Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PIOGLITAZONE - ORAL

(pie-oh-GLIT-uh-zone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actos

Uses

This medication is used to treat diabetes. It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.

How To Use

Take by mouth, with or without food, once daily as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication may be used in addition to other medications to treat diabetes. Take all other medication as directed by your doctor. If you are currently taking troglitazone, wait at least one week between stopping troglitazone and starting therapy with this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Headache may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: sore throat, cough, unusual tiredness or weakness, dizziness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, muscle ache, swelling, unusual thirst, unusual amount of urine, trouble breathing, sudden weight gain. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Use of this medication is not recommended if you have newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure). Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, swelling (edema), heart problems (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), fertility problems (e.g., ovulation problems, very high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis), blood problems (e.g., anemia), liver disease. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to learn the symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Some symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst and increased urination. Low blood sugar may cause you to feel shaky, sweaty, hungry or have an increased pulse. Carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. Consult your pharmacist. 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 additional medication may be required. This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs for diabetes (e.g., rosiglitazone, insulin, glipizide, glyburide), ketoconazole. This medication may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of other birth control methods. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medication and getting regular eye, foot, and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).