Actos

What is it?

An oral hypoglycaemic agent, belonging to the Thiazolidinedione group; Pioglitazone as hydrochloride. Available as tablets in two strengths, 15mg and 30mg. Both white and marked with strength.

Medical Uses

Complicated Type 2 diabetes: In obese patients combined with metformin; combined with sulphonylurea in patients unable to have metformin; in patients whose diabetes cannot be controlled by maximum doses of metformin or sulphonylureas alone.

Dosage

Adults: 15 to 30mg once each day along with maximum dose of other drugs used for diabetes.

Special Care

For use as directed by specialist in treatment of diabetes. Liver enzymes must be monitored before and during treatment, at 2-month intervals. Also, patients must be monitored for body weight, liver dysfunction, fluid retention and heart failure (treatment discontinued).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Insulin (must not be used in insulin-treated diabetes). NSAIDs

Known Side Effects

Fluid retention, weight gain. With sulphonylurea: abdominal wind, dizziness. With metformin: Headache, vision disturbance, impotence, anaemia, joint pain.

Manufacturer

Takeda.