ACTOS - pioglitazone hydrochloride tablet 
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use ACTOS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for ACTOS.
 
ACTOS (pioglitazone hydrochloride) tablets for oral use
Initial U.S. Approval: 1999


WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

  • Thiazolidinediones, including ACTOS, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. (5.1)
  • After initiation of ACTOS, and after dose increases, monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema). If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of ACTOS must be considered. (5.1)
  • ACTOS is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
  • Initiation of ACTOS in patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated. (4, 5.1)

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES

Indications and Usage
    Important Limitations of Use (1.2)01/2011
Dosage and Administration
    Recommendations for All Patients (2.1)01/2011
    Coadministration with Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors (2.3)01/2011
Warnings and Precautions
    Hepatic Effects (5.3)01/2011

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

ACTOS is a thiazolidinedione and an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings. (1.1, 14)

Important Limitation of Use:

  • Not for treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. (1.2)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Initiate ACTOS at 15 mg or 30 mg once daily. Limit initial dose to 15 mg once daily in patients with NYHA Class I or II heart failure. (2.1)
  • If there is inadequate glycemic control, the dose can be increased in 15 mg increments up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily. (2.1)
  • The maximum recommended dose of ACTOS is 15 mg once daily in patients taking strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil). (2.3, 7.1)
  • Obtain liver tests before starting ACTOS. If abnormal, use caution when treating with ACTOS, investigate the probable cause, treat (if possible) and follow appropriately. Monitoring liver tests while on ACTOS is not recommended in patients without liver disease. (5.3)

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Tablets: 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg (3)


CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Do not initiate ACTOS in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure. (4)
  • Do not use in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to ACTOS or its ingredients. (4)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Congestive heart failure: Fluid retention may occur and can exacerbate or lead to congestive heart failure. Combination use with insulin and use in congestive heart failure NYHA Class I and II may increase risk. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms. (5.1)
  • Edema: Dose-related edema may occur. (5.2)
  • Hepatic effects: Postmarketing reports of hepatic failure, sometimes fatal. Causality cannot be excluded. If liver injury is detected, promptly interrupt ACTOS and assess patient for probable cause, then treat cause if possible, to resolution or stabilization. Do not restart ACTOS if liver injury is confirmed and no alternate etiology can be found. (5.3)
  • Fractures: Increased incidence in female patients. Apply current standards of care for assessing and maintaining bone health. (5.4)
  • Hypoglycemia: When used with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of the insulin or insulin secretagogue may be needed to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. (5.5)
  • Macular edema: Postmarketing reports. Recommend regular eye exams in all patients with diabetes according to current standards of care with prompt evaluation for acute visual changes. (5.6)
  • Macrovascular outcomes: There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with ACTOS or any other anti-diabetic drug. (5.8)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and at a rate higher than with placebo) include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, myalgia, and pharyngitis. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-825-3327 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.


DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil) increase pioglitazone concentrations. Limit ACTOS dose to 15 mg daily. (2.3, 7.1)
  • CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease pioglitazone concentrations. (7.2)

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

  • Pregnancy Category C: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm (8.1)
  • Nursing mothers: Discontinue drug or nursing, taking into consideration the importance of the drug to the mother (8.3)


See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and the FDA-approved Medication Guide

Revised: 01/2011

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
* Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed

WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Monotherapy and Combination Therapy

1.2 Important Limitation of Use

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Recommendations for all patients

2.2 Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin

2.3 Coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Congestive Heart Failure

5.2 Edema

5.3 Hepatic Effects

5.4 Fractures

5.5 Hypoglycemia

5.6 Macular Edema

5.7 Ovulation

5.8 Macrovascular Outcomes

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

6.1 Clinical Studies Experience

6.2 Laboratory Abnormalities

6.3 Postmarketing Experience

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors

7.2 CYP2C8 Inducers

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

8.3 Nursing Mothers

8.4 Pediatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use

10 OVERDOSAGE

11 DESCRIPTION

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

13.3 Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1 Monotherapy

14.2 Combination Therapy

16 HOW SUPPLIED/ STORAGE AND HANDLING

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

17.1 Instructions

17.2 FDA-Approved Medication Guide


FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Monotherapy and Combination Therapy

ACTOS is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings [see Clinical Studies (14)].

1.2 Important Limitation of Use

 ACTOS exerts its antihyperglycemic effect only in the presence of endogenous insulin. ACTOS should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.

 Use caution in patients with liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Recommendations for all patients

 ACTOS should be taken once daily and can be taken without regard to meals.

 The recommended starting dose for patients without congestive heart failure is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily.

 The recommended starting dose for patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA Class I or II) is 15 mg once daily.

 The dose can be titrated in increments of 15 mg up to a maximum of 45 mg once daily based on glycemic response as determined by HbA1c.

 After initiation of ACTOS or with dose increase, monitor patients carefully for adverse reactions related to fluid retention such as weight gain, edema, and signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

 Liver tests (serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) should be obtained prior to initiating ACTOS. Routine periodic monitoring of liver tests during treatment with ACTOS is not recommended in patients without liver disease. Patients who have liver test abnormalities prior to initiation of ACTOS or who are found to have abnormal liver tests while taking ACTOS should be managed as described under Warnings and Precautions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.2 Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin

If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient co-administered ACTOS and an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea), the dose of the insulin secretagogue should be reduced.

If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient co-administered ACTOS and insulin, the dose of insulin should be decreased by 10% to 25%. Further adjustments to the insulin dose should be individualized based on glycemic response.

2.3 Coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors

 Coadministration of ACTOS and gemfibrozil, a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor, increases pioglitazone exposure approximately 3-fold. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose of ACTOS is 15 mg daily when used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Round tablet contains pioglitazone as follows:

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do not initiate in patients with NYHA Class III or IV heart failure [see Boxed Warning].

Do not use in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to ACTOS or any of its ingredients.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Congestive Heart Failure

ACTOS, like other thiazolidinediones, can cause dose-related fluid retention when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications and is most common when ACTOS is used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate congestive heart failure. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of ACTOS must be considered [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications (4), and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.2 Edema

In controlled clinical trials, edema was reported more frequently in patients treated with ACTOS than in placebo-treated patients and is dose-related [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In postmarketing experience, reports of new onset or worsening edema have been received.

ACTOS should be used with caution in patients with edema. 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. Patients treated with ACTOS should be monitored for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Patient Counseling Information (17.1)].

5.3 Hepatic Effects

 There have been postmarketing reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure in patients taking ACTOS, although the reports contain insufficient information necessary to establish the probable cause. There has been no evidence of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in the ACTOS controlled clinical trial database to date [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

 Patients with type 2 diabetes may have fatty liver disease or cardiac disease with episodic congestive heart failure, both of which may cause liver test abnormalities, and they may also have other forms of liver disease, many of which can be treated or managed. Therefore, obtaining a liver test panel (serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) and assessing the patient is recommended before initiating ACTOS therapy. In patients with abnormal liver tests, ACTOS should be initiated with caution.

 Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. In this clinical context, if the patient is found to have abnormal liver tests (ALT greater than 3 times the upper limit of the reference range), ACTOS treatment should be interrupted and investigation done to establish the probable cause. ACTOS should not be restarted in these patients without another explanation for the liver test abnormalities.

 Patients who have serum ALT greater than three times the reference range with serum total bilirubin greater than two times the reference range without alternative etiologies are at risk for severe drug-induced liver injury, and should not be restarted on ACTOS. For patients with lesser elevations of serum ALT or bilirubin and with an alternate probable cause, treatment with ACTOS can be used with caution.

