Actos Side Effects Information

What are the possible side effects of Actos?

FDA Medication Guide on Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride)

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s patient Medication Guide, Actos may cause serious side effects including:

Liver Problems  — Call your doctor right away if you have:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness
  • loss of appetite
  • dark urine
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

Broken Bones (fractures) — Usually in the hand, upper arm, or foot in women. Talk to your doctor for advice on how to keep your bones healthy.

Bladder Cancer – There may be an increased chance of having bladder cancer when you take Actos. You should not take Actos if you are receiving treatment for bladder cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bladder cancer:

  • blood or a red color in your urine
  • an increased need to urinate
  • pain while you urinate

Learn more about Actos and Bladder Cancer

Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia) – This can happen if you skip meals, if you also use another medicine that lowers blood sugar, or if you have certain medical problems.  Lightheadedness,  dizziness, shakiness, or hunger may happen if your blood sugar is too low. Call your doctor if low blood sugar levels are a problem for you.

Diabetic Eye Disease — Diabetic eye disease with swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema). Tell your doctor right away if you have any changes in your vision. Your doctor should check your eyes regularly

Ovarian Egg Release – release of an egg from an ovary in a woman (ovulation) leading to pregnancy. Ovulation may happen when premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods take Actos. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant

Other Common Side Effects – The most common side effects of Actos include:

  • cold-like symptoms (respiratory tract infection)
  • headache
  • sinus infection
  • muscle pain
  • sore throat

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.  These are not all the side effects of Actos.  For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

SOURCE:  FDA Medication Guide / Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride) tablets