Avandia and Actos are both medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body doesn't respond effectively to insulin. Insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, lowers blood glucose levels.
Features
According to Drugs.com, both Avandia and Actos are oral (taken by mouth) diabetes medications that make the cells in your body more responsive to insulin.
Side Effects
Avandia and Actos share the same common side effects. Both drugs can cause sneezing, runny nose (rhinnorhea), headache and weight gain. However, Drugs.com indicates that Avandia can cause diarrhea and back pain, while Actos can cause tooth and muscle pain.
Warning
Taking too much Avandia or Actos than prescribed can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition in which your blood sugar is extremely low. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, hunger, fast heartbeat (tachycardia), sweating, fainting and even coma.
Use
Both Actos and Avandia are available as tablets. Drugs.com says that Actos is typically taken once daily, while Avandia is taken once in the morning and once in the evening.
Generic Names
Avanidia's generic name is rosiglitazone; Actos' generic name is pioglitazone.
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