The drug is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.
Actos is part of a group of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones (or sometimes called "glitazones"). The medication helps to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that it helps your body use its natural insulin better. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
There have been several studies looking at the effects of this drug for type 2 diabetes:
Actos and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without
diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking Actos lowered their HbA1c by up to 0.9 percent on average, while people not taking it increased the HbA1c by 0.7 percent.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as
heart disease,
diabetic retinopathy,
diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with Actos, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these
diabetes complications.
Actos and Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of a
diabetes medication. In studies, people taking Actos decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by 30 to 56 mg/dL, while people not taking the medication increased their fasting blood sugar.
Other Actos Effects
When and How to Take Actos
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Actos comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once daily.
- You can take it with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The medicine should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For it to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Actos will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Actos. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Side Effects of Actos to learn about the specific side effects, including serious side effects to look out for.)
Drug Interactions With Actos
Actos can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Heart problems of any kind, especially congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- An upcoming surgery
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Actos and Pregnancy)
- Having problems getting pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Premenopausal without regular menstrual periods.
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In general, type 2
diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, exercise, and diet). If lifestyle changes are not effective at
managing diabetes, medication (such as Actos) may be necessary.
The main goal of
diabetes medicine is to lower blood sugar levels enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to diabetes, such as heart, nerve, eye, or kidney problems. Because Actos can lower blood sugar levels, people may be able to lower their risk for developing problems related to high blood sugar.
For most people, the drug is quite effective at controlling blood sugar. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, you may need to combine Actos with another diabetes medicine, such as
metformin (
Glucophage®) or insulin. You may also wish to consider a substitute for Actos. These substitutes could include other thiazolidinediones or other diabetes medicines, either by themselves or in combination.
To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click on the following eMedTV links:
In studies, doses of Actos up to 180 mg were given without major side effects. It is unclear what symptoms to expect if you overdose on Actos. If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Storage Methods for Actos
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Actos tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this drug and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Actos as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Actos tablets are available in three strengths:
- Actos 15 mg tablets
- Actos 30 mg tablets
- Actos 45 mg tablets.
There is currently no generic Actos licensed for sale.
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