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Actos: useful modern medicine. Actos: uses Actos is an anti-diabetic drug ( thiazolidinedione-type, also called " glitazones " ) used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes ( non-insulin-dependent diabetes ) . It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar. Effectively controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems ( impotence ) .
Actos is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications ( e. g. , metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin ) . Actos: how to use Take Actos by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if we are taking other anti-diabetic drugs.
Use Actos regularly in order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time ( s ) each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis.
It may take up to 2 to 3 months before full benefit of Actos takes effect.
Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor. Actos: side effects See also Warning section.
Sore throat, muscle pain, or tooth problems may occur while use Actos. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Actos because he or she has judged that the benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Actos don't have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:
Actos usually does not cause low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) , but this effect may occur while use Actos if we do not consume enough calories ( from food, juices, fruit, etc. ) . The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It's a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If we are in a situation where we do not have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and don't skip meals.
Symptoms of high blood sugar ( hyperglycemia ) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased.
A serious allergic reaction to Actos is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Actos: precautions Before taking Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; if we are allergic to other " glitazones " ( e. g. , rosiglitazone ) ; or if we have any other allergies.
Actos should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
Before using Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcohol while taking Actos because it can increase risk of developing hypoglycemia.
During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required.
Actos may increase risk of bone fracture ( e. g. , upper arm, hand, foot, ankle ) in female patients. To lower chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.
Actos can cause changes in menstrual cycle ( ovulation ) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking this medication.
Actos should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for Actos during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.
It's not known whether Actos passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Actos isn't recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Actos: interactions Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Don't start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:
Actos may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using Actos. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Beta-blocker medications ( e. g. , metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol ) may prevent fast/pounding heartbeat we would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low ( hypoglycemia ) . Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.
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