Pioglitazone (Systemic)

Brand Names : Actos

Proper Use of This Medicine

Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you . This is the most important part of controlling your condition, 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. Adequate contraception is recommended.

Dosing - The dose of pioglitazone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For type 2 diabetes:
    • Pioglitazone alone:
      • Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 milligrams (mg) once daily with or without meals. Your doctor may later increase your dose up to 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 mg once daily with or without meals.
      • Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Pioglitazone with metformin:
      • Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 mg once daily with or without meals.
      • Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Pioglitazone with a sulfonylurea:
      • Adults: At first, the dose is 15 or 30 mg once daily with or without meals.
      • 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 you remember. However, if you do not remember it until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.