Actos Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Actos® (
pioglitazone hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When Actos side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Actos. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Actos side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Actos
Actos has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials where side effects seen with a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.
As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
- Upper respiratory infections (similar to the common cold) -- in up to 13.2 percent of people
- Headache -- up to 9.1 percent
- Sinus infection or sinus irritation -- up to 6.3 percent
- Muscle pain -- up to 5.4 percent
- Tooth problems -- up to 5.3 percent
- Sore throat -- up to 5.1 percent
- Swelling or water weight gain (edema) -- up to 4.8 percent (see Actos and Weight Gain).