Actos (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Actos

Diabetic Neuropathy »

Diabetic Neuropathy Overview

Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, is damage to the nerves that allow you to feel sensations such as pain. There are a number of ways that diabetes damages the nerves, but they all seem related to blood sugar being too high for a long period of time.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can be painful, but it isn't severe pain in most cases.

There are four types of diabetic neuropathy: peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The areas of the body most commonly affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy are the feet and legs. Nerve damage in the feet can result in a loss of foot sensation, increasing your risk of foot problems. Injuries and sores on the feet may go unrecognized due to lack of sensation. Therefore, you should practice proper skin and foot care. Rarely, other areas of the body such as the arms, abdomen, and back may be affecte...

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ACTOS
(pioglitazone hydrochloride)

WARNING

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Thiazolidinediones, including ACTOS, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
After initiation of ACTOS, and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of ACTOS must be considered.
ACTOS is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
Initiation of ACTOS in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ACTOS (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is an oral antidiabetic medication.

Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl) ethoxy] phenyl] methyl]-2,4-] thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone interconvert in vivo. No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers. The structural formula is as shown:

ACTOS (pioglitazone hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Pioglitazone hydrochloride is an odorless white crystalline powder that has a molecular formula of C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₃S•HCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,Ndimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether.

ACTOS is available as a tablet for oral administration containing 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg of pioglitazone (as the base) formulated with the following excipients: lactose monohydrate NF, hydroxypropylcellulose NF, carboxymethylcellulose calcium NF, and magnesium stearate NF.

What are the possible side effects of pioglitazone (Actos)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pioglitazone and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling or rapid weight gain;
chest pain, general ill feeling;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or...

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What are the precautions when taking pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos)?

Before taking pioglitazone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as congestive heart failure, chest pain), diabetic ketoacidosis, liver disease, fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema), anemia, a certain eye problem (macular edema).

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 8/10/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.