Short answer: The Actos label says that if a dose is missed on one day, the dose should not be doubled the next day. The Medication Guide says to take your next dose as prescribed unless your doctor tells you differently, and not to take two doses at one time the next day. Actos is taken once a day.
| Situation | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Schedule | 15 mg or 30 mg once daily to start, up to 45 mg (2.1) |
| Missed a dose | Take the next dose as prescribed (Medication Guide) |
| Next day | Do not double the dose (17) |
| Doubling up | Do not take two doses at one time the next day (Medication Guide) |
| Half-life | 3 to 7 hours for pioglitazone; 16 to 24 hours for its active metabolites (12.3) |
Section 17 tells patients to take Actos once daily, with or without meals, and says that if a dose is missed on one day, the dose should not be doubled the following day.
The Medication Guide says: if you miss a dose of Actos, take your next dose as prescribed unless your doctor tells you differently. Do not take two doses at one time the next day.
The label does not say. It only rules out doubling up the next day. Whether a dose remembered later the same day should still be taken is a question for your prescriber or pharmacist.
Section 12.3 gives a mean half-life of 3 to 7 hours for pioglitazone and 16 to 24 hours for its active metabolites (M-III and M-IV).
This page summarizes FDA labeling. It is not personalized medical advice; confirm what to do with your prescriber or pharmacist.