Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Actos is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Actos is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Important Information
You should not use Actos if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, active bladder cancer, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Actos can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Actos if you are allergic to pioglitazone, or if you have:
severe or uncontrolled heart failure;
active bladder cancer; or
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
This medication may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.
To make sure Actos is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
congestive heart failure or heart disease;
a heart attack or stroke;
eye problems caused by diabetes;
bladder cancer; or
liver disease.
Actos may increase your risk of serious heart problems, but not treating your diabetes can also damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester.
Pioglitazone may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
Women may be more likely to have a broken bone while using Actos. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Actos is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
