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What are the side effects of Actos?

The most common side effects of Actos include respiratory infection, sinusitis, headache, and muscle pain. When used in combination with insulin, Actos may also cause swelling of the legs and ankles and low blood sugars. Also, Actos can increase the chance of pregnancy in premenopausal women who haven't been ovulating by causing ovulation to resume.

A similar medicine, Rezulin (troglitazone), has caused liver failure in some people. Based on medical research, there don't seem to be any liver problems associated with Actos. But because the chemical structure of Actos is similar to that of Rezulin, if you take it you should have your blood tested for early signs of liver damage. You should have these blood tests done before you begin Actos therapy, every two months for the first year, and periodically after that. Early symptoms of liver problems include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

If you have type 1 diabetes, don't take Actos. The drug may also not be right for you if you have severe heart failure or liver disease.

Sources:
Actos product information, Eli Lilly and Company, November 1999.
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex Inc., 2000.

This answer prepared 5/11/00.