5.4 Fractures

In PROactive (the Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events), 5238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to ACTOS (N=2605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (N=2633) in addition to standard of care. During a mean follow-up of 34.5 months, the incidence of bone fracture in females was 5.1% (44/870) for ACTOS versus 2.5% (23/905) for placebo. This difference was noted after the first year of treatment and persisted during the course of the study. The majority of fractures observed in female patients were nonvertebral fractures including lower limb and distal upper limb. No increase in the incidence of fracture was observed in men treated with ACTOS (1.7%) versus placebo (2.1%). The risk of fracture should be considered in the care of patients, especially female patients, treated with ACTOS and attention should be given to assessing and maintaining bone health according to current standards of care.

5.5 Hypoglycemia

Patients receiving ACTOS in combination with insulin or other anti-diabetic medications (particularly insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas) may be at risk for hypoglycemia. A reduction in the dose of the concomitant anti-diabetic medication may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

5.6 Macular Edema

Macular edema has been reported in postmarketing experience in diabetic patients who were taking ACTOS or another thiazolidinedione. Some patients presented with blurred vision or decreased visual acuity, but others were diagnosed on routine ophthalmologic examination.

Most patients had peripheral edema at the time macular edema was diagnosed. Some patients had improvement in their macular edema after discontinuation of the thiazolidinedione.

Patients with diabetes should have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist according to current standards of care. Patients with diabetes who report any visual symptoms should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist, regardless of the patient's underlying medications or other physical findings [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.7 Ovulation

Therapy with ACTOS, like other thiazolidinediones, may result in ovulation in some premenopausal anovulatory women. As a result, these patients may be at an increased risk for pregnancy while taking ACTOS [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. This effect has not been investigated in clinical trials, so the frequency of this occurrence is not known. Adequate contraception in all premenopausal women treated with ACTOS is recommended.

5.8 Macrovascular Outcomes

There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with ACTOS or any other anti-diabetic drug.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:

6.1 Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Over 8500 patients with type 2 diabetes have been treated with ACTOS in randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials, including 2605 patients with type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease treated with ACTOS in the PROactive clinical trial. In these trials, over 6000 patients have been treated with ACTOS for 6 months or longer, over 4500 patients have been treated with ACTOS for one year or longer, and over 3000 patients have been treated with ACTOS for at least 2 years.

In six pooled 16 to 26-week placebo-controlled monotherapy and 16 to 24-week add-on combination therapy trials, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 4.5% for patients treated with ACTOS and 5.8% for comparator-treated patients. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal were related to inadequate glycemic control, although the incidence of these events was lower (1.5%) with ACTOS than with placebo (3.0%).

In the PROactive trial, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 9.0% for patients treated with ACTOS and 7.7% for placebo-treated patients. Congestive heart failure was the most common serious adverse event leading to withdrawal occurring in 1.3% of patients treated with ACTOS and 0.6% of patients treated with placebo.

Common Adverse Events: 16 to 26-Week Monotherapy Trials

A summary of the incidence and type of common adverse events reported in three pooled 16 to 26-week placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of ACTOS is provided in Table 1. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with ACTOS than in patients who received placebo. None of these adverse events were related to ACTOS dose.

Table 1: Three Pooled 16 to 26 Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of ACTOS Monotherapy: Adverse Events Reported at an Incidence > 5% and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS than in Patients Treated with Placebo
% of Patients
Placebo
N=259
ACTOS
N=606
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection8.513.2
Headache6.99.1
Sinusitis4.66.3
Myalgia2.75.4
Pharyngitis0.85.1

Common Adverse Events: 16 to 24-Week Add-on Combination Therapy Trials

A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of ACTOS add-on to sulfonylurea is provided in Table 2. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of ACTOS.

Table 2: 16 to 24 Week Clinical Trials of ACTOS Add-on to Sulfonylurea
Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of "edema."
16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial
Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS 30 mg + Sulfonylurea than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Sulfonylurea
% of Patients
Placebo
+ Sulfonylurea
N=187
ACTOS 15 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=184
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=189
Edema2.11.612.7
Headache3.74.35.3
Flatulence0.52.76.3
Weight Increased02.75.3
24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial
Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS 45 mg + Sulfonylurea than in Patients Treated with ACTOS 30 mg + Sulfonylurea
% of Patients
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=351
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=351
Hypoglycemia13.415.7
Edema10.523.1
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection12.314.8
Weight Increased9.113.4
Urinary Tract Infection5.76.8

A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of ACTOS add-on to metformin is provided in Table 3. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of ACTOS.

Table 3: 16 to 24 Week Clinical Trials of ACTOS Add-on to Metformin
Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of "edema."
16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial
Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS + Metformin than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Metformin
% of Patients
Placebo
+ Metformin
N=160
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Metformin
N=168
Edema2.56.0
Headache1.96.0
24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS 45 mg + Metformin than in Patients Treated with
ACTOS 30 mg + Metformin
% of Patients
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Metformin
N=411
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Metformin
N=416
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection12.413.5
Edema5.813.9
Headache5.45.8
Weight Increased2.96.7

Table 4 summarizes the incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of ACTOS add-on to insulin. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of ACTOS.

Table 4: 16 to 24 Week Clinical Trials of ACTOS Add-on to Insulin
Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of "edema."
16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial
Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS 30 mg + Insulin than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Insulin
% of Patients
Placebo
+Insulin
N=187
ACTOS 15 mg
+ Insulin
N=191
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Insulin
N=188
Hypoglycemia4.87.915.4
Edema7.012.617.6
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection9.68.414.9
Headache3.23.16.9
Weight Increased0.55.26.4
Back Pain4.32.15.3
Dizziness3.72.65.3
Flatulence1.63.75.3
24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial
Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with ACTOS 45 mg + Insulin than in Patients Treated with ACTOS 30 mg + Insulin
% of Patients
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Insulin
N=345
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Insulin
N=345
Hypoglycemia43.547.8
Edema22.026.1
Weight Increased7.213.9
Urinary Tract Infection4.98.7
Diarrhea5.55.8
Back Pain3.86.4
Blood Creatine Phosphokinase Increased4.65.5
Sinusitis4.65.5
Hypertension4.15.5

A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in the PROactive trial is provided in Table 5. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with ACTOS than in patients who received placebo.

Table 5: PROactive Trial: Incidence and Types of Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients Treated with ACTOS and More Commonly than Placebo
% of Patients
Placebo
N=2633
ACTOS
N=2605
Mean duration of patient follow-up was 34.5 months.
Hypoglycemia18.827.3
Edema15.326.7
Cardiac Failure6.18.1
Pain in Extremity5.76.4
Back Pain5.15.5
Chest Pain5.05.1

Congestive Heart Failure: A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure is provided in Table 6 for the 16 to 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trials, for the 16 to 24-week add-on to insulin trials, and for the 16 to 24-week add-on to metformin trials. None of the events were fatal.

