Brand
name : PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone)
Pronounced: ACK-toes
Generic name: Pioglitazone hydrochloride
Why is PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) prescribed?
PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) is used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. This
form of the illness usually stems from the body's inability to make
good use of insulin, the natural hormone that helps to transfer sugar
out of the blood and into the cells, where it's converted to energy.
PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) works by improving the body's response to its natural supply
of insulin, rather than increasing its insulin output. PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) also reduces
the production of unneeded sugar in the liver.
PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) (and the similar drug Avandia) can be used alone or in combination
with insulin injections or other oral diabetes medications such as
DiaBeta, Micronase, Glucotrol, or Glucophage.
Most important fact about PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone)
without prescriptions
Always remember that PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) 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 PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) is not an oral form of
insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.
How should you take PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone)?
PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) should be taken once a day with or without meals.
PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) miss 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.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture
and humidity.
PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone).
* Side effects may include:
Headache, hypoglycemia, muscle aches, respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation,
sore throat, swelling, tooth disorder
Why should PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) not be prescribed?
If PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) gives you an allergic reaction, you should not take this
drug.
Special warnings about PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone)
In very rare cases, a drug similar to PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) has proven toxic to the
liver. The manufacturer therefore recommends that your doctor check
your liver function before you begin taking PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) and periodically
thereafter. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
fatigue, loss of appetite, or dark urine, report them to your doctor
immediately. You will probably have to stop using PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone).
Because PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) works by improving the body's response to its own supply
of insulin, it is not for type 1 diabetics, who are unable to produce
any insulin at all. For the same reason, PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) can't be used to treat
the condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (excessively high sugar
levels due to the lack of insulin).
In rare instances, PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) causes
swelling and fluid retention that can lead to congestive heart failure.
If you already have this problem,
you should avoid PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone). If you
develop symptoms that signal the problem--such as shortness of breath,
fatigue, or weight gain--you should check with
your doctor immediately; the drug will probably have to be discontinued.
The problem is more likely when PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) is taken in combination with insulin.PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone), by itself, will not cause excessively low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
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--shaking, sweating, agitation, clammy
skin, or blurred vision--take some fast-acting sugar, such as 4 to
6 ounces of fruit juice. 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 (a
long-term measurement of blood sugar). 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.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone)
It is possible that PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) 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.
If PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) with the following:
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Midazolam (Versed)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
He may switch you to insulin during your pregnancy, since normal blood
sugar levels are very important for the developing baby.
It is not known whether PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) appears in breast milk. For safety's
sake, do not use PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone) while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for PIOZONE (Actos, Pioglitazone)
ADULTS Overdosage
