Actos

Diabetes is a common disease. Although there are some people who suffer diabetes early on in life due to uncontrolled factors, majority of patients are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This type does not necessitate the use of daily injections of insulin.

Actos is an oral medication that is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. Since diabetes is a life-long disease, and so far, no known cure has been found to completely eradicate it, Actos serves to help regulate the patient’s blood glucose levels. However, Actos is not meant to be used to address type 1 diabetes.

The use of Actos drug is not advised on patient with type 1 diabetes or those whose diabetes comes with ketoacidosis. Patients with ketoacidosis should inform their doctors of their condition immediately for insulin treatment. Further, before taking Actos medication, health care professionals should be made aware of any health condition suffered by the patient, such as: liver disease, heart disease or congestive heart failure, and stroke or previous heart attack.

Patients who are suffering from any of the mentioned health issues may be advised against using Actos, or may require adjustments in dosage, or may have to undergo special tests while on treatment.

There have been reports where women began menstruating again after taking Actos. This drug may cause harm to the fetus, thus pregnant women or those who are planning on having a baby should consult their doctors before using Actos. The effect of Actos to breastfeeding babies have not been established, although, it is not advisable to take the medication unless the doctor has been informed that you are nursing a baby.

Actos should be taken in the same way it was recommended by the doctor. Patients should not take Actos in smaller or larger amounts, or take the medication longer than was advised by the doctor. The doctor may alter the dosage occasionally to ensure that you receive optimum results from the drug.

Typically, Actos is taken in once every day, and may be done so before or after meals. It should be noted that Actos does not treat or manage diabetes all on its own. Rather, the drug is simply a single element of an entire treatment program which includes exercise, weight control, and diet. Other medicines may also be prescribed along with Actos.

To check if the medication is really working well for you, blood tests should be done regularly. The condition of your liver may need to be checked. Eye exams are sometimes required, and scheduled doctor’s visits should not be missed.

It is also important to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Make sure your level does not go way too low, causing the onset of hypoglycemia. This condition is mostly triggered when the patient is exercising too much, drinks alcohol, is under stress, and has skipped a meal. Keep a sugar source handy in case you have symptoms of hypoglycemia.
The side effects of Actos do not happen to all patients taking the medication. However, everyone should watch out for the following symptoms when taking Actos: shortness of breath, chest pain, blurred vision, weakness, rapid gain of weight, increased hunger or thirst, frequent urinating, and nausea.

The more common and less serious side effects are: headache, gradual increase in weight, tooth problems, sneezing or colds, and muscle pain. Some patients may experience other side effects. They should inform their doctors about them, especially those which are highly bothersome.

Patients with diabetes live with the disease their entire lives. However, it does not mean they have to suffer. This manageable condition is made a lot more tolerable with medications like Actos.