Generic Actos

Common use



Actos is used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). This form of the illness is usually caused by inability of the body to respond correctly to insulin: either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is the natural hormone that helps to transfer sugar out of the blood and into the cells, where it is metabolized to energy. Actos works by improving the response of the body to insulin, rather than increasing its insulin output. Actos also reduces the production of unneeded sugar in the liver.

It is possible to use Actos (and rosiglitazone maleate as well) alone or together with insulin injections or other oral diabetes medications such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin hydrochloride.



Dosage and directions

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually one time a daily. Follow all directions of your health care advisor as dosage is based on your medical condition, possible reaction to therapy, and can be corrected if you are treated by other anti-diabetic medications. Take this drug each time the same day as this way you will get the most benefit from it. Regularly monitor blood glucose levels. It may take up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit is realized. Take all other medications for diabetes according to recommendations of your doctor.



Precautions

Before taking Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; if you are allergic to other "glitazones" (such as rosiglitazone, troglitazone); or if you have any other types of allergy. Do not use Actos if you have certain medical conditions. Before to start treatment with Actos, notify you doctor or pharmacist if you have: type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), heart failure (acute congestive heart failure) either newly diagnosed or worsening, dangerously high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis), liver dysfunctions. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (chronic congestive heart failure), liver problems, fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema), anemia. Extremely low or high blood sugar levels may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness; be cautious engaging in activities requiring alertness for example driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol as much as possible when you are treated with this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. If you have fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may complicate controlling of your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as you may need correction of dose or a change in your medication may be required. Women with certain fertility problems may have changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) taking this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about prescription of reliable contraception while you are taking Actos. This medication should be used in pregnant women only in life threating conditions. Discuss its risks and benefits with your physician. If you are pregnant your doctor may substitute insulin for Actos. Follow all instructions carefully. There are no reports whether this drug excretes with breast milk. Breastfeeding is not advised while using this drug. Before to start breastfeeding consult your physician.



Possible side effects

Actos side effects include rapid heartbeat, sweating, confusion, blurred vision, headache, numbness or tingling of the mouth, weakness,shakiness, dizziness, tiredness, paleness and sudden hunger.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless just a few hours remained till your next dose. Skip the missed dose and return the dosing schedule in case it is near the time of the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up the dose you missed.



Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, weakness, dizziness, headache, irritability, drowsiness, fainting, sweating, confusion, tremors, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), or coma.



Drug interactions

Inform your health care advisor if you are taking any other anti-diabetic medications (insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas such as glyburide), herbal/natural products (fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema). This medication is able to decrease the effectiveness of certain contraceptives which may result in pregnancy. Take care about additional form of reliable birth control while using Actos. Do not begin or discontinue intake of any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.



Storage

Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity.





Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)