| Key to ratings for actos: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 1 | Diabetes | headaches,muscle pain, swelling in legs and stomach, weight gain of 20lbs in two months, nightmares, head feels weird like it is going to explode, neck back and shoulder pain, hunger | I am on a study for Diabetes and was put on Actos to start and will be doing an injectable in another month. They started me on 15mg, then 30mg and now on 45mg. I didnt realize that the terrible feeling I have been having was due to the Actos until I researched and found this site. I have headaches every day, my feet look like balloons and my shoes dont fit. I got weighed today and gained 20lbs in two months and have had a terrible hunger. My neck and shoulders hurt so bad, I cant even sit at the computer more than a few mintues at a time. I have nightmares every night and weird dreams. Also, have been feeling like I am coming down with something for several weeks, did not realize it was from the Actos. I called the study coordinator today to tell them about the hunger and swelling, and I thought it might be the medicine, but they said it was not and to control my hunger with rice cakes !!! I am so mad because I was losing weight before I started this medicine. I was 213lbs and now, two months later, I am 233. DONT TAKE THIS DRUG, IT IS DANGEROUS !!!!!!!! | F | 53 | 60 days 45 MG 1X D | 9/1/2010 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes - Marginal | Headache, muscle pain, dizziness, abdominal pain, sore throat | From being very fit just a week ago a now feel extremely ill and the only thing that has changed is taking this medication | M | 57 | 6 days 15mg 1X D | 8/12/2010 | 1 | type 2 diabetic | Swelling of feet and lower legs; rapid weight gain; extreme nightmares in early AM and hard to shake them off when coming awake, they can linger 5 to 10 minutes but you know you are awake; extreme sugar laden mucosa built up in head running down throat and I was not able to sleep until I dried this up with OTC anti-histamine pills which were usually about 12 in number and 3 different types in a day; fatigue. | This drug must be very carefully monitored due to extreme side effects.It was good with the blood sugar levels and I wish it had worked for me. | M | 67 | 90 days 15 mg 2X D | 8/11/2010 History | 1 | Diabetes II to replace Avandia | Shortness of breath, chest pressure (not pain), tingling in hands & fingers, fatigue, dizziness, bad leg cramps, swelling in feet & legs. All side effects getting worse. | Dr took me off avandia 8mg (no side effects but drug pulled off market)and replaced with Actos. Now many side effects so I took myself off Actos. Dr said it was nothing and side effects were caused by stress so I'm also looking for new Dr. | F | 52 | 4 weeks 45 mg 1X D | 7/29/2010 | 1 | Blood sugar levels high | Weight gain and lack of energy. Was tired all the time and slept quite alot. I had lost weight back over the holidays and Dr. said to keep up the good work, then put me on Actos. After 6 months of taking this and constant weight gain and water retention I quit taking it yesterday. I did also start taking cinnamon capsules and limited my sugar and carb intake and have lost 2 pounds in one day. I am staying off Actos and will see my Dr. soon to let her know about this. | F | 62 | 180 days 15 1X D | 7/23/2010 | 1 | TYPE II DIABETES | RAPID WEIGHT GAIN,EXTREME SHORTNESS OF BREATH, ANEMIA, SWOLLEN LEGS AND FEET | THIS IS A MEDICATION THAT SHOULD BE WATCHED CAREFULLY BY MD'S BUT THE 'PILL PUSHER' MD TOLD ME TO 'BACK AWAY FROM THE TABLE' AT MY CONCERN REGARDING MY WT GAIN. THEN ADDED INSULT TO INJURY BY ADVISING ME TO 'ELEVATE YOUR LEGS 4 TIMES A DAY' TO RELIEVE THE SWELLING, NEEDLESS TO SAY NEITHER OF THESE MEDICAL WISDOMS HELPED THE SITUATION. I HAVE STOPPED THE ACTOS AND HAVE LOST 6 LBS. MY SHORTNESS OF BREATH HAS NOT RESOLVED. I AM 'MAD AS HELL' BECAUSE I WAS VERY ACTIVE, PLAYING GOLF, GARDENING, NOW I