About ACTOS

ACTOS, cholesterol, and blood fats (triglycerides)

Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides are often associated with type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can be found in the body. The body needs cholesterol for making hormones and building cell walls. This combination of low HDL levels and high triglyceride levels can lead to health complications.

Fats in the blood

There are three types of fat in your blood:

  • LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as the “bad cholesterol” because it is the source of harmful fatty buildup in blood vessels.
  • HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called “good cholesterol” because it helps prevent cholesterol buildup in blood vessels by carrying cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be eliminated.
  • Triglycerides are a form of fat carried through the bloodstream.

ACTOS has a positive effect on HDL cholesterol and triglycerides

ACTOS may have a positive effect on HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) without consistent changes in LDL (bad) cholesterol or total cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. ACTOS has been shown to:

  • Increase HDL cholesterol.
  • Decrease triglycerides.
  • Have no consistent effect on LDL or total cholesterol.

If you have high cholesterol, you should ask your health professional what steps you can take to lower it. These may include:

Your health professional may also prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication in addition to these healthy lifestyle habits. ACTOS is not intended as a substitute for cholesterol medications.

Next: Is ACTOS right for you?

To learn more about ACTOS, please see the ACTOS Complete Prescribing Information.

Management of type 2 diabetes should also include nutritional counseling, weight reduction as needed, and exercise.

While ACTOS may provide some lipid benefits, ACTOS is not intended as a substitute for cholesterol medications.

The effect of these lipid changes on morbidity and mortality have not been determined.

Please see Important Safety Information, including warning about heart failure, below.

Important Safety Information About ACTOS® (pioglitazone HCl)

The prescription medication ACTOS is used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes. ACTOS is taken once daily either alone or in combination with insulin, sulfonylureas, or metformin.

ACTOS is not for everyone. Certain patients with heart failure should not start taking ACTOS. ACTOS can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience rapid weight gain, fluid retention, or shortness of breath.

Do not take ACTOS if you have active liver disease. Your doctor should perform a blood test to check for liver problems before you start ACTOS and periodically thereafter. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin. If you are of childbearing age, talk to your doctor before taking ACTOS, as it could increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Some people taking ACTOS may experience flu-like symptoms, mild-to-moderate swelling of legs and ankles, and anemia. Some people, particularly women, are at higher risk of having bone fractures while taking ACTOS. When taking ACTOS with insulin or sulfonylureas, you may be at risk for low blood sugar. Patients with diabetes should have regular eye exams. If you experience vision problems, consult your doctor immediately. Very rarely, some patients have experienced visual changes while taking ACTOS.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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