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If you have TYPE 2 diabetes, you have insulin deficiency (your body makes too little insulin) and most likely insulin resistance (your body doesn't properly use the insulin it makes). Insulin eases the sugar to pass through the body cells. But if your cells are resistant to insulin the pancreas will produce more of it in an effort to "force the lock." Since the sugar in your blood isn't able to enter the cells, those cells begin to run out of energy. Eventually, the pancreas tires and loses its ability to produce enough insulin. At that point, sugar is locked out of the cells and getting higher by the minute in your blood. It is important to control sugar levels because otherwise they may lead to serious kidney damage, heart damage and blindness. If diet and exercise are not responding to your Type 2 diabetes then you should consult your physician about other therapies. ACTOS (Generic name: Pioglitazone hydrochloride) is a once-a-day prescription to lower the blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. ACTOS comes in tablets and is always taken once a day, and along with diet and exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. Always remember that Actos is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Also remember that Actos is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin. HOW DOES IT WORK? Insulin acts like a key to let sugar pass through the bloodstream into your cells. But insulin resistance cells do not let this happen, and the sugar stays in the bloodstream, thereby increasing the levels of sugar. ACTOS lets the cells use the insulin more effectively. When your body uses insulin properly, your cells can get the sugar they need for energy, and you can manage your sugar levels much effectively. It does not cause your body to produce more insulin; instead, it helps your body respond better to its own insulin or the insulin you may take. HOW SHOULD ACTOS BE TAKEN? ACTOS only needs to be taken once a day. Food does not change how ACTOS works, so you can take it with or without meals. To help you remember to take ACTOS, it is a good idea to take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, then take it as soon as you remember it. But no double doses should be taken in any circumstances. SIDE EFFECTS The most common side effects reported by people taking ACTOS included symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, muscle soreness, tooth disorder, and sore throat. Sometimes blood sugar levels may increase during trials. Weight gain may occur. Also mild to moderate swelling (edema), and a decrease in blood count (anemia). WHO SHOULD AVOID ACTOS? Those persons who have a history of liver or severe heart problems should not take Actos. Pregnant women should not use Actos, even women who are planning pregnancy should tell her healthcare provider so the appropriate prescription is provided. GENERAL PRECAUTIONS WITH ACTOS Because the liver safety profile of Actos is not fully determined yet, your doctor will do blood tests that evaluate your liver before starting you on Actos. These blood tests should be repeated every two months for the first year, then regularly after that. If you develop nausea, vomiting, stomach pain then call your healthcare provider, because these may be symptoms of liver problems. While taking Actos and other insulins, your blood sugar levels may become dangerously low; contact your healthcare provider for the prescriptions accordingly. Women should tell their doctor if they notice any changes in their monthly menstrual cycle. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, YOU NEED THE LAW FIRM OF BOURGAULT & HARDING CALL 800.880.1438 Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Bourgault & Harding, A Law Firm 1100 East Bridger Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 tel 702.384.8023 fax 702.384.5731 Nevada Actos Attorneys Disclaimer: The Las Vegas Auto Accidents, and Big-Rig Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Airplane Accidents, Bus & Train Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Boating & Watercraft Accidents, Swimming Pool Accidents, Amusement Park Accidents, Construction Site Accidents, Drunk Driver Accidents, Defective Roads Accidents, Wrongful Death, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Burn Injury, Animal Attacks/Dog Bite, Slip and Fall Accidents, Premises Liability, Dangerous Drugs Litigation, Defective Medical Devices, Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Product Liability, Toxic Substances in Nevada. Please contact a Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer, Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Nevada. ©2006 The Law Offices of Bourgault & Harding. Las Vegas, Nevada Personal Injury Lawyers, serving the communities of: Las Vegas, Clark County Nevada. 
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