Table 6: Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Patients Treated with ACTOS or Placebo Added on to a Sulfonylurea
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo-Controlled Trial
(16 weeks)
Non-Controlled Double Blind Trial
(24 weeks)
Placebo
+ Sulfonylurea
N=187
ACTOS 15 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=184
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=189
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=351
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
N=351
At least one congestive
heart failure event
2 (1.1%)001 (0.3%)6 (1.7%)
Hospitalized2 (1.1%)0002 (0.6%)
Patients Treated with ACTOS or Placebo Added on to Insulin
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo-Controlled Trial
(16 weeks)
Non-Controlled
Double Blind Trial
(24 weeks)
Placebo
+ Insulin
N=187
ACTOS 15 mg
+ Insulin
N=191
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Insulin
N=188
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Insulin
N=345
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Insulin
N=345
At least one congestive heart failure event02 (1.0%)2 (1.1%)3 (0.9%)5 (1.4%)
Hospitalized02 (1.0%)1 (0.5%)1 (0.3%)3 (0.9%)
Patients Treated with ACTOS or Placebo Added on to Metformin
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo-Controlled Trial
(16 weeks)
Non-Controlled
Double Blind Trial
(24 weeks)
Placebo
+ Metformin
N=160
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Metformin
N=168
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Metformin
N=411
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Metformin
N=416
At least one congestive heart failure event01 (0.6%)01 (0.2%)
Hospitalized01 (0.6%)01 (0.2%)

Patients with type 2 diabetes and NYHA class II or early class III congestive heart failure were randomized to receive 24 weeks of double-blind treatment with either ACTOS at daily doses of 30 mg to 45 mg (n=262) or glyburide at daily doses of 10 mg to 15 mg (n=256). A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure reported in this study is provided in Table 7.

Table 7: Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Patients with NYHA Class II or III Congestive Heart Failure Treated with ACTOS or Glyburide
Number (%) of Subjects
ACTOS
N=262
Glyburide
N=256
Death due to cardiovascular causes (adjudicated)5 (1.9%)6 (2.3%)
Overnight hospitalization for worsening CHF (adjudicated)26 (9.9%)12 (4.7%)
Emergency room visit for CHF (adjudicated)4 (1.5%)3 (1.2%)
Patients experiencing CHF
progression during study
35 (13.4%)21 (8.2%)

Congestive heart failure events leading to hospitalization that occurred during the PROactive trial are summarized in Table 8.

Table 8: Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in PROactive Trial
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo
N=2633
ACTOS
N=2605
At least one hospitalized congestive heart failure event108 (4.1%)149 (5.7%)
Fatal22 (0.8%)25 (1.0%)
Hospitalized, non-fatal86 (3.3%)124 (4.7%)

Cardiovascular Safety: In the PROactive trial, 5238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to ACTOS (N=2605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (N=2633) in addition to standard of care. Almost all patients (95%) were receiving cardiovascular medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, diuretics, aspirin, statins and fibrates). At baseline, patients had a mean age of 62 years, mean duration of diabetes of 9.5 years, and mean HbA1c of 8.1%. Mean duration of follow-up was 34.5 months.

The primary objective of this trial was to examine the effect of ACTOS on mortality and macrovascular morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were at high risk for macrovascular events. The primary efficacy variable was the time to the first occurrence of any event in a cardiovascular composite endpoint that included all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) including silent MI, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, cardiac intervention including coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous intervention, major leg amputation above the ankle, and bypass surgery or revascularization in the leg. A total of 514 (19.7%) patients treated with ACTOS and 572 (21.7%) placebo-treated patients experienced at least one event from the primary composite endpoint (hazard ratio 0.90; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.80, 1.02; p=0.10).

Although there was no statistically significant difference between ACTOS and placebo for the 3-year incidence of a first event within this composite, there was no increase in mortality or in total macrovascular events with ACTOS. The number of first occurrences and total individual events contributing to the primary composite endpoint is shown in Table 9.

Table 9: PROactive: Number of First and Total Events for Each Component within the Cardiovascular Composite Endpoint
Cardiovascular EventsPlacebo
N=2633
ACTOS
N=2605
First Events
n (%)
Total events
n
First Events
n (%)
Total events
n
CABG = coronary artery bypass grafting; PCI = percutaneous intervention
Any event572 (21.7)900514 (19.7)803
    All-cause mortality122 (4.6)186110 (4.2)177
    Non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI)118 (4.5)157105 (4.0)131
    Stroke96 (3.6)11976 (2.9)92
    Acute coronary syndrome63 (2.4)7842 (1.6)65
    Cardiac intervention (CABG/PCI)101 (3.8)240101 (3.9)195
    Major leg amputation15 (0.6)289 (0.3)28
    Leg revascularization57 (2.2)9271 (2.7)115

Weight Gain: Dose-related weight gain occurs when ACTOS is used alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications. The mechanism of weight gain is unclear but probably involves a combination of fluid retention and fat accumulation.

Tables 10 and 11 summarize the changes in body weight with ACTOS and placebo in the 16 to 26-week randomized, double-blind monotherapy and 16 to 24-week combination add-on therapy trials and in the PROactive trial.

Table 10: Weight Changes (kg) from Baseline during Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trials
Control Group
(Placebo)
ACTOS
15 mg
ACTOS
30 mg
ACTOS
45 mg
Median
(25th/75th percentile)
Median
(25th/75th percentile)
Median
(25th/75th percentile)
Median
(25th/75th percentile)
Monotherapy
(16 to 26 weeks)
-1.4 (-2.7/0.0)
N=256
0.9 (-0.5/3.4)
N=79
1.0 (-0.9/3.4)
N=188
2.6 (0.2/5.4)
N=79

Combination Therapy
(16 to 24 weeks)
Sulfonylurea-0.5 (-1.8/0.7)
N=187
2.0 (0.2/3.2)
N=183
3.1 (1.1/5.4)
N=528
4.1 (1.8/7.3)
N=333
Metformin-1.4 (-3.2/0.3)
N=160
N/A0.9 (-1.3/3.2)
N=567
1.8 (-0.9/5.0)
N=407
Insulin0.2 (-1.4/1.4)
N=182
2.3 (0.5/4.3)
N=190
3.3 (0.9/6.3)
N=522
4.1 (1.4/6.8)
N=338
Table 11: Median Change in Body Weight in Patients Treated with ACTOS Versus Patients Treated with Placebo During the Double-Blind Treatment Period in the PROactive Trial
PlaceboACTOS
Median
(25th/75th
percentile)
Median
(25th/75th
percentile)
Note: median exposure for both ACTOS and Placebo was 2.7 years.
Change from Baseline to Final Visit (kg)-0.5 (-3.3, 2.0)
N=2581
+3.6 (0.0, 7.5)
N=2560

Edema: Edema induced from taking ACTOS is reversible when ACTOS is discontinued. The edema usually does not require hospitalization unless there is coexisting congestive heart failure. A summary of the frequency and types of edema adverse events occurring in clinical investigations of ACTOS is provided in Table 12.

Table 12: Adverse Events of Edema in Patients Treated with ACTOS
Number (%) of Patients
PlaceboACTOS
15 mg
ACTOS
30 mg
ACTOS
45 mg
Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of "edema."
Monotherapy (16 to 26 weeks)3 (1.2%)
N=259
2(2.5%)
N= 81
13 (4.7%)
N= 275
11 (6.5%)
N=169
Combined Therapy
(16 to 24 weeks)
Sulfonylurea4 (2.1%)
N=187
3(1.6%)
N=184
61 (11.3%)
N=540
81 (23.1%)
N=351
Metformin4 (2.5%)
N=160
N/A34 (5.9%)
N=579
58 (13.9%)
N=416
Insulin13 (7.0%)
N=187
24(12.6%)
N=191
109(20.5%)
N=533
90 (26.1%)
N=345
Table 13: Adverse Events of Edema in Patients in the PROactive Trial
Number (%) of Patients
Placebo
N=2633
ACTOS
N=2605
Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of "edema."
419 (15.9%)712 (27.3%)

Hepatic Effects: There has been no evidence of ACTOS-induced hepatotoxicity in the ACTOS controlled clinical trial database to date. One randomized, double-blind, 3-year trial comparing ACTOS to glyburide as add-on to metformin and insulin therapy was specifically designed to evaluate the incidence of serum ALT elevation to greater than 3 times the upper limit of the reference range, measured every 8 weeks for the first 48 weeks of the trial then every 12 weeks thereafter. A total of 3/1051 (0.3%) patients treated with ACTOS and 9/1046 (0.9%) patients treated with glyburide developed ALT values >3 times the upper limit of the reference range. None of the patients treated with ACTOS in the ACTOS controlled clinical trial database to date have had a serum ALT > 3 times the upper limit of the reference range and a corresponding total bilirubin >2 times the upper limit of the reference range, a combination predictive of the potential for severe drug-induced liver injury.

