Actos is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, a condition of elevated blood glucose levels. Drugs.com states that you must tell your doctor whether you have a history of congestive heart failure (inability of your heart to pump enough blood), heart disease, stroke or liver disease, because Actos may not be the best treatment for you. It is available as a tablet and is usually taken daily with or without food. Learn about this medication's side effects and be a champion for your health.
Effects on Your Heart
RxList.com states that Actos can cause you to retain water. This water retention can worsen or cause the development of congestive heart failure (CHF). Symptoms of CHF include leg edema (swelling), trouble breathing, palpitations (pounding heartbeat) and weight gain. Seek medical help if you experience these symptoms.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Actos include trouble breathing with exertion, rapid weight gain, swelling, blurred vision and pale skin. Drugs.com states that Actos can also affect your digestive system and lead to nausea, poor appetite, dark urine, clay-colored urine and jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin). In some instances, Actos can lead to increased hunger or thirst, pale skin, frequent urination and easy bruising or bleeding. Call your doctor immediately when you experience these serious side effects.
Hypoglycemia
Actos can also lead to severe bouts of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) especially when combined with other diabetic medications such as insulin, states RxList.com. Hypoglycemia symptoms include hunger, dizziness and shakiness. Drink orange juice or eat a candy bar and call your doctor if you experience a hypoglycemic episode.
Signs of Overdose
Overdosing on Actos can lead to hunger, headache, hypoglycemia, weakness or dizziness, states Drugs.com. It may also cause sweating, tremors, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), drowsiness, fainting spells and even a coma. In the event of these signs of an overdose, seek immediate medical assistance.
Effects on Ovulation
According to RxList.com, Actos can cause ovulation in premenopausal women who no longer ovulate (release an egg from ovaries during the menstrual cycle). Actos increases these women's chances of becoming pregnant.
Allergic Reaction
Red itchy skin swelling can develop throughout your body if you are allergic to Actos. You can also develop difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, face or throat, states Drugs.com. In the event of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately to prevent further damage.
Effects on Your Blood, Liver and Eyes
RxList.com states that Actos can cause anemia and lower certain components of your blood called hemoglobin and hematocrit. This medication can also increase the enzymes (natural chemicals) produced in your liver called liver transaminases. In some instances, Actos can lead to the development of hepatitis (liver infection). Macular edema (condition characterized by blurred vision) is another side effect of Actos use.
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