Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II). Actos may be used alone or in combination with sulfonylurea, metformin or insulin.
How to use Actos?
Actos is taken by adults orally 1 time per day regardless of the meal. Dose is chosen individually. The initial dose is 15 mg of pioglitazone, if it is necessary dose may be increased to 15 – 30 mg once a day. The maximum daily dose is 45 mg, in combination therapy – 30 mg / day. In combination therapy with insulin pioglitazone initial dose is 15 – 30 mg daily, a dose of insulin remains the same or reduces on 10 – 25%.
Pioglitazone must be used with caution by patients with edema. Pioglitazone should not be prescribed to patients with clinical manifestations of hepatic disease in the active phase and when elevation of ALT level more in 2.5 times than the upper limit of normal. At moderately elevated hepatic enzymes should be cautious when you start or continue treatment with pioglitazone. During the treatment with pioglitazone of patients with hepatic disease it is necessary to monitor regularly the levels of hepatic enzymes. The development of hypoglycemia during combination therapy makes it necessary to reduce the dose of related sulfonamides or insulin. Patients with insulin resistance and irregular cycle in premenopausal period of treatment can induce ovulation, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy that’s why contraception is necessary.
For patients with renal failure dose adjustment is not required. Anemia, decreased of hemoglobin and hematocrit decrease can be related with the increase of plasma volume and do not show by any clinically significant hematological effects.
The use of pioglitazone for children is not recommended.
Effects on ability to drive and work with dangerous machinery.
Applying the drug you should refrain from driving and working with potentially dangerous machinery.
Side effects of Actos
The drug is well tolerated. Hypoglycemia, anemia, decreased of hemoglobin and hematocrit, reduced levels of bilirubin, increase in ALT (alanine aminotransferase) activity, CK, headache, sinusitis, myalgia, violation of the integrity of the tooth enamel, pharyngitis.
Whom Actos is contraindicated for?
Pioglitazone is contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to any components of the preparation, in diabetic ketoacidosis. Pioglitazone is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation women.
Interaction with Actos
Sulfonamides derivatives, insulin and metformin potentiate hypoglycemia. During simultaneous use of pioglitazone and oral contraceptives effectiveness of birth control may decrease the. Ketoconazole inhibits the metabolism of pioglitazone.
