Actos
Pioglitazone tablets for type 2 diabetes. It can cause fluid retention and weight gain, which is a known concern with this medicine.
All strengths and pack prices
| Strength | Pack | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mg | 60 tablets | $71.00 | $1.18 |
| 15mg | 90 tablets | $92.00 | $1.02 |
| 15mg | 120 tablets | $114.00 | $0.95 |
| 15mg | 180 tablets | $158.00 | $0.88 |
| 15mg | 240 tablets | $204.00 | $0.85 |
| 15mg | 360 tablets | $293.00 | $0.81 |
| 30mg | 60 tablets | $80.00 | $1.33 |
| 30mg | 90 tablets | $105.00 | $1.17 |
| 30mg | 120 tablets | $132.00 | $1.10 |
| 30mg | 180 tablets | $179.00 | $0.99 |
| 30mg | 270 tablets | $257.00 | $0.95 |
| 30mg | 360 tablets | $331.00 | $0.92 |
| 45mg | 30 tablets | $49.00 | $1.63 |
| 45mg | 60 tablets | $78.00 | $1.30 |
| 45mg | 90 tablets | $104.00 | $1.16 |
| 45mg | 120 tablets | $126.00 | $1.05 |
| 45mg | 180 tablets | $169.00 | $0.94 |
- Category
- Diabetes Management
- Active ingredient
- Pioglitazone
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 15mg · 30mg · 45mg
Actos is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Actos on your behalf.
- Condition
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Alternative names
- pioglitazone
- Therapeutic class
- Thiazolidinedione
- Pharmacological class
- PPAR-gamma Agonist
- Known off-label uses
- nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Contraindications
- congestive heart failure; hypersensitivity to pioglitazone
- Minor side effects
- headache; muscle pain; flatulence
- Moderate side effects
- weight gain; peripheral oedema; upper respiratory tract infection
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Takeda
- Onset time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Gemfibrozil; Rifampin; Insulin
- Age restrictions
- Approved for adults.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Potential risk. Avoid in pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
Serious side effects
congestive heart failure exacerbation, requires immediate medical attention; bladder cancer, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Pioglitazone tablets for type 2 diabetes. It can cause fluid retention and weight gain, which is a known concern with this medicine.
Mechanism of action
Actively stimulates PPAR-gamma receptors, improving insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue to enhance glucose uptake.
FAQ
Is the Actos on Direct Meds a generic?
Yes, you receive a generic. Actos is the original brand, made by Takeda, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine; the generic has the same active ingredient (pioglitazone) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Actos cost in South Africa?
Actos comes in 15mg, 30mg and 45mg strengths, in packs of 30 to 360 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What is Actos used for?
Actos contains pioglitazone, used for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How quickly does Actos work?
Pioglitazone usually starts to work within 2 to 4 weeks. The exact timing differs between people.
What side effects can Actos cause?
The common side effects of pioglitazone are headache, muscle pain and flatulence. Less common ones include weight gain, peripheral oedema and upper respiratory tract infection. Serious but less common side effects include congestive heart failure exacerbation and bladder cancer, which need urgent medical attention.
Which medicines interact with Actos?
Pioglitazone can interact with gemfibrozil, rifampicin and insulin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Actos.
Do I need a prescription to buy Actos in South Africa?
No, not online: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Actos. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver Actos to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Actos names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Pioglitazone at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.