Actos is the brand name of the medication pioglitazone, an oral diabetes medication that assists on controlling blood sugar levels. It is usually prescribed alongside diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to help improve blood sugar control in adult type 2 diabetes patients. This medication is not intended for treatment in type 1 diabetes patients or anyone under the age of 18.

As with any medications, take Actos in an exact manner that your doctor has instructed you to. This medication can be taken with or without food. Store the medication at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

This medication is usually prescribed as part of a regimen that may include lifestyle, diet, or exercise changes alongside medical testing. Your doctor may also prescribe you an emergency glucagon kit in case you have extreme hypoglycemia and are unable to drink or eat. Your blood sugar levels can be altered by illness, exercise, stress, skipping meals, drinking alcohol, and surgery.

You should avoid taking this medication if you have uncontrolled or severe heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, or active bladder cancer. Actos can cause congestive heart failure or make it worse. If you experience any symptoms of heart failure, you should stop taking this medication and call your doctor right away. To make sure that this medication is safe for you to take, you should provide your doctor with a full medical history and a list of any medications, vitamins or supplements that you take. Taking this medication can increase your risk of experiencing serious heart problems. However, leaving your diabetes untreated may result in damage to your organs. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of this medication. If you think that you are experiencing an allergic reaction or overdose, you should get emergency medical help.

Taking this medication may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your dosage and directions if you are pregnant, as blood sugar control is very important while pregnant. Pioglitazone may not be safe to take while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about the risks.

If you are experiencing a severe reaction, you should call your doctor right away. Examples of a severe reaction may include some of the following:

• Vision changes
• Pain urinating
• Abnormal urge to urinate
• Red or pink urine
• An unusual feeling of exhaustion
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling
• Sudden abnormal pain in the arm, hand, or foot

Common Actos side effects may include muscle pains, headaches, or cold symptoms.

What is Actos generic?

The generic alternative name of Actos is pioglitazone.

What are Actos side effects?

Some common side effects of Actos may include cold symptoms, headaches, and muscle pains.