Hypoglycemia: In the ACTOS clinical trials, adverse events of hypoglycemia were reported based on clinical judgment of the investigators and did not require confirmation with fingerstick glucose testing.

In the 16-week add-on to sulfonylurea trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.7% with ACTOS 30 mg and 0.5% with placebo. In the 16-week add-on to insulin trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 7.9% with ACTOS 15 mg, 15.4% with ACTOS 30 mg, and 4.8% with placebo.

The incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher with ACTOS 45 mg compared to ACTOS 30 mg in both the 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trial (15.7% vs. 13.4%) and in the 24-week add-on to insulin trial (47.8% vs. 43.5%).

Three patients in these four trials were hospitalized due to hypoglycemia. All three patients were receiving ACTOS 30 mg (0.9%) in the 24-week add-on to insulin trial. An additional 14 patients reported severe hypoglycemia (defined as causing considerable interference with patient's usual activities) that did not require hospitalization. These patients were receiving ACTOS 45 mg in combination with sulfonylurea (n=2) or ACTOS 30 mg or 45 mg in combination with insulin (n=12).

Urinary Bladder Tumors: Tumors were observed in the urinary bladder of male rats in the two-year carcinogenicity study [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. In two 3-year trials in which ACTOS was compared to placebo or glyburide, there were 16/3656 (0.44%) reports of bladder cancer in patients taking ACTOS compared to 5/3679 (0.14%) in patients not taking ACTOS. After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were six (0.16%) cases on ACTOS and two (0.05%) cases on placebo. There are too few events of bladder cancer to establish causality.

6.2 Laboratory Abnormalities

Hematologic Effects: ACTOS may cause decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit. In placebo-controlled monotherapy trials, mean hemoglobin values declined by 2% to 4% in patients treated with ACTOS compared with a mean change in hemoglobin of -1% to +1% in placebo-treated patients. These changes primarily occurred within the first 4 to 12 weeks of therapy and remained relatively constant thereafter. These changes may be related to increased plasma volume associated with ACTOS therapy and are not likely to be associated with any clinically significant hematologic effects.

Creatine Phosphokinase: During protocol-specified measurement of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in ACTOS clinical trials, an isolated elevation in CPK to greater than 10 times the upper limit of the reference range was noted in 9 (0.2%) patients treated with ACTOS (values of 2150 to 11400 IU/L) and in no comparator-treated patients. Six of these nine patients continued to receive ACTOS, two patients were noted to have the CPK elevation on the last day of dosing and one patient discontinued ACTOS due to the elevation. These elevations resolved without any apparent clinical sequelae. The relationship of these events to ACTOS therapy is unknown.

6.3 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ACTOS. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Postmarketing reports of congestive heart failure have been reported in patients treated with ACTOS, both with and without previously known heart disease and both with and without concomitant insulin administration.

In postmarketing experience, there have been reports of unusually rapid increases in weight and increases in excess of that generally observed in clinical trials. Patients who experience such increases should be assessed for fluid accumulation and volume-related events such as excessive edema and congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors

An inhibitor of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) significantly increases the exposure (area under the serum concentration-time curve or AUC) and half-life of pioglitazone. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose of ACTOS is 15 mg daily if used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 CYP2C8 Inducers

An inducer of CYP2C8 (e.g., rifampin) may significantly decrease the exposure (AUC) of pioglitazone. Therefore, if an inducer of CYP2C8 is started or stopped during treatment with ACTOS, changes in diabetes treatment may be needed based on clinical response without exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of 45 mg for ACTOS [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ACTOS in pregnant women. Animal studies show increased rates of post-implantation loss, delayed development, reduced fetal weights, and delayed parturition at doses 10 to 40 times the maximum recommended human dose. ACTOS should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Clinical Considerations: Abnormal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital anomalies, as well as increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. Most experts recommend the use of insulin during pregnancy to maintain blood glucose concentrations as close to normal as possible for patients with diabetes.

Animal Data: In animal reproductive studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received pioglitazone at doses up to approximately 17 (rat) and 40 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended human oral dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (mg/m2); no teratogenicity was observed [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.3)]. Increases in embryotoxicity (increased postimplantation losses, delayed development, reduced fetal weights, and delayed parturition) occurred in rats that received oral doses approximately 10 or more times the MRHD (mg/m2 basis). No functional or behavioral toxicity was observed in rat offspring. When pregnant rats received pioglitazone during late gestation and lactation, delayed postnatal development, attributed to decreased body weight, occurred in rat offspring at oral maternal doses approximately 2 or more times the MRHD (mg/m2 basis). In rabbits, embryotoxicity occurred at oral doses approximately 40 times the MRHD (mg/m2 basis).

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether ACTOS is secreted in human milk. Pioglitazone is secreted in the milk of lactating rats. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for ACTOS to cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue ACTOS, taking into account the importance of ACTOS to the mother.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of ACTOS in pediatric patients have not been established.

Use in pediatric patients is not recommended for the treatment of diabetes due to lack of long-term safety data. Risks including fractures and other adverse effects associated with ACTOS have not been determined in this population [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

A total of 92 patients (15.2%) treated with ACTOS in the three pooled 16 to 26-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, monotherapy, trials were ≥65 years old and 2 patients (0.3%) were ≥75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trials, 201 patients (18.7 %) treated with ACTOS were ≥ 65 years old and 19 (1.8%) were ≥ 75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24 week add-on to metformin trials, 155 patients (15.5%) treated with ACTOS were ≥65 years old and 19 (1.9%) were ≥75 years old. In the two pooled 16 to 24 week add-on to insulin trials, 272 patients (25.4%) treated with ACTOS were ≥65 years old and 22 (2.1%) were ≥75 years old.

In PROactive, 1068 patients (41.0%) treated with ACTOS were ≥65 years old and 42 (1.6%) were ≥75 years old.

In pharmacokinetic studies with pioglitazone, no significant differences were observed in pharmacokinetic parameters between elderly and younger patients. These clinical experiences have not identified differences in effectiveness and safety between the elderly (≥ 65 years) and younger patients although small sample sizes for patients ≥75 years old limit conclusions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

10 OVERDOSAGE

During controlled clinical trials, one case of overdose with ACTOS was reported. A male patient took 120 mg per day for four days, then 180 mg per day for seven days. The patient denied any clinical symptoms during this period.

In the event of overdosage, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms.

11 DESCRIPTION

ACTOS (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is an oral antidiabetic medication.

Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl) ethoxy] phenyl] methyl]-2,4-] thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone interconvert in vivo. No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers. The structural formula is as shown:

Chemical Structure

Pioglitazone hydrochloride is an odorless white crystalline powder that has a molecular formula of C19H20N2O3S•HCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether.

