Actos Oral

The
 diabetes medication Actos® (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is an oral medication that can be used by itself or in combination with other medications to treat type 2 diabetes.
 
As a thiazolidinedione (or sometimes called "glitazone"), Actos works by improving insulin sensitivity. This means that this medication helps your body to use its natural insulin better, which, in turn, helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
 
This prescription medication comes in the form of tablets and is typically taken once a day. Actos tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Actos 15 mg tablets
  • Actos 30 mg tablets
  • Actos 45 mg tablets.
     
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Actos. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Common side effects of this diabetes medication may include headaches, muscle pain, and upper respiratory infections.
 
(Click Actos for more information on when and how to take oral Actos tablets, to learn about the warnings and precautions associated with the use of this drug, and to find out what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before using this medication.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD