Side Effects of Actos

There are many possible side effects of Actos, including common problems such as headache, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections. Most people actually tolerate the medicine well, and when side effects do occur, they usually don't require medical attention. However, certain side effects of Actos are more serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider, including: trouble breathing, symptoms of high or low blood sugar, rapid weight gain, and vision changes.

 

Side Effects of Actos: 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.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with this drug. 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.
 Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Actos include:
 
  • 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).
     
(Click Lipid Lowering With Actos for more information about other possible side effects of Actos.)
 
(Side Effects of Actos Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;