How to use
Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) should be taken orally, once a day, with or without food. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage for you based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow his instructions exactly.

To enjoy the maximum benefits of Generic Actos (Pioglitazone), you should take this medication regularly and at approximately the same time each day.

Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Generic Actos (Pioglitazone), you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dosage, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.

Notes
Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) - like all other anti-diabetes medication - only works optimally in combination with a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Note that this medication is only effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and should not be used by patients with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes.

Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Generic Actos (Pioglitazone).

Storage
Store Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

Precautions
Before taking Generic Actos (Pioglitazone), you should discuss your medical history with your doctor, including:

• Any allergies
• Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes)
• Newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure)
• Very high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis)
• Active liver diseases
• Chronic heart diseases (e.g. chronic congestive heart failure)
• Fluid in your lungs
• Swelling (edema)
• Anemia
• Eye (retina) problems

If you currently suffer or ever have suffered from any of the above, you may not be able to take Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Extremely low or high blood sugar may cause such effects as blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are experiencing any of these symptoms until you are sure you can perform those activities safely.

When your body is under stress due to the effects of injury, surgery or illness, it is harder to control your glucose levels. If you are experiencing anything like this, you need to inform your doctor, as he may want to implement changes in your medication, treatment plan or glucose testing.

Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) may increase the risk of bone fractures in female patients. To lower this risk, you should be very cautious when perform activities such as contact sports.

Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means this medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risk and benefits of taking these pills with your doctor if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) passes into breast milk, therefore it is not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding. Discuss your options with your doctor.

This medication may cause changes in your menstrual cycle and increase your chance of getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about reliable forms of birth control.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Generic Actos (Pioglitazone), inform your doctor of all other medication you are using, especially of:

• Other anti-diabetic medications (e.g. insulin, metformin or sulfonylureas such as glyburide)
• Herbal or natural products (e.g. fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema)
• Medication affecting liver enzymes that remove pioglitazone from your body (e.g. gemfibrozil, rifamycins including rifampin)
• Quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
• Any over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, pain or weight loss medication

Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Talk to your doctor about secondary forms of birth control, such as a condom and spermicide.

Beta-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol may prevent the fast and pounding heartbeat associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Other symptoms of low blood sugar are unaffected by this medication.

This is only a partial list and there may be other medication that interacts with Generic Actos (Pioglitazone). Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medication you use, including herbal pills, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop using any medication without consulting your doctor first.

The following common side effects of Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) may occur:

• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Tooth problems

These effects should go away with time. Notify your doctor if any of them persist or worsen.

Notify your doctor straightaway if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects:

• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• New or worsening vision problems (e.g. color or night vision problems)
• Bone fracture

Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

• Dark urine
• Yellowing of eye or skin
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or abdominal pain.

Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) does not usually cause hypoglycemia. However, if you take other anti-diabetes medication, drink too much alcohol, do not consume enough calories or exercise too heavily, low blood sugar may occur. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Cold sweats
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Shaking
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Fainting
• Tingling of the hands or feet
• Hunger

Carry glucose tablets or sugary snacks with you at all times, in case you experience low blood sugar. To help prevent hypoglycemia, you should eat regularly and not skip meals.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• Thirst
• Increased urination
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Rapid breathing
• Fruity breath odor

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor straightaway, as you may require a dosage increase.

Infrequently, Generic Actos (Pioglitazone) may cause or worsen certain heart problems. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of heart failure:

• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Unusual or sudden weight gain
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual tiredness

In rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to Generic Actos (Pioglitazone). Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Notify your doctor straightaway if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.