Actos

Actos, a medicine that is only available by prescription, is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The medication helps to improve insulin sensitivity to lower blood sugar and keep it under control. By lowering blood sugar levels, Actos can also reduce your risk of developing long-term problems related to diabetes, such as heart disease or diabetic nephropathy. Common side effects may include upper respiratory infection, headache, and sinus infection.

What Is Actos?

Actos® (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). The drug can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.
 
It is not intended to be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (see Actos and Type 1 Diabetes for more information).
 
(Click Actos for Diabetes for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Actos?

The drug is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.
 

How Does It Work?

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.
 

Effectiveness

There have been several studies looking at the effects of this drug for type 2 diabetes:
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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