Actos

The proper way to use

Carefully follow the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your diabetes, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

Pioglitazone may be taken with or without food.

Certain women may be at an increased risk for pregnancy while taking pioglitazone. If you have had problems ovulating before, this medicine may cause you to ovulate. This could increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about this.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For type 2 diabetes:
    • Pioglitazone alone:
      • Adults—At first, the dose is 15 or 30 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed to a maximum of 45 mg once daily.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Pioglitazone with insulin:
      • Adults—At first, the dose is 15 or 30 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed to a maximum of 45 mg once daily.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Pioglitazone with metformin:
      • Adults—At first, the dose is 15 or 30 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed to a maximum of 45 mg once daily.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Pioglitazone with a sulfonylurea:
      • Adults—At first, the dose is 15 or 30 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed to a maximum of 45 mg once daily.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.