Actos is a member of the family of medications known as thiazolidinediones. It is used to lower the high blood sugar associated with type 2 diabetes. Thiazolidinediones such as actos help insulin to work more effectively. By keeping blood sugar at a desired level, actos can help to prevent or delay the long-term problems associated with uncontrolled high blood sugar (e.g., kidney disease, eye problems, nerve problems, heart disease). It may also be used in combination with one other diabetes medication, including metformin and the sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, gliclazide), to help control blood sugar.
Actos drug should start lowering your blood sugar shortly after you begin taking it. The maximum lowering of blood sugar due to actos usually occurs about 14 weeks after starting it.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
The usual starting dose for adults is 15 mg or 30 mg taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Diet and exercise programs should be continued while taking actos. Your doctor may decide to increase the dose of this medicine to 45 mg daily if the lower doses do not sufficiently reduce your blood sugar levels. The use and dose of actos for children must be determined by their doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without talking to your doctor.
Actos may be taken with or without food, and should be taken daily and at regular intervals as prescribed by the doctor so that blood levels of the medication always remain in an effective range.
If you miss a dose of actos, take it as soon as possible so that levels will be kept as constant as possible in the blood. If it is almost time to take your next dose of actos, just take the regularly scheduled dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Store this medication away from heat and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
