Actos general information
What is Actos used for?
Actos tablets 30mg are an oral diabetes medication that are used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone. Actos tablets 30mg can be used alone as monotherapy, in conjunction with diet and exercise, or in combination with other antihyperglycaemic medication (lowers blood sugar), like sulfonylureas or metformin, when a single drug does not result in adequate glycaemic control. In some cases, Actos 30 can be used in conjunction with insulin for treatment of type-1 diabetes (also called insulin-dependent diabetes), where insulin alone is not enough to control blood sugar levels.
How does Actos work?
Actos tablets 30mg contain pioglitazone, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the thiazolidinedione group of drugs. Pioglitazone in Actos tablets 30mg controls blood glucose (sugar) primarily by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance in the liver, where glucose is produced, and peripheral tissues, mainly muscle and adipose (fat) tissue, where excess glucose is removed from the blood and stored. Pioglitazone in Actos tablets 30mg interacts with specific receptors on insulin-reactive cells, like muscle, fat and liver, which allows insulin to do its work, resulting in improved glycaemic control after a meal (posprandial) as well as between meal. This action prevents fluctuations in the daily blood glucose profile, and reduces the amount of glucose and insulin in the blood; which is reflected in the amount of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) a measure of blood glucose over a prolonged period of time. Maintaining glycaemic control with Actos 30 reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
What does Actos contain?
Actos tablets 30mg contain the active ingredient pioglitazone hydrochloride, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication used to treat diabetes. They also contain lactose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carmellose calcium, magnesium stearate.
Treating type 2 diabetes with Actos
Actos tablets 30mg contain pioglitazone, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication, used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone. Pioglitazone in Actos tablets 30mg controls blood glucose (sugar) primarily by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance in the liver and peripheral tissues, mainly muscle and adipose (fat) tissue. Pioglitazone in Actos tablets 30mg interacts with specific receptors on insulin-reactive cells, like muscle, fat and liver, which allows insulin to do its work, resulting in improved glycaemic control after a meal (posprandial) as well as between meal. This action prevents fluctuations in the daily blood glucose profile, and reduces the amount of glucose and insulin in the blood. Maintaining glycaemic control with Actos 30 reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
What are the side effects of Actos?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Actos tablets 30mg include: pharyngitis, weight gain, swelling of the ankles, feet and hands (oedema), tooth disorder, increased risk of fracture in women, leg cramps, blurred or double vision.
When should Actos not be used?
You should not use Actos tablets 30mg if you:
- are allergic to pioglitazone or any ingredients in Actos 30
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have liver disease
- have heart failure requiring treatment or a history of heart failure
- are taking medicines that interact with Actos, including: gemfibrozil for high cholesterol, the antibiotic rifampicin, oral contraceptives, other anti-diabetic drugs (without discussion with your doctor)
What medications interact with Actos?
Several medications interact with Actos and should either not be taken while you are taking Actos or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Actos: other anti-diabetic drugs
- Drugs that affect Actos: gemfibrozil for high cholesterol, the antibiotic rifampicin
- Drugs that are affected by Actos: oral contraceptives
How should Actos be taken?
You should take your Actos tablets 30mg with a glass of water once daily with or without food. Your doctor may increase your dose, depending on how well you respond. You should continue to take your Actos tablets 30mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they with help maintain your blood sugar levels but will not cure your diabetes.
How long should you take Actos?
You should continue to take your Actos tablets 30mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they with help maintain your blood sugar levels but will not cure your diabetes.
Missed dose of Actos
If you miss a dose of Actos tablets 30mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Actos be stored?
You should store your Actos below 30°C in a cool dry place.