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Actos |
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What is Actos and why is it prescribed? Actos is used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Actos works by improving the body's response to its natural supply of insulin, rather than increasing its insulin output. Actos also reduces the production of unneeded sugar in the liver. Actos can be used alone or in combination with insulin injections or other oral diabetes medications. Always remember that Actos is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Actos is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin. How should you take Actos? Follow your doctors directions for taking Actos. Actos should be taken once a day with or without meals. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose on one day, skip it and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double your dose the following day. Store Actos at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity. Are there any Actos side effects? Actos side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Actos side effects may include headache, hypoglycemia, muscle aches, respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling, and tooth disorder. Less common Actos side effects may include anemia, shortness of breath, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Actos? If Actos is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is possible that Actos may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. To guard against an unwanted pregnancy, be sure to use some other form of contraception. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Actos with Ketoconazole (Nizoral) or Midazolam (Versed). Are there any special warnings about Actos? In very rare cases, a drug similar to Actos has proven toxic to the liver. The manufacturer therefore recommends that your doctor check your liver function before you begin Actos, then every 2 months for the first year of therapy and periodically thereafter. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, or dark urine, report them to your doctor immediately. You will probably have to stop using Actos. Actos it is not for type 1 diabetics. Actos can't be used to treat the condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. In rare instances, Actos causes swelling and fluid retention that can lead to congestive heart failure. If you already have this problem, you should avoid Actos. If you develop symptoms that signal the problem you should check with your doctor immediately. The drug will probably have to be discontinued. The problem is more likely when Actos is taken in combination with insulin. Actos, by itself, will not cause excessively low blood sugar. However, when you combine it with insulin injections or some other oral diabetes drugs, the chance of hypoglycemia increases. If you begin to feel symptoms of hypoglycemia take some fast-acting sugar. Let your doctor know about the incident. You may need a lower dose of insulin or oral medication. To make sure that your blood sugar levels stay within the normal range, get regular tests of your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin. Contact your doctor during periods of stress due to fever, infection, injury, surgery, and the like. Dosage of your diabetes medicines may need to be changed. |
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