Description
Actos contains pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione used with diet and exercise to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. It works by making body tissues more sensitive to insulin, so it needs the body to be making some insulin of its own. The tablet is taken once a day, with or without food. Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, so it is not suitable if you have heart failure or a history of it; tell your prescriber straight away about breathlessness, swollen ankles or sudden weight gain.
It has been associated with bladder cancer, and blood in the urine or a change in passing urine should be reported. Fractures are more common, particularly in women. Liver function is checked before treatment and monitored afterwards, and blurred vision should be reported. The effect on blood glucose builds over weeks, so treatment is reviewed rather than judged immediately.
- Thiazolidinedione that makes body tissues more sensitive to insulin
- Contains pioglitazone, 15mg, 30mg and 45mg tablets
- Taken once a day, with or without food
- Not suitable with heart failure or a history of heart failure
- Report blood in the urine or a change in passing urine
- Liver function is checked before and during treatment
