Diabetes is a strange disease. To this day, we really don't know what causes it and we can't recreate it in a laboratory setting. However, we do have treatments for diabetes. One of those treatments is Actos. This article is going to explain what Actos is, how it works and what the potential risks of this drug are. Hopefully, after reading this, you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not Actos is something you want to take.
Actos is actually the brand name for the drug pioglitazone. It comes in tablet form in strengths of 15, 30 and 45 milligrams. The drug is manufactured by Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. It is available by prescription only and was approved by the FDA on July 15, 1999. Of course FDA approval means very little these days. If you doubt that, just take a look at the Voixx debacle.
The thing that diabetics need to know about Actos is that it is for type 2 diabetes only. This drug will not work for type 1, or juvenile diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Also, if you suffer from heart failure, have fluid retention or any kind of liver disease, Actos may not be an option for you. You'll need to check with your doctor and he will make an evaluation.
What Actos does is it improves blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Actos can be used with a variety of other drugs in combination with diet and exercise when Actos alone is not sufficient enough to keep the patient's sugar level under control.
The biggest risk from taking Actos is liver damage. In extreme cases use of this drug can lead to the liver transplant or death. Before prescribing Actos for you, your doctor will do tests on your liver to determine if it is safe for you to take the drug. Of course this is only a guess. All drug use comes with risks.
Another danger of taking Actos is that your blood sugar may actually get too low.This actually occurs when taking Actos with insulin. If you suspect you are suffering from low blood sugar, which is usually characterized by light headedness and fainting, call your doctor immediately.
If you're a woman taking Actos who has reached menopause, there is the possibility that Actos can start you ovulating again. If this happens and you engage in unprotected sex, you could get pregnant. Please keep this in mind.
Some of the more common side effects from taking Actos are coughs, headaches, colds, stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle pain, swelling and water retention.
They say sometimes the cure is worse than what ails us. Actos has the potential to be life threatening. If you're interested in natural treatments for diabetes, they are out there. You'll find more information in my signature.
To YOUR Health,
Steve Wagner
For natural treatments to a number of ailments, visit our website at http://www.natures-healing-remedies.com/ where you can get a free report on how the drug companies are killing us as well as get a 52 week series on a different ailment and treatment each week.