ACTOS is available as a tablet for oral administration containing 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg of pioglitazone (as the base) formulated with the following excipients: lactose monohydrate NF, hydroxypropylcellulose NF, carboxymethylcellulose calcium NF, and magnesium stearate NF.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

ACTOS is a thiazolidinedione that depends on the presence of insulin for its mechanism of action. ACTOS decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output. Pioglitazone is not an insulin secretagogue. Pioglitazone is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). PPAR receptors are found in tissues important for insulin action such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. Activation of PPARγ nuclear receptors modulates the transcription of a number of insulin responsive genes involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism.

In animal models of diabetes, pioglitazone reduces the hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia characteristic of insulin-resistant states such as type 2 diabetes. The metabolic changes produced by pioglitazone result in increased responsiveness of insulin-dependent tissues and are observed in numerous animal models of insulin resistance.

Because pioglitazone enhances the effects of circulating insulin (by decreasing insulin resistance), it does not lower blood glucose in animal models that lack endogenous insulin.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Clinical studies demonstrate that ACTOS improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant patients. ACTOS enhances cellular responsiveness to insulin, increases insulin-dependent glucose disposal and improves hepatic sensitivity to insulin. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the decreased insulin resistance produced by ACTOS results in lower plasma glucose concentrations, lower plasma insulin concentrations, and lower HbA1c values. In controlled clinical trials, ACTOS had an additive effect on glycemic control when used in combination with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

Patients with lipid abnormalities were included in clinical trials with ACTOS. Overall, patients treated with ACTOS had mean decreases in serum triglycerides, mean increases in HDL cholesterol, and no consistent mean changes in LDL and total cholesterol. There is no conclusive evidence of macrovascular benefit with ACTOS or any other antidiabetic medication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

In a 26-week, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging monotherapy study, mean serum triglycerides decreased in the 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg ACTOS dose groups compared to a mean increase in the placebo group. Mean HDL cholesterol increased to a greater extent in patients treated with ACTOS than in the placebo-treated patients. There were no consistent differences for LDL and total cholesterol in patients treated with ACTOS compared to placebo (Table 14).

Table 14. Lipids in a 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Monotherapy Dose-Ranging Study
PlaceboACTOS
15 mg
Once Daily
ACTOS
30 mg
Once Daily
ACTOS
45 mg
Once Daily
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p < 0.05 versus placebo
Triglycerides (mg/dL)N=79N=79N=84N=77
Baseline (mean)263284261260
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean*)4.8%-9.0%-9.6%-9.3%
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)N=79N=79N=83N=77
Baseline (mean)42404141
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean*)8.1%14.1%12.2%19.1%
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)N=65N=63N=74N=62
Baseline (mean)139132136127
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean*)4.8%7.2%5.2%6.0%
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)N=79N=79N=84N=77
Baseline (mean)225220223214
Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean*)4.4%4.6%3.3%6.4%

In the two other monotherapy studies (16 weeks and 24 weeks) and in combination therapy studies with sulfonylurea (16 weeks and 24 weeks), metformin (16 weeks and 24 weeks ) or insulin (16 weeks and 24 weeks), the results were generally consistent with the data above.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Following once daily administration of ACTOS, steady-state serum concentrations of both pioglitazone and its major active metabolites, M-III (keto derivative of pioglitazone) and M-IV (hydroxyl derivative of pioglitazone), are achieved within 7 days. At steady-state, M-III and M-IV reach serum concentrations equal to or greater than that of pioglitazone. At steady-state, in both healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes, pioglitazone comprises approximately 30% to 50% of the peak total pioglitazone serum concentrations (pioglitazone plus active metabolites) and 20% to 25% of the total AUC.

Maximum serum concentration (Cmax), AUC, and trough serum concentrations (Cmin) for pioglitazone and M-III and M-IV, increased proportionally with administered doses of 15 mg and 30 mg per day.

Absorption: Following oral administration of pioglitazone hydrochloride, peak concentrations of pioglitazone were observed within 2 hours. Food slightly delays the time to peak serum concentration (Tmax) to 3 to 4 hours, but does not alter the extent of absorption (AUC).

Distribution: The mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of pioglitazone following single-dose administration is 0.63 ± 0.41 (mean ± SD) L/kg of body weight. Pioglitazone is extensively protein bound (> 99%) in human serum, principally to serum albumin. Pioglitazone also binds to other serum proteins, but with lower affinity. M-III and M-IV are also extensively bound (> 98%) to serum albumin.

Metabolism: Pioglitazone is extensively metabolized by hydroxylation and oxidation; the metabolites also partly convert to glucuronide or sulfate conjugates. Metabolites M-III and M-IV are the major circulating active metabolites in humans.

In vitro data demonstrate that multiple CYP isoforms are involved in the metabolism of pioglitazone. The cytochrome P450 isoforms involved are CYP2C8 and, to a lesser degree, CYP3A4 with additional contributions from a variety of other isoforms including the mainly extrahepatic CYP1A1. In vivo study of pioglitazone in combination with gemfibrozil, a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor showed that pioglitazone is a CYP2C8 substrate [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Urinary 6ß-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratios measured in patients treated with ACTOS showed that pioglitazone is not a strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducer.

Excretion and Elimination: Following oral administration, approximately 15% to 30% of the pioglitazone dose is recovered in the urine. Renal elimination of pioglitazone is negligible, and the drug is excreted primarily as metabolites and their conjugates. It is presumed that most of the oral dose is excreted into the bile either unchanged or as metabolites and eliminated in the feces.

The mean serum half-life of pioglitazone and its metabolites (M-III and M-IV) range from 3 to 7 hours and 16 to 24 hours, respectively. Pioglitazone has an apparent clearance, CL/F, calculated to be 5 to 7 L/hr.

Renal Impairment: The serum elimination half-life of pioglitazone, M-III, and M-IV remains unchanged in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30 to 50 mL/min) and severe (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) renal impairment when compared to subjects with normal renal function. Therefore, no dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment is required.

Hepatic Impairment: Compared with healthy controls, subjects with impaired hepatic function (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Grade B/C) have an approximate 45% reduction in pioglitazone and total pioglitazone (pioglitazone, M-III and M-IV) mean peak concentrations but no change in the mean AUC values. Therefore, no dose adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment is required.

There are postmarketing reports of liver failure with ACTOS and clinical trials have generally excluded patients with serum ALT >2.5× the upper limit of the reference range. Use caution in patients with liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Geriatric Patients: In healthy elderly subjects, peak serum concentrations of pioglitazone are not significantly different, but AUC values are approximately 21% higher than those achieved in younger subjects. The mean terminal half-life values of pioglitazone were also longer in elderly subjects (about 10 hours) as compared to younger subjects (about 7 hours). These changes were not of a magnitude that would be considered clinically relevant.

Pediatric Patients: Safety and efficacy of pioglitazone in pediatric patients have not been established. ACTOS is not recommended for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Gender: The mean Cmax and AUC values of pioglitazone were increased 20% to 60% in women compared to men. In controlled clinical trials, HbA1c decreases from baseline were generally greater for females than for males (average mean difference in HbA1c 0.5%). Because therapy should be individualized for each patient to achieve glycemic control, no dose adjustment is recommended based on gender alone.

