If you are set on using Actos to manage your type 2 diabetes, you should be aware of Actos' side effects. This is a medicine that is often used in combination with insulin supplements and other medications, but that does not mean it is safe to use with all other substances, or that it is guaranteed not to trigger allergic reactions.
Difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or all of the above are indications of allergy - the more extreme of Actos' side effects. When this happens, seek emergency medical help. Less serious but still alarming side effects may occur, such as shortness of breath, chest pains, nausea, blurred vision or rapid weight gain. Should you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue taking Actos at once, and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Side effects such as headaches, toothaches, muscle pain, and gradual weight gain are not considered serious. You may continue taking Actos if you experience them, although it would still be best to tell your doctor about them at the soonest possible time.
If you are suffering from liver disease, congestive heart failure, or any other heart disease, see your doctor before taking Actos. Your may need a special dosage, or you may need to take other diabetes medication. The same applies if you have a history of heart attack or stroke.
Actos is a medication that is supposed to aid efforts to manage one's type 2 diabetes. It is not meant to be used in the treatment of type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Nor should it be expected to "cure" type 2 diabetes, or work well all on its own. This medicine will not work at optimum performance without careful dieting and regular exercise, which are essential to stabilizing one's blood sugar and insulin levels.
Avoid foods and beverages that lower the blood sugar, such as alcohol, while you are taking Actos. Always have a supply of sugar sources in case you accidentally suffer from hypoglycemia. Examples of acceptable supplements are orange juice, candy, glucose gel and milk.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking this medicine, as it may enter the baby's system through your bloodstream or breastmilk, and be harmful to the baby.
Note that Actos has been placed in the same class of drugs as Rezulin, which has been known to cause rare but serious liver injury. Your doctor may advise you to take regular blood tests that would help in evaluating your liver, before taking this medicine.
Taking Actos with other blood sugar medication may either increase the likelihood of your experiencing Actos' side effects, or cause serious complications. For example, taking Actos with other medicines that raise blood sugar (i.e. diuretics or water pills, thyroid medicines, steroids, asthma medication, birth control or hormone pills, diet pills, seizure medicines such as Dilantin) may aggravate your hyperglycemia. On the other hand, taking Actos with drugs that lower blood sugar (i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] such as aspirin, beta blockers, salicylates such as Pepto-Bismol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], probenecid and sulfa drugs) may cause hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar. Patent drugs like Versed, Rifadin, Lopid, Lasix and Adalat may also interfere with Actos.