Find patient medical information for Pioglitazone (Actos) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Actos (pioglitazone) is a prescription tablet that’s used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Learn about side effects, dosage, uses, and more. Pioglitazone (Actos) is an oral medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise. It's a thiazolidinedione, which works by helping your body respond better to insulin. This medication is taken by mouth once a day and is available in both brand and generic forms. Actos (pioglitazone) activates PPAR-gamma receptors, improving insulin sensitivity in fat, muscle, and liver. It reliably lowers HbA1c by 1.0-1.5% and may preserve beta-cell function long-term. Pioglitazone is used with proper diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or with other medicines such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylurea agents. Pioglitazone works by helping your body use insulin better. Actos (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Actos is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Actos is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Pioglitazone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Because thiazolidinediones, including ACTOS, can cause fluid retention, which can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure, ACTOS should be used with caution in patients at risk for congestive heart failure. Pioglitazone, sold under the brand name Actos among others, is an anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. [3] It may be used with metformin, a sulfonylurea, or insulin. [3][4] Use is recommended together with exercise and diet. [4].