Ethnicity: Pharmacokinetic data among various ethnic groups are not available.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Table 15: Effect of Pioglitazone Coadministration on Systemic Exposure of Other Drugs
Co-administered Drug
Pioglitazone Dosage
Regimen (mg)*
Name and Dose RegimensChange in AUCChange in Cmax
*
Daily for 7 days unless otherwise noted
% change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively.
Pioglitazone had no clinically significant effect on prothrombin time
45 mg
(N = 12)
Warfarin
Daily loading then maintenance doses based PT and INR values
Quick's Value = 35 ± 5%
R-Warfarin↓ 3%R-Warfarin↓ 2%
S-Warfarin↓ 1%S-Warfarin↑ 1%
45 mg
(N = 12)
Digoxin
0.200 mg twice daily (loading dose) then
0.250 mg daily (maintenance dose, 7 days)
↑ 15%↑ 17%
45 mg daily
for 21 days
(N = 35)
Oral Contraceptive
[Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) 0.035 mg plus
Norethindrone (NE) 1 mg] for 21 days
EE↓11%EE↓13%
NE↑ 3%NE↓ 7%
45 mg
(N = 23)
Fexofenadine
60 mg twice daily for 7 days↑ 30%↑ 37%
45 mg
(N = 14)
Glipizide
5 mg daily for 7 days↓ 3%↓ 8%
45 mg daily
for 8 days
(N = 16)
Metformin
1000 mg single dose on 8 days↓ 3%↓ 5%
45 mg
(N = 21)
Midazolam
7.5 mg single dose on day 15↓ 26%↓ 26%
45 mg
(N = 24)
Ranitidine
150 mg twice daily for 7 days↑ 1%↓1%
45 mg daily
for 4 days
(N = 24)
Nifedipine ER
30 mg daily for 4 days↓ 13%↓ 17%
45 mg
(N = 25)
Atorvastatin Ca
80 mg daily for 7 days↓ 14%↓ 23%
45 mg
(N = 22)
Theophylline
400 mg twice daily for 7 days↑ 2%↑ 5%
Table 16: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Pioglitazone Systemic Exposure
Coadministered Drug and Dosage RegimenPioglitazone
Dose Regimen
(mg)*
Change
in AUC
Change
in Cmax
*
Daily for 7 days unless otherwise noted
Mean ratio (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 1-fold) % change (with/without coadministered drug and no change = 0%); symbols of ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively.
The half-life of pioglitazone increased from 6.5 h to 15.1 h in the presence of gemfibrozil [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Drug Interactions (7]
Gemfibrozil 600 mg
twice daily for 2 days
(N = 12)
30 mg
single dose
↑ 3.4-fold↑ 6%
Ketoconazole 200 mg
twice daily for 7 days
(N = 28)
45 mg↑ 34%↑ 14%
Rifampin 600 mg
daily for 5 days
(N = 10)
30 mg
single dose
↓ 54%↓ 5%
Fexofenadine 60 mg
twice daily for 7 days
(N = 23)
45 mg↑ 1%0%
Ranitidine 150 mg
twice daily for 4 days
(N = 23)
45 mg↓ 13%↓ 16%
Nifedipine ER 30 mg
daily for 7 days
(N = 23)
45 mg↑ 5%↑ 4%
Atorvastatin Ca 80 mg
daily for 7 days
(N = 24)
45 mg↓ 24%↓ 31%
Theophylline 400 mg
twice daily for 7 days
(N = 22)
45 mg↓ 4%↓ 2%

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

A two-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female rats at oral doses up to 63 mg/kg (approximately 14 times the maximum recommended human oral dose of 45 mg based on mg/m2). Drug-induced tumors were not observed in any organ except for the urinary bladder. Benign and/or malignant transitional cell neoplasms were observed in male rats at 4 mg/kg/day and above (approximately equal to the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2). A two-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female mice at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 11 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2). No drug-induced tumors were observed in any organ.

Pioglitazone hydrochloride was not mutagenic in a battery of genetic toxicology studies, including the Ames bacterial assay, a mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay (CHO/HPRT and AS52/XPRT), an in vitro cytogenetics assay using CHL cells, an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay, and an in vivo micronucleus assay.

No adverse effects upon fertility were observed in male and female rats at oral doses up to 40 mg/kg pioglitazone hydrochloride daily prior to and throughout mating and gestation (approximately 9 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2).

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Heart enlargement has been observed in mice (100 mg/kg), rats (4 mg/kg and above) and dogs (3 mg/kg) treated orally with pioglitazone hydrochloride (approximately 11, 1, and 2 times the maximum recommended human oral dose for mice, rats, and dogs, respectively, based on mg/m2). In a one-year rat study, drug-related early death due to apparent heart dysfunction occurred at an oral dose of 160 mg/kg/day (approximately 35 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2). Heart enlargement was seen in a 13-week study in monkeys at oral doses of 8.9 mg/kg and above (approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2), but not in a 52-week study at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg (approximately 13 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2).

13.3 Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology

Pioglitazone was not teratogenic in rats at oral doses up to 80 mg/kg or in rabbits given up to 160 mg/kg during organogenesis (approximately 17 and 40 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2, respectively). Delayed parturition and embryotoxicity (as evidenced by increased postimplantation losses, delayed development and reduced fetal weights) were observed in rats at oral doses of 40 mg/kg/day and above (approximately 10 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2). No functional or behavioral toxicity was observed in offspring of rats. In rabbits, embryotoxicity was observed at an oral dose of 160 mg/kg (approximately 40 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2). Delayed postnatal development, attributed to decreased body weight, was observed in offspring of rats at oral doses of 10 mg/kg and above during late gestation and lactation periods (approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human oral dose based on mg/m2).

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1 Monotherapy

Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with durations from 16 to 26 weeks were conducted to evaluate the use of ACTOS as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. These trials examined ACTOS at doses up to 45 mg or placebo once daily in a total of 865 patients.

In a 26-week dose-ranging monotherapy trial, 408 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg of ACTOS, or placebo once daily. Therapy with any previous antidiabetic agent was discontinued 8 weeks prior to the double-blind period. Treatment with 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg of ACTOS produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at endpoint compared to placebo (see Figure 1, Table 17).

Figure 1 shows the time course for changes in HbA1c in this 26-week study.

Figure 1 Mean Change from Baseline for HbA1c in a 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Dose-Ranging Study (Observed Values)
Figure 1
Table 17: Glycemic Parameters in a 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Dose-Ranging Monotherapy Trial
PlaceboACTOS
15 mg
Once
Daily
ACTOS
30 mg
Once
Daily
ACTOS
45 mg
Once
Daily
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. placebo
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=79N=79N=85N=76
Baseline (mean)10.410.210.210.3
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)0.7-0.3-0.3-0.9
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-1.0
(-1.6, -0.4)
-1.0
(-1.6, -0.4)
-1.6
(-2.2, -1.0)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=79N=79N=84N=77
Baseline (mean)268267269276
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)9-30-32-56
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-39
(-63, -16)
-41
(-64, -18)
-65
(-89, -42)

In a 24-week placebo-controlled monotherapy trial, 260 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of two forced-titration ACTOS treatment groups or a mock-titration placebo group. Therapy with any previous antidiabetic agent was discontinued 6 weeks prior to the double-blind period. In one ACTOS treatment group, patients received an initial dose of 7.5 mg once daily. After four weeks, the dose was increased to 15 mg once daily and after another four weeks, the dose was increased to 30 mg once daily for the remainder of the trial (16 weeks). In the second ACTOS treatment group, patients received an initial dose of 15 mg once daily and were titrated to 30 mg once daily and 45 mg once daily in a similar manner. Treatment with ACTOS, as described, produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo (Table 18).

