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Actos Substitutes
Actos® (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, if you experience bothersome side effects or if the medication is not adequately controlling your condition, there are several alternatives to this medication.
Some of these Actos substitutes include other diabetes medications, such as:
- Sulfonylureas
- Biguanides
- Meglitinides
- Thiazolidinediones
- Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
- Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
- Ergot alkaloids
- Combination medications.
Also, in many cases, lifestyle changes have been shown to be very effective for controlling type 2 diabetes (especially early type 2 diabetes). These lifestyle changes include weight loss, more physical activity, and changes in diet.
Other substitutes for Actos may include various types of insulin and other injectable medications, including:
- Insulin
- Incretin mimetics
- Amylin analogues.
(Click Actos Alternatives for a more in-depth look at possible substitutes for Actos. This article offers a list of the various medications and lifestyle changes that can be used if Actos is not working for your condition or if it is causing unwanted side effects.)

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD