Actos, also known as pioglitazone, is an FDA-approved once-a-day oral prescription drug. In conjunction with healthy eating and exercise, Actos is intended to help control blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to Actos.com. Actos may be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications and insulin in order to help treat insulin resistance.
Class
Actos belongs to a class of diabetes medications known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs). TZDs are insulin sensitizers; in order to be effective, the presence of insulin is required. TZDs function by improving insulin sensitivity in muscle, liver and fat cells while reducing glucose production in the liver. According to Diabetes Net, Actos reduces HbA1c, also known as hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin, levels by 0.5 to 1.5 percent.
Other Actions
TZDs are also useful in decreasing cardiac risks. According to "Krause's Food & Nutrition Therapy," TZDs increase "good"--HDL--cholesterol and decrease triglycerides. Triglycerides are fats found in the blood that can cause heart disease if in excess. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, levels may increase slightly, but this is due to an increase in the size of the LDL molecules. Diabetes Net reports, "This may make LDL less harmful, because small, dense LDL is the type most likely to clog blood vessels."
Side Effects
Actos can cause serious side effects, including a new case of, or exacerbation of, heart failure. Actos can cause fluid retention resulting in swelling and weight gain. This extra fluid may put a strain on the heart. People with severe heart failure should not take Actos. Other side effects include liver problems, macular edema, increased risk of fractures, anemia, an increased risk of getting pregnant even with the use of birth control, upper respiratory tract infections, edema, headaches, muscle pain, toothaches and sore throat.
Warning
A safety announcement issued in September 2010 by the Department of Health and Human Services stated that Actos should be studied further to determine if the drug is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states, "Findings from studies in animals and humans suggest this is a potential safety risk that needs further study."
Dosage
Actose is available in 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg tablets. Combination tablets with metformin and glimepride are also available. According to Daily Med, Actos may be taken with or without food. Actos will peak within two hours if taken on an empty stomach. Peak action will be delayed an hour or two if taken with food, but will not alter the extent of absorption.
References
- Actos: What Is Actos
- "Krause's Food & Nutrition Therapy"; Maham LK, Escott-Stump S; 2008
- Daily Med: Actos
- Diabetes Net: Actos & Avandia
- Department of Health & Human Services: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Ongoing Safety Review