CAN BARELY MAKE IT TO THE MAILBOX | M | 80 | 2 years 30MG 1X D | 7/14/2010 | 1 | Type II | A huge weight gain of 96 pounds that has turned me into an obese woman. I look ten years older. | I now have huge thighs and butt. I started actos 15 MG and my doctor quickly moved me on to 30 MG. I can't lose the weight even though I have been off of actos for almost a year now. It did bring down my blood sugar but made me fat in doing so. | F | 53 | 18 months 30 MG 1X D | 7/6/2010 | 1 | too many side effects on metformin | shortness of breath, loss of balance, heart palpitations, occasional swelling, headaches, eye strain and pressure, sinus pain, panic attacks, and severe anxiety, severe fatigue. | I had no idea that this drug was the culprit. Doctor thought it was too much stress in my life overloading my system and causing panic attacks. The first one was on a road trip with the family and was so severe I felt unable to control the vehicle. Even after we were off the highway, I had waves of smaller panic attacks. Then severe anxiety set in. Had been having shortness of breath and kept thinking that I was really out of shape. I cannnot drive and have only been off Actos for two days. Hoping to feel better soon after reading the other posts. Am on Xanac for anxiety. I am shaking with my heart racing and palpitating just hanging around my house doing normal tasks. Drugs are bad!!! Every one of them has a side effect and you just never know what's going to happen. If you take this drug, don't ignore the slight side effects at first. They are a warning of something worse ahead! | F | 38 | 2 months 30 mg 1X D | 7/3/2010 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Diarrea, vomitting, weight loss, pain. | The diarrhea started after 2 days of starting the medication. Felt worse each day I took it, until finally the diarrea kept on, lost 5 pounds and the vomitting started. Called the doctor and she told me stop the med for 3 days, see how I feel and then start it again to see if I have the same side effects. The worst part, besides thinking that I was going to die, the drug had no effect on my blood sugar in the 6 days that I took it! I don't think that the pharmacutical company wants people to know all of the side effects of this drug (or maybe it's just me who can't tolerate most drugs). | F | 43 | 6 days 15 mg 1X D | 6/30/2010 | 1 | Diabetic | Very rapid weight gain,severe shortness of breath, edema so severe my legs weep, fluid in the chest, swelling of feet, legs and hands. | My doctors just blamed all my problems on obesity. I KNEW there had to be another reason and after 3 long years of being nearly bedridden I just STOPPED taking it. I CAN NOW WALK and BREATHE at the SAME TIME again!! I just keep checking blood sugars and control with food intake. | F | 57 | 3 years 45mg 1X D | 6/25/2010 | 3 | Diabetes | Weight gain of about 15 pounds. | It has done a great job of bringing down my A1c from 8.2 to 7.1. However, I am really concerned about the weight gain. Weight went from being very stable on Metformin around 230 to 246.5. I have tried 4 different diets in the last five months, and have ramped up the exercise, but the weight is not coming off. I am going to talk to my doctor about switching or adding another med. | F | 48 | 8 months 15 MG 2X D | 6/11/2010 | 1 | diabetics | ACTOS KEPT MY SUGAR UNTIL CONTROL - BUT COULDN'T WORK OUT WHY MY SHOES ALWAYS TO BE STRETCHED BEFORE WEARING - SWOLLEN ANKLES AND WEIGHT GAIN. HAVE BEEN OFF TABLET NOW FOR 6 MONTHS - SHOES ARE NOW TOO BIG AND LOST 8LBS - NEVER GOING ON IT AGAIN | F | 58 | 8 years 45 1X D | 5/30/2010 | 2 | Diabetes Type 2 | weight gain...approximately 30#...need to stop because I've never been this heavy in my LIFE!!! | F | 45 | 6 months 30 1X D | 5/27/2010 | 2 | Part of a double blind study | Not sure if I have the Placibo or real Actos. However, gaining weight and can't seem to loose it, went from 245 to 250 to 255. Bounce around a bit to