Actos

Generic name:pioglitazone (oral) [ PYE-o-GLIT-a-zone ]
Drug class:Thiazolidinediones

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jul 2, 2020.

What is Actos?

Actos 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.

Warnings

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; or

• diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

This medication may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with 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 ...