Actos, Avandia (Thiazolidinedione) diabetes medicines help the body to utilize the insulin properly; thus blood-glucose level stay on target and body cells get the energy they needed.
What is Thiazolidinedione?
- Brand name: Actos (generic name: pioglitazone),
- Brand name: Avandia (generic name: rosiglitazone).
Thiazolidinedione’s diabetes medication helps your insulin work properly; thus blood-glucose levels stay on target, and cells get the energy they need.
Avoid Actos / Avandia
- If you have heart failure, you should not take this type of pill.
Studies have shown that Avandia is associated with an increased risk for heart attacks and chest pain or discomfort from blocked blood vessels. This type of pill can cause congestive heart failure; a condition in which your heart no longer pumps properly. Then your body keeps too much fluid in your legs, ankles, and lungs.
If you already have congestive heart failure, this pill can make it worse. Call your doctor right away, if you have signs of heart failure.
Warning signs include
- having been swelling in your legs or ankles
- gaining a lot of weight in a short time
- having trouble breathing
- having a cough
- being very tired
You should also talk with your doctor about whether to take this type of pill if
- you are pregnant or planning to get, or breast-feeding
- you have the liver disease
Side effects of Actos / Avandia
- Congestive heart failure,
- anemia, a condition that can make you feel very tired,
- Risk of getting pregnant, even if you are taking birth control pills
- Women may have an increased risk of bone fractures.
If you take Actos or Avandia, your health care provider should make sure your liver is working properly. Call your doctor right away, if you have any signs of liver disease:
- nausea, vomiting,
- stomach pain or loss of appetite,
- tiredness,
- dark-colored urine