Product Details: Actos (Pioglitazone)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Takeda

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the resistance your body has to insulin. It is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes medicines, including metformin or insulin, as part of a diet and exercise program.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE or other diabetes medicine without first checking with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE WITH OTHER DIABETES MEDICINE, you are at an increased risk of becoming hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include an increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Discuss with your doctor or nurse how to handle hypoglycemic reactions. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF BONE FRACTURE IN SOME WOMEN. Inform your doctor if you have a history of bone fracture, low calcium intake, osteoporosis, or weakened bones. This medicine may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, eye examinations, and liver function may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. FOR WOMEN: this medicine may increase your chance of pregnancy by causing ovulation to resume in premenopausal women who have not been ovulating. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while taking this medicine is sore throat. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects: bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; rapid weight gain; shortness of breath; fatigue; unexplained nausea or vomiting; stomach pain; loss of appetite; unusual thirst; unusual amount of urine; dark urine; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Pioglitazone