Actos is the brand name of a medication generically called pioglitazone. It's used separately and together with metformin, insulin or other drugs to help in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The prescription medication is available in pill form. The drug works to balance insulin and glucose levels in your bloodstream.
Common Serious Side Effects
Ingesting pioglitazone can cause a variety of serious side effects. Check with a physician immediately if you experience any of these. The more common serious side effects, the Mayo Clinic reports, include weight gain, facial swelling, decreased urine output, swelling in the fingers and chest pain. Others include lower leg or foot swelling, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, breathing irregularities, chest tightness, arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat, teeth problems and breathing problems such as shortness of breath. Less common serious side effects include abnormal weakness or tiredness, abnormal bruising or bleeding, swelling or pain in the legs or arms not related to an injury, pale skin and breathing problems when exerting yourself.
Other Serious Side Effects
Actos also may create some other serious side effects in some people. Call your doctor immediately if you get any of these. Less common serious side effects include swelling or pain in the legs or arms that's not connected with an injury or other condition, abnormal fatigue, pale skin, abnormal weakness, bodily swelling, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding and breathing difficulties that occur when you're active. Other serious side effects have been reported, but the rate of occurrence of them is unknown, according to the Mayo Clinic. These may include skin yellowing, eye yellowing, urine discoloration (usually dark), rapid weight gain, unexplained appetite loss, vomiting or nausea.
Non-Serious Side Effects
Actos also can create some non-serious, temporary side effects when you first take the medicine. You can forgo medical attention for these unless they continue. These may include abnormal weight loss, vision changes that may include blurring, sweats, a cough, stomach pain, dry mouth, sore throat, dry skin that is flushed or red, nasal congestion or a runny nose, muscle soreness, headache, unconsciousness, increased hunger, thirst and increased urination output.
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