Table 18: Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Placebo-Controlled Forced-Titration Monotherapy Trial
PlaceboACTOS
30 mg*
Once
Daily
ACTOS
45 mg*
Once
Daily
*
Final dose in forced titration
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. placebo
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=83N=85N=85
Baseline (mean)10.810.310.8
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)0.9-0.6-0.6
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-1.5
(-2.0, -1.0)
-1.5
(-2.0, -1.0)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=78N=82N=85
Baseline (mean)279268281
Change from baseline (adjusted mean)18-44-50
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean)
95% Confidence Interval
-62
(-82, -.41)
-68
(-88, -.48)

In a 16-week monotherapy trial, 197 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to treatment with 30 mg of ACTOS or placebo once daily. Therapy with any previous antidiabetic agent was discontinued 6 weeks prior to the double-blind period. Treatment with 30 mg of ACTOS produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo (Table 19).

Table 19: Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled Monotherapy Trial
PlaceboACTOS 30 mg
Once Daily
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.050 vs. placebo
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=93N=100
Baseline (mean)10.310.5
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)0.8-0.6
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-1.4
(-1.8, -0.9)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=91N=99
Baseline (mean)270273
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)8-50
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-58
(-77, -38)

14.2 Combination Therapy

Three 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of ACTOS (15 mg and/or 30 mg) on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled (HbA1c ≥ 8%) despite current therapy with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin. In addition, three 24-week randomized, double-blind clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of ACTOS 30 mg vs. ACTOS 45 mg on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled (HbA1c ≥ 8%) despite current therapy with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin. Previous diabetes treatment may have been monotherapy or combination therapy.

Add-on to Sulfonylurea Trials: Two clinical trials were conducted with ACTOS in combination with a sulfonylurea. Both studies included patients with type 2 diabetes on any dose of a sulfonylurea, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn at least 3 weeks prior to starting study treatment.

In the first study, 560 patients were randomized to receive 15 mg or 30 mg of ACTOS or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their current sulfonylurea regimen. Treatment with ACTOS as add-on to sulfonylurea produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to sulfonylurea (Table 20).

Table 20: Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled, Add-on to Sulfonylurea Trial
Placebo
+ Sulfonylurea
ACTOS 15 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Sulfonylurea
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. placebo + sulfonylurea
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=181N=176N=182
Baseline (mean)9.910.09.9
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)0.1-0.8-1.2
Difference from placebo + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-0.9
(-1.2, -0.6)
-1.3
(-1.6, -1.0)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=182N=179N=186
Baseline (mean)236247239
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)6-34-52
Difference from placebo + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-39
(-52, -27)
-58
(-70, -46)

In the second trial, 702 patients were randomized to receive 30 mg or 45 mg of ACTOS once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current sulfonylurea regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 1.6% for the 30 mg dose and 1.7% for the 45 mg dose (see Table 21). The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 52 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 56 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose.

The therapeutic effect of ACTOS in combination with sulfonylurea was observed in patients regardless of the sulfonylurea dose.

Table 21: Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Add-on to Sulfonylurea Trial
ACTOS 30 mg +
Sulfonylurea
ACTOS 45 mg +
Sulfonylurea
95% CI = 95% confidence interval
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=340N=332
Baseline (mean)9.89.9
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-1.6-1.7
Difference from 30 mg daily ACTOS + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean*) (95% CI)-0.1
(-0.4, 0.1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=338N=329
Baseline (mean)214217
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-52-56
Difference from 30 mg daily ACTOS + sulfonylurea (adjusted mean*) (95% CI)-5
(-12, 3)

Add-on to Metformin Trials: Two clinical trials were conducted with ACTOS in combination with metformin. Both trials included patients with type 2 diabetes on any dose of metformin, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn at least 3 weeks prior to starting study treatment.

In the first trial, 328 patients were randomized to receive either 30 mg of ACTOS or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their current metformin regimen. Treatment with ACTOS as add-on to metformin produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to metformin (see Table 22).

Table 22: Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled, Add-on to Metformin Trial
Placebo
+ Metformin
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Metformin
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. placebo + metformin
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=153N=161
Baseline (mean)9.89.9
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)0.2-0.6
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-0.8
(-1.2, -0.5)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=157N=165
Baseline (mean)260254
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-5-43
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-38
(-49, -26)

In the second trial, 827 patients were randomized to receive either 30 mg or 45 mg of ACTOS once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current metformin regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 0.8% for the 30 mg dose and 1.0% for the 45 mg dose (see Table 23). The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 38 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 51 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose.

Table 23: Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Add-on to Metformin Study
ACTOS 30 mg +
Metformin
ACTOS 45 mg
+ Metformin
95% CI = 95% confidence interval
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. 30 mg daily ACTOS + metformin
Total Population
HbA1C (%)N=400N=398
Baseline (mean)9.99.8
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-0.8-1.0
Difference from 30 mg daily ACTOS + Metformin (adjusted mean*) (95% CI)-0.2
(-0.5, 0.1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=398N=399
Baseline (mean)233232
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-38-51
Difference from 30 mg daily ACTOS + Metformin (adjusted mean*) (95% CI)-12
(-21, -4)

The therapeutic effect of ACTOS in combination with metformin was observed in patients regardless of the metformin dose.

Add-on to Insulin Trials: Two clinical trials were conducted with ACTOS in combination with insulin. Both trials included patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin, either alone or in combination with another antidiabetic agent. All other antidiabetic agents were withdrawn prior to starting study treatment. In the first trial, 566 patients were randomized to receive either 15 mg or 30 mg of ACTOS or placebo once daily for 16 weeks in addition to their insulin regimen. Treatment with ACTOS as add-on to insulin produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and FPG at endpoint compared to placebo add-on to insulin (see Table 24). The mean daily insulin dose at baseline in each treatment group was approximately 70 units. The majority of patients (75% overall, 86% treated with placebo, 77% treated with ACTOS 15 mg, and 61% treated with ACTOS 30 mg) had no change in their daily insulin dose from baseline to the final study visit. The mean change from baseline in daily dose of insulin (including patients with no insulin dose modifications) was -3 units in the patients treated with ACTOS 15 mg, -8 units in the patients treated with ACTOS 30 mg, and -1 unit in patients treated with placebo.

Table 24: Glycemic Parameters in a 16-Week Placebo-Controlled, Add-on to Insulin Trial
Placebo
+ Insulin
ACTOS 15 mg
+ Insulin
ACTOS 30 mg
+ Insulin
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. placebo + insulin
Total Population
A1C (%)
HbA1C (%) N=177 N=177 N=185
Baseline (mean)9.89.89.8
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-0.3-1.0-1.3
Difference from placebo + Insulin (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-0.7
(-1.0, -0.5)
-1.0
(-1.3, -0.7)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=179N=183N=184
Baseline (mean)221222229
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)1-35-48
Difference from placebo + Insulin (adjusted mean*)
95% Confidence Interval
-35
(-51, -19)
-49
(-65, -33)

In the second trial, 690 patients receiving a median of 60 units per day of insulin were randomized to receive either 30 mg or 45 mg of ACTOS once daily for 24 weeks in addition to their current insulin regimen. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c was 1.2% for the 30 mg dose and 1.5% for the 45 mg dose. The mean reduction from baseline at Week 24 in FPG was 32 mg/dL for the 30 mg dose and 46 mg/dL for the 45 mg dose (see Table 25). The mean daily insulin dose at baseline in both treatment groups was approximately 70 units. The majority of patients (55% overall, 58% treated with ACTOS 30 mg, and 52% treated with ACTOS 45 mg) had no change in their daily insulin dose from baseline to the final study visit. The mean change from baseline in daily dose of insulin (including patients with no insulin dose modifications) was -5 units in the patients treated with ACTOS 30 mg and -8 units in the patients treated with ACTOS 45 mg.

