Actos: Effective Blood Sugar Control for Type 2 Diabetes
Actos
| Product dosage: 15mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.95 | $57.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.83 | $85.50 $75.00 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.78 | $114.00 $93.00 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.72 | $171.00 $129.00 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 240 | $0.69 | $228.00 $166.00 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.66
Best per pill | $342.00 $239.00 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 30mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.87 | $52.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.77 | $78.00 $69.00 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.72 | $104.00 $86.00 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.66 | $156.00 $118.00 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.63 | $234.00 $169.00 (28%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.60
Best per pill | $312.00 $217.00 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Similar products
Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication belonging to the thiazolidinedione class, specifically designed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It functions as an insulin sensitizer, working primarily by reducing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, thereby helping the body utilize its own insulin more effectively. This oral antidiabetic agent is commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and often other medications, to achieve and maintain target hemoglobin A1c levels. By addressing a fundamental pathophysiological defect in type 2 diabetes, Actos offers a mechanism-centered approach to managing hyperglycemia.
Features
- Contains pioglitazone hydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Available in tablet strengths of 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg
- Oral administration, typically once daily with or without food
- Belongs to the thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic agents
- Requires a prescription and regular monitoring by a healthcare provider
Benefits
- Significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c levels, helping patients achieve glycemic targets
- Improinsulin sensitivity in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, addressing a core defect in type 2 diabetes
- May provide durable glycemic control with once-daily dosing, supporting treatment adherence
- Can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents like metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin
- Has demonstrated effects on lipid parameters, potentially improving certain cardiovascular risk markers
- Offers a non-insulin secretagogue mechanism, reducing risk of hypoglycemia when used alone
Common use
Actos is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is commonly prescribed when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient to achieve target blood glucose levels. Healthcare providers may initiate Actos as monotherapy or combine it with other antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin when additional glycemic control is needed. The medication is particularly useful in patients with significant insulin resistance, as it directly addresses this pathophysiological mechanism. Treatment decisions should always be individualized based on the patient’s metabolic profile, comorbidities, and treatment goals.
Dosage and direction
The recommended starting dose of Actos is 15 mg or 30 mg orally once daily, with or without food. The dosage may be increased in increments up to 45 mg once daily based on glycemic response as determined by hemoglobin A1c levels. Dose adjustments should typically occur at intervals of 12-16 weeks to allow sufficient time for therapeutic response assessment. When used in combination with insulin or other antidiabetic agents, dosage adjustments of these concomitant medications may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Patients should be instructed to take Actos at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or split.
Precautions
Patients taking Actos should undergo regular monitoring of liver function tests prior to initiation and periodically during treatment, as rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported. Regular assessment of glycemic control through hemoglobin A1c testing is essential to evaluate therapeutic response and guide dosage adjustments. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of heart failure, as thiazolidinediones can cause fluid retention that may exacerbate or lead to heart failure. Weight gain is commonly observed with Actos therapy and should be monitored, with appropriate dietary and exercise counseling provided. Regular eye examinations are recommended, as thiazolidinediones may increase the risk of diabetic macular edema. Female patients should be advised about the potential increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in the distal upper and lower limbs.
Contraindications
Actos is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to pioglitazone or any component of the formulation. It must not be used in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure due to the risk of fluid retention and exacerbation of heart failure. The medication is contraindicated in patients with active bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer, as epidemiological studies have suggested an increased risk associated with pioglitazone use. Actos is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these conditions. The safety and effectiveness of Actos in pediatric patients have not been established.
Possible side effect
Common side effects of Actos include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, myalgia, tooth disorder, and diabetes mellitus aggravated. Weight gain occurs frequently, typically ranging from 2-4 kg, due to fluid retention and fat accumulation. Edema, particularly peripheral edema, is reported in approximately 4-6% of patients receiving monotherapy and up to 15% when combined with insulin. Hypoglycemia may occur when Actos is used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues. Less common but serious adverse reactions include congestive heart failure, hepatotoxicity, bladder cancer (with long-term use), fractures (particularly in women), and macular edema. Patients should report any unusual symptoms, especially shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, visual changes, or signs of liver dysfunction such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or jaundice.
Drug interaction
Actos may interact with several medications that affect its metabolism or therapeutic effects. Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors such as gemfibrozil may significantly increase pioglitazone exposure, requiring dose reduction or alternative therapy. Inducers of CYP2C8 like rifampin may decrease pioglitazone concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy. Concomitant use with other antidiabetic agents, particularly insulin or sulfonylureas, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, necessitating dosage adjustments of these medications. Drugs that cause fluid retention, including NSAIDs and corticosteroids, may potentiate the edema associated with Actos. Oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may have decreased efficacy when coadministered with Actos, potentially requiring alternative contraceptive methods. Regular monitoring is advised when these medications are used concomitantly.
Missed dose
If a dose of Actos is missed, patients should take it as soon as they remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency in dosing is important for maintaining stable blood glucose control, so patients should try to take Actos at the same time each day. If multiple doses are missed or there is uncertainty about how to proceed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance. Keeping a medication diary or using pill organizers can help improve adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Overdose
In the event of an Actos overdose, supportive treatment should be initiated based on the patient’s clinical presentation. There is no specific antidote for pioglitazone overdose. Hypoglycemia may occur, particularly if Actos was taken in combination with other antidiabetic agents, and should be treated appropriately with oral carbohydrates or intravenous dextrose based on the severity. Fluid retention and related complications should be monitored and managed symptomatically. Since pioglitazone is highly protein-bound, dialysis is unlikely to be effective in removing significant amounts of the drug from circulation. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected, and bring the medication container to assist healthcare providers in determining the appropriate management strategy.
Storage
Actos tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The medication should be kept in its original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Tablets should not be stored in bathrooms or other areas with high humidity. Actos should be kept out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should properly discard any expired or unused medication according to local regulations or medication take-back programs, and should not flush medications down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Actos is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment decisions should be based on individual patient factors and made in consultation with a physician. The information presented here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects. Actual product specifications and prescribing information may vary. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and should not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information contained in this document.
Reviews
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Actos effectively reduces hemoglobin A1c by approximately 0.5-1.5 percentage points when used as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. In combination therapy, additional reductions of 0.5-1.0 percentage points have been observed when added to metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. The PROactive study, a large cardiovascular outcomes trial, showed mixed results regarding cardiovascular effects, with a reduction in secondary endpoints but no significant effect on the primary composite endpoint. Real-world evidence suggests that Actos provides durable glycemic control, though concerns about specific safety profiles have affected its positioning in treatment algorithms. Patient experiences vary, with some reporting satisfactory glycemic control with once-daily dosing, while others discontinue due to side effects such as weight gain or edema. The medication continues to have a role in specific patient populations where its insulin-sensitizing properties are particularly beneficial.