Pioglitazone (Generic of Actos)

Pioglitazone (Generic of Actos) works by helping your body properly utilize insulin to lower blood sugar. It may be used alone or with other medicines to achieve the desired result.

Pioglitazone (Generic of Actos) is taken orally with or without food. The standard dose is one tablet a day but your healthcare professionals will advise you how often to take it.

Your dose is determined by your other drugs, medical condition and history of treatment. Pay attention to what they tell you as they may adjust your dose during treatment.

If you miss a dose you can take it once you remember. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it. If it's nearly time for your next dose, you can skip the missed dose and continue your schedule.

All orders from Sunshine Pharmacy are delivered in the manufacturer's packaging and include a medicine information sheet. We ask that you carefully read this information sheet and call us if you have any questions or do not understand the document.

Pioglitazone (Generic of Actos) may make you dizzy. Avoid driving or handling dangerous equipment until you know how you react to the drug. Alcohol and cannabis may exacerbate the dizziness worse. Alcohol can also affect your blood sugar which can make treatment more difficult. Advise your doctor if you use cannabis or alcohol.

Injury and illness may affect how your body handles your blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you experience a serious injury or sickness.  You should also let them know if you are scheduled for surgery or dental surgery.

This medication affects women differently than men. It may affect your menstrual cycle and increase the risk of pregnancy. You may need to consider reliable birth control during treatment. It may also make your limbs more susceptible to bone fractures.

It is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Talking to your doctor or pharmacist can help you manage type 1 diabetes.

Advise your doctor if you have liver disease prior to treatment. It may make the condition or affect how Actos works.

There are potential known drug interactions associated with Actos. You should disclose all of your current vitamins, supplements, OTC drugs, herbal products and all current prescription medicines. Our pharmacists will provide therapeutic screening for all orders against this supplied list.

Call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction or drug interaction.

• Labetalol
• Glyburide
• Nadifloxacin
• Carvedilol
• Bisoprolol
• Tolazamide
• Carteolol
• Insulin Bovine
• Nadolol
• Atenolol
• Lumateperone
• Acarbose
• Octreotide
• Tolbutamide
• Topiramate
• Fleroxacin
• Pazufloxacin
• Repaglinide
• Nilotinib
• Nifedipine
• Ketoconazole
• Rifampin
• Pindolol
• Thioctic Acid
• Sparfloxacin
• Balofloxacin
• Glipizide
• Piperaquine
• Celiprolol
• Insulin Glargine, Recombinant

We do not list all possible known side effects of pioglitazone. You may experience a side effect that is not provided here. If you find that you are noticing severe side effects call your doctor or one of our pharmacists for counseling and medical advice.

Your doctor will normally balance the benefits of treatment versus any possible adverse reactions. Please call us and speak to the pharmacist if you have concerns about buying Actos online.

• yellow eyes or skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• stomach pain
• increased urination
• dry mouth
• stomach ache
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• increased thirst
• swelling
• flushed, dry skin
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• dilated neck veins
• sweating
• loss of consciousness
• runny or stuffy nose
• weight gain
• problems with teeth
• Pain or swelling in the arms or legs without an injury
• Dark urine
• nausea or vomiting
• fruit-like breath odor
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• sore throat
• pale skin
• cough
• trouble with breathing when active
• extreme fatigue
• fluid retention
• shortness of breath

The generic equivalent is called Pioglitazone. It is significantly cheaper than the brand product.

Weight gain is a possible side effect of treatment. A higher dose can cause greater weight gain than lower doses.

Diarrhea is a noted, if less common, side effect of the drug. Advise your doctor if it becomes bothersome as they may have medical advice.

Your doctor will advise you if the tablets can be cut in half before prescribing this medication. A pharmacist can also check if you can split the tablets.

Your body removes the medication fairly quickly, within 3 hours of taking your dose. It may take a few days for everything to be completely removed from your system.

It can take between 2-3 months to see the maximum benefit from treatment. Keep track of your blood sugar levels and advise your doctor if you do not see an improvement or if your condition grows worse.