Actos 45 mg (28 tablets)

Description

Actos 45 mg (28 tablets)

Composition

Each tablet of Actos 45 mg contains 45 mg of pioglitazone as the active ingredient.

Description

Actos is an oral antidiabetic medication used to improve blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone, the active ingredient of Actos, is a thiazolidinedione that decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output.

Indications

Actos is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings.

Contraindications

Actos is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to pioglitazone or any other component of this product. It is also contraindicated in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.

Precautions

Prior to initiation of Actos therapy, patients should be reviewed for a history of heart failure or other heart diseases. Actos should be used with caution in patients with edema. Regular monitoring of liver functions is recommended as Actos may cause elevation in liver enzymes.

Adverse Reactions

Common adverse reactions include headache, muscle pain, sore throat, weight gain, and edema. Less frequent but more serious side effects may include new or worsening heart failure, bladder cancer, and liver problems.

Drug Interactions

Actos may interact with certain other medications, including insulin or other antidiabetic medications, gemfibrozil, rifampin, and oral contraceptives. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking before starting Actos.

Dosage and Administration

Actos should be taken once daily and can be taken without regard to meals. The recommended starting dose for patients without heart failure is 15 or 30 mg once daily. The dose can be increased in increments up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily based on glycemic response.

Overdose

In case of overdose, supportive treatment should be initiated as indicated by the patient’s clinical status. There is no specific antidote for overdose with Actos.

Storage

Actos tablets should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and keep all medications away from children and pets.

Package

Each package of Actos 45 mg contains 28 tablets.

Price

The price of Actos 45 mg (28 tablets) is $43.20.

Warnings

Actos may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular menstrual cycles. This can increase the chance of pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about effective birth control while taking Actos.

Additional Information

Actos can cause serious side effects, including new or worse heart failure. Patients should call their doctor right away if they have any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath or trouble breathing, swelling or fluid retention, unusual tiredness, or sudden weight gain.

Patients should also call their doctor right away if they have blood or a red color in urine, or painful urination. This could be due to bladder cancer.

Actos can cause liver problems. Patients should call their doctor right away if they have unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Actos can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with other diabetes medicines. Patients should talk to their doctor about how to reduce the chance of getting low blood sugar.

Actos can have other side effects. Patients should call their doctor if they have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

These are not all the possible side effects of Actos. For more information, patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist.