Generic Actos

Actos is commonly used to treat blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Generically prescribed as poiglitazone, this medication is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes. Rather, it is an oral medication that is used for patients with Type 2 diabetes, and can be used in conjunction with insulin.

Many women with diabetes and other medical problems often find that their periods become intensely irregular or disappear altogether. However, studies have confirmed that women starting Actos have often returned to regular menstrual cycles, but have also regained the ability to become pregnant. The potential requirement for birth control becomes relevant when taking this medication.

Actos may cause serious issues with patients with other medical problems. The prescribing physician should complete a thorough examination and medical history prior to prescribing any medications. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and type 1 diabetes can not take this medication. Patients with a history including a heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, heart disease, or liver disease may need careful monitoring and further testing to determine if this medication is suitable for them.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Actos as a pregnancy risk category C. This means that this medicine may cause harm to an unborn baby. It has not been determined whether or not this medicine passes into breast milk. Patients who are nursing should consult with their physician, or suspend breast feeding.

This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed, as missed doses can cause a health complication. Patients should know what hypoglycemia is and how to respond should they experience it. Hunger, irritability, headache, weakness, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, tremors, sweating, irregular heart rate, convulsions, fainting, and coma are all indicators of hypoglycemia. Patients who miss a dose risk developing this potentially fatal condition.

Missed doses should never be “made up for” by taking extra medication. This can lead to an overdose, which requires urgent health care without delay. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are also indicators of an overdose. Patients should keep track of their medication in a specialized container which will allow others to understand how much they’ve taken and when.

Side effects can be problematic, but are generally not dangerous. The patient should simply report any side effects to the prescribing physician. Side effects include runny nose, cough, cold symptoms, headaches, tooth problems, gradual weight gain, muscle pain, or sneezing.

Severe side effects are indicators of serious health consequences, and prompt medical attention is necessary. These may include allergic reactions (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing) as well as chest pain with a generally ill feeling, shortness of breath, increased thirst, increased hunger, increased urination, pale skin, easy bruising, weakness, swelling, rapid weight gain, blurry vision, or low fever accompanied by nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, and jaundice.

Some medications, such as steroids, diuretics, birth control pills, seizure medicines, diet pills, asthma medications, cold or allergy drugs, thyroid medications, phenothiazines, and isoniazid can significantly raise blood sugar levels.

Other medications, such as NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, Pepto Bismol, salicylates, beta blockers, sulfa drugs, probenecid, and MAO inhibitors can lower blood sugar.

Some medications can interact poorly with Actos. Physicians should be thoroughly aware of a patient’s history before prescribing this or any medicine. Furosemide, midazolam, rifampin, gemfibrozil, and nifedipine can cause interactions. Patients should always consult the prescribing physician before taking any over the counter medicine, prescription medicine, herbal remedies, or vitamin supplements.