Actos 30 mg (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

This medication is administered orally once a day, regardless of meals. It can start with 15 mg once a day as monotherapy, and if insufficient effect is observed, the dose can be increased to 30 mg once a day. In combination therapy, 15 mg once a day is administered together with sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin, with the maximum recommended dose being 30 mg once a day.

Child dose

There is no experience in administering this medication to children under 18 years of age, so its use is not recommended.

This medication is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and requires the presence of insulin to lower blood sugar. Therefore, it should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. This medication may put stress on the heart, so it should not be administered to patients with heart failure or a history of heart failure. If symptoms of heart failure (rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, swelling, etc.) occur during treatment, immediate medical attention should be sought. Additionally, fluid retention may occur, leading to swelling that could worsen, thus caution is needed. Patients with active bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer should not use this medication, and any symptoms of hematuria or urinary disturbances during treatment should be reported to a doctor immediately. It is also advisable not to administer this medication to patients with severely impaired liver or kidney function, patients with severe infections or pre- and post-surgical patients, as well as to pregnant women or women who may become pregnant. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and liver function tests should be performed during the course of this medication, and if symptoms such as sudden weight gain, swelling, or shortness of breath occur, consult healthcare professionals immediately. Moreover, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase when this medication is used in combination with other antidiabetic agents or insulin, so dose adjustments and symptom monitoring are necessary. In premenopausal women, this medication may stimulate ovulation, potentially increasing the risk of pregnancy, so appropriate contraceptive methods are recommended. Elderly patients, those with edema, a history of heart disease, or impaired kidney function should use this medication cautiously, and immediate consultation with a physician is required if abnormal symptoms occur during treatment. Lastly, this medication is taken once daily, and if a dose is missed, do not double the dose the following day. Store out of reach of children, and it is safest to keep it in the original container.

Serious side effects

Congestive heart failure, symptoms and signs of heart failure (including excessive and rapid weight changes, shortness of breath, swelling), visible hematuria, urinary disorders, urgency, urticaria, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, high fever with severe rash, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/eye mucosa, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, asthma attacks, respiratory abnormalities associated with cough and fever, skin or eye issues.

Mild side effects

• Headache
• sinusitis
• myalgia
• pharyngitis
• abdominal distension
• weight gain
• hypoglycemia
• upper respiratory tract infection
• urinary tract infection
• diarrhea

This medication should be stored in a container that protects it from light and air, and should be kept away from humid areas. Moreover, the optimal storage temperature is between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, with 25 degrees being ideal. Proper storage ensures the effectiveness and safety of the medication.

Appearance

Flat cylindrical tablet, white or almost white

Package unit

30 tablets/PTP [10 tablets/PTP pack X 3], 30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle