Warnings


What may interact with Actos?

-atorvastatin
-birth control pills or other hormonal methods of birth control
-bosentan
-itraconazole
-ketoconazole
-midazolam
-nifedipine
-other medicines for diabetes, including insulin
-topiramate

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:
-alcohol containing beverages
-aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
-chloramphenicol
-chromium
-diuretics
-female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
-heart medicines
-isoniazid
-male hormones or anabolic steroids
-medicines for weight loss
-medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
-medicines for mental problems
-medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
-niacin
-NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
-pentamidine
-phenytoin
-probenecid
-quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
-some herbal dietary supplements
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
-thyroid medicine

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Actos?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-bladder cancer
-diabetic ketoacidosis
-eye disease called macular edema
-heart disease
-heart failure
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-polycystic ovary syndrome
-premenopausal
-swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
-type 1 diabetes
-an unusual or allergic reaction to pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Actos?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.

Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

This medicine may increase your risk of having certain heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.

This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.