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Actos

Actos is the brand name for pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic medication. It is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, including metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. Actos is produced by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and is also available as generic pioglitazone.

Mechanism of action: Pioglitazone is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist. Activation of PPAR-γ increases

Dosing and administration: Typical starting dose is 15 mg once daily, with possible uptitration to 30 mg

Safety and side effects: Common adverse effects include edema, weight gain, headache, and upper respiratory tract

Regulatory and monitoring notes: Use with caution in patients with heart failure. The drug label recommends

insulin
sensitivity
in
adipose
tissue,
muscle,
and
liver,
leading
to
improved
glucose
uptake
and
reduced
hepatic
glucose
production.
after
3–4
weeks
if
glycemic
control
is
not
adequate,
and
to
a
maximum
of
45
mg
daily.
Dosing
may
be
adjusted
for
certain
patients,
and
it
is
generally
avoided
in
patients
with
significant
hepatic
impairment
or
active
liver
disease.
Baseline
and
periodic
liver
function
tests
are
recommended
due
to
rare
risk
of
hepatotoxicity.
It
is
not
indicated
for
type
1
diabetes
or
diabetic
ketoacidosis.
infection.
Pioglitazone
may
increase
the
risk
of
congestive
heart
failure,
particularly
when
combined
with
insulin
or
in
patients
with
preexisting
heart
failure.
Long-term
use
has
been
associated
with
an
increased
risk
of
bladder
cancer
in
some
studies,
and
with
bone
fractures,
notably
in
women.
Macular
edema
has
been
reported.
Use
during
pregnancy
is
not
recommended.
monitoring
for
signs
of
fluid
retention,
weight
gain,
and
changes
in
liver
function.