Pioglitazone (generic Actos)
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Member Price: $20
Uses
Pioglitazone is a diabetes drug (thiazolidinedione-type, also called “glitazones”) used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping to restore your body’s proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar.
Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Pioglitazone is used either alone or in combination with other diabetes medications (such as metformin or a sulfonylurea such as glyburide).
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of pioglitazone.
How to use Pioglitazone HCL
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using pioglitazone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and if you are taking other diabetes drugs. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.
If you are already taking another diabetes drug (such as metformin or a sulfonylurea), follow your doctor’s directions carefully for stopping/continuing the old drug and starting this medication. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.
Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are too high or too low. Your dosage/treatment may need to be changed. It may take up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
Information on this medication quoted from WebMD.com