Actos and Blood Sugar

It is possible to develop certain side effects or complications while taking Actos, and blood sugar levels may potentially increase or decrease too much. The medication is more likely to cause low blood sugar when it is taken with other diabetes medicines. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness, sweating, and shakiness. Common signs of high blood sugar include fatigue, blurred vision, and shortness of breath.

 

What Are Some Possible Effects of Actos on Blood Sugar Levels?

One of the possible side effects with Actos® (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is its effect on blood sugar levels. For some people, Actos can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia). It is also possible for blood sugar to go too high (hyperglycemia) in people taking Actos.
 

Actos and Low Blood Sugar

Unlike many other
 diabetes medications, Actos is unlikely to cause low blood sugar. However, low blood sugar is more likely when Actos is combined with other diabetes medications. Low blood sugar is also more common: during fasting (before surgery); after prolonged exercise; in elderly people; and in those with adrenal, pituitary, liver, or kidney problems.
 
Low blood sugar symptoms can vary depending on a number of factors, including how low the blood sugar levels are. Examples of early symptoms may include:
 
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Cold sweats
  • Blurry vision.
     
More severe symptoms of low blood sugar can include:
 
  • Changes in behavior, such as irritability
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you develop any possible symptoms of low blood sugar while on Actos, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care and stop taking the medicine. If your healthcare provider believes that low blood sugar is causing your symptoms, he or she may recommend that you treat the low blood sugar immediately by eating or drinking something with sugar in it, such as orange juice, hard candy, a tablespoon of honey, or even a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
 
(Actos and Blood Sugar Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;