of insulin resistance and thus helps to manage type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also known as NIDDM or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that occurs primarily in adults. Actos works by making the patient’s muscles more sensitive to insulin and allows down hepatic gluconeogenesis. Thus Actos helps to improve the control over blood glucose levels and reduces the circulation of insulin levels. This in turn ensures that the kidneys function normally and there are no nerve related problems or those related to sexuality. Diabetic patients are also at a risk of loss of limbs due to nerve problems. Controlling blood sugar helps to prevent these in addition to lowering the chances of a stroke or heart attack.
Actos Information
How to Use Actos?
Take Actos only as directed by your doctor. Don’t use more or less of it, and do not use it for longer than instructed. Follow the special diet from your doctor carefully. Diet is the most important part of your diabetes treatment and will help your medication to work properly. Ensure you are also exercising regularly and conduct blood and urine tests as instructed.
Actos will come with a medication guide. Ensure you read and follow these instructions carefully and talk to your doctor if you have inquiries. You can take Actos with or without food.
What are the drug interactions with Actos?
In diabetes the blood sugar level needs to be maintained at a healthy level at all times. Any fluctuations in this can be dangerous for the patient. therefore patients who are taking Actos need to be aware that the medication interacts with other drugs that affect the blood glucose level. These include both those drugs that increase as well as decrease the blood sugar level. Some examples of the former are steroids, diuretics, birth control levels, pills against the common cold and allergies, medications for thyroid regulation, and phenothiazines. Drugs that cause the blood sugar to drop are sulfa drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, probenecid, and beta blockers.
- Digoxin (lanoxin)
- Gemfibrozil (lopid)
- Tagamet (cimetidine)
- Diflucan (fluconazole)
- Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Diclofenac
- Mobic (Meloxicam)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
This is not a complete list of all medications that may interact with Actos. Please notify all of your healthcare providers about the prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently take. This should include a complete list of all vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a treatment of a new medicine without properly notifying your primary health care professional or doctor. If you have questions about drug interactions you can call us at 1-844-416-4282 and ask for a pharmacist to receive counselling.
What are side effects of Actos?
Along with Actos’ intended effects, it can also cause unwanted side effects. You will not experience all of these side effects but some, if they do occur, may require medical attention.
If you notice the following side effects check with your doctor immediately:
More common
- Chest pain
- Decreased urine output
- Dilated neck veins
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Problems with teeth
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble with breathing
- Weight gain
- Wheezing
Less common
- Pale skin
- Swelling
- Trouble with breathing when active
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects might occur that don’t need medical attention. These side effects are usually mild and will subside as your body gets used to the medication. Talk to your doctor if the following side effects persist or become bothersome:
More common
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Flushed, dry skin
- Fruit-like breath odor
- Headache
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Problems with your teeth
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Stomachache
- Sweating
- Unexplained weight loss
You might experience side effects not listed here. If you notice other effects talk with your doctor.