Actos is the brand name of the United States version of pioglitazone (otherwise named Glustin in Europe and Zactos in Mexico) and is marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals to diabetics. It is more commonly given to type 2 diabetics than to type 1 diabetics, and typically in combination with insulin or metformin (type 1 diabetics cannot use metformin).
Actos Medication
Actos, or pioglitazone, belongs to the thiazolidinediones class of medications that work by having the body’s sensitivity to insulin increased. While it will not treat diabetes it can help control blood sugar levels. It is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise and, when used along with a healthier lifestyle, can get some type 2 diabetics off of being insulin dependent. However, when it is prescribed for those rare type 1 diabetics that are able to use the medication, it does not ever relieve them from insulin dependence.
Actos Side Effects
Pioglitazone side effects include flu-like symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, tooth pain, mouth pain, and muscle pain. More serious side effects of Actos can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dark urine, loss of appetite, jaundice of skin and eyes, vision loss, and blurred vision. It has been seen that those on Actos have a higher risk factor for bladder cancer than those individuals who are not on Actos. Women have a higher risk factor for fractures on Actos than those women who are not.
Actos Dosage
Actos is in given in tablet form with the dosages of 7.5,15mg, 30mg, or 45mg. Combination pioglitazone medications are ActoplusMet (15mg Actos and 500mg metformin or 850mg metformin) and Duetact (30mg Actos and 2mg Amaryl or 4mg Amaryl). Only a healthcare provider can know, after reviewing case history and personal blood sugar control which of these pioglitazone formulas will work best in the individual.
Taking Actos
Actos needs to be taken around the same time each day and the medication can be taken with food or without. It should always be stored in places out of the heat and out of moisture (the bathroom medicine cabinet is not advised). Preferably, it should always be at room temperature. The medication may start on a lower dosage than the prescribed amount and have the patient get used to the drug gradually. It will take two weeks to begin to adjust blood sugar levels and longer before the full prescribing dosage effect is reached. Don’t stop taking Actos before talking to a healthcare provider as they may want to step down the dosage to quit instead of stopping instantly.
Sources: MedicineNet, Drugs.com, Drugs@FDA
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