Actos (pioglitazone hydrocloride) manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is a once-daily oral medication that helps control blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Actos works by reducing insulin resistance which is a condition where the body's cells do not respond to the hormone insulin that allows them to turn blood sugar into energy. When used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise the medication can be effective achieving glycemic control.
Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of energy, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice. Also report any rapid weight gain, retention of water, shortness of breath or any other symptoms of heart failure.
In June 2007 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added a new black box warning to Actos indicating that the drug is linked to an increased risk of heart failure.
Drug Topics lists Actos as #10 on its list of Top Brand Drugs by Retail Dollars in 2007 showing an increase of 15.7% over 2006.
Comment Preview