The therapeutic effect of ACTOS in combination with insulin was observed in patients regardless of the insulin dose.

Table 25: Glycemic Parameters in a 24-Week Add-on to Insulin Trial
ACTOS 30 mg +
Insulin
ACTOS 45 mg +
Insulin
95% CI = 95% confidence interval
*
Adjusted for baseline, pooled center, and pooled center by treatment interaction
p ≤ 0.05 vs. 30 mg daily ACTOS + insulin
Total Population
HbA1c (%)N=328N=328
Baseline (mean)9.99.7
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-1.2-1.5
Difference from 30 mg daily ACTOS + Insulin (adjusted mean*) (95% CI)-0.3
(-0.5, -0.1)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)N=325N=327
Baseline (mean)202199
Change from baseline (adjusted mean*)-32-46
Difference from 30 mg daily ACTOS + Insulin (adjusted mean*) (95% CI)-14
(-25, -3)

16 HOW SUPPLIED/ STORAGE AND HANDLING

ACTOS is available in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg tablets as follows:

15 mg tablet: White to off-white, round, convex, non-scored tablet with "ACTOS" on one side, and "15" on the other, available in:

NDC 64764-151-04 Bottles of 30
NDC 64764-151-05 Bottles of 90
NDC 64764-151-06 Bottles of 500

30 mg tablet: White to off-white, round, flat, non-scored tablet with "ACTOS" on one side, and "30" on the other, available in:

NDC 64764-301-14 Bottles of 30
NDC 64764-301-15 Bottles of 90
NDC 64764-301-16 Bottles of 500

45 mg tablet: White to off-white, round, flat, non-scored tablet with "ACTOS" on one side, and "45" on the other, available in:

NDC 64764-451-24 Bottles of 30
NDC 64764-451-25 Bottles of 90
NDC 64764-451-26 Bottles of 500

Storage: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep container tightly closed, and protect from light, moisture and humidity.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-Approved Medication Guide (17.2).

17.1 Instructions

17.2 FDA-Approved Medication Guide

See attached leaflet.

Distributed by:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
Deerfield, IL 60015

ACTOS is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

©1999, 2006, 2010-2011 Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

January 2011
ACT003 R15

MEDICATION GUIDE

ACTOS® (ak-TŌS)
(pioglitazone hydrochloride) tablets

Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start taking ACTOS and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about ACTOS, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is the most important information I should know about ACTOS?

ACTOS can cause serious side effects, including new or worse heart failure.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

ACTOS can have other serious side effects. See "What are the possible side effects of ACTOS?"

What is ACTOS?

ACTOS is a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. ACTOS is a diabetes medicine called pioglitazone hydrochloride that may be taken alone or with other diabetes medicines.

It is not known if ACTOS is safe and effective in children.

Who should not take ACTOS?

See "What is the most important information I should know about ACTOS?"

Do not take ACTOS if you:

Talk to your doctor before taking ACTOS if you have either of these conditions.

What should I tell my doctor before taking ACTOS?

Before you take starting ACTOS, tell your doctor if you:

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

ACTOS and some of your other medicines can affect each other. You may need to have your dose of ACTOS or certain other medicines changed.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist before you start a new medicine. They will tell you if it is okay to take ACTOS with other medicines.

How should I take ACTOS?

What are the possible side effects of ACTOS?

ACTOS may cause serious side effects including:

The most common side effects of ACTOS include:

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the side effects of ACTOS. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store ACTOS?

General information about the safe and effective use of ACTOS

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use ACTOS for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ACTOS to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about ACTOS. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about ACTOS that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, go to www.actos.com or call 1-877-825-3327.

What are the ingredients in ACTOS?

Active Ingredient: pioglitazone hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients: lactose monohydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, and magnesium stearate.

ACTOS is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Distributed by:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
Deerfield, IL 60015
© 2009-2011 Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

January 2011
ACT003 R15/MG


PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mg Bottle Label

NDC 64764-151-06
500 Tablets

actos®
(pioglitazone HCl)
Tablets

15 mg

Each tablet contains pioglitazone
hydrochloride equivalent to 15 mg
pioglitazone.

Dispense with Medication Guide
available in package insert or at
www.actos.com

Takeda

Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mg Bottle Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 30 mg Bottle Label

NDC 64764-301-16
500 Tablets

actos®
(pioglitazone HCl)
Tablets

30 mg

Each tablet contains pioglitazone
hydrochloride equivalent to 30 mg
pioglitazone.

Dispense with Medication Guide
available in package insert or at
www.actos.com

Takeda

Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 30 mg Bottle Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 45 mg Bottle Label

NDC 64764-451-24
30 Tablets

actos®
(pioglitazone HCl)
Tablets

45 mg

Each tablet contains pioglitazone
hydrochloride equivalent to 45 mg
pioglitazone.

Dispense with Medication Guide
available in package insert or at
www.actos.com

Takeda

Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 45 mg Bottle Label

ACTOS 
pioglitazone hydrochloride   tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)64764-151
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
pioglitazone hydrochloride (pioglitazone) pioglitazone hydrochloride15 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
carboxymethylcellulose calcium 
hydroxypropyl cellulose 
lactose monohydrate 
magnesium stearate 
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITE (white to off-white) Score no score
ShapeROUND (round, convex) Size7mm
FlavorImprint Code ACTOS;15
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
164764-151-0430 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
264764-151-0590 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
364764-151-06500 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
464764-151-026 CARTON In 1 TRAYcontains a CARTON
41 BLISTER PACK In 1 CARTONThis package is contained within the TRAY (64764-151-02) and contains a BLISTER PACK
47 TABLET In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within a CARTON and a TRAY (64764-151-02)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02107307/15/1999

ACTOS 
pioglitazone hydrochloride   tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)64764-301
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
pioglitazone hydrochloride (pioglitazone) pioglitazone hydrochloride30 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
carboxymethylcellulose calcium 
hydroxypropyl cellulose 
lactose monohydrate 
magnesium stearate 
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITE (white to off-white) Score no score
ShapeROUND (round, flat) Size7mm
FlavorImprint Code ACTOS;30
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
164764-301-1430 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
264764-301-1590 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
364764-301-16500 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
464764-301-026 CARTON In 1 TRAYcontains a CARTON
41 BLISTER PACK In 1 CARTONThis package is contained within the TRAY (64764-301-02) and contains a BLISTER PACK
47 TABLET In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within a CARTON and a TRAY (64764-301-02)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02107307/15/1999

ACTOS 
pioglitazone hydrochloride   tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)64764-451
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
pioglitazone hydrochloride (pioglitazone) pioglitazone hydrochloride45 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
carboxymethylcellulose calcium 
hydroxypropyl cellulose 
lactose monohydrate 
magnesium stearate 
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITE (white to off-white) Score no score
ShapeROUND (round, flat) Size8mm
FlavorImprint Code ACTOS;45
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
164764-451-2430 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
264764-451-2590 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
364764-451-26500 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
464764-451-026 CARTON In 1 TRAYcontains a CARTON
41 BLISTER PACK In 1 CARTONThis package is contained within the TRAY (64764-451-02) and contains a BLISTER PACK
47 TABLET In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within a CARTON and a TRAY (64764-451-02)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02107307/15/1999

Labeler - Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (830134016)
Revised: 01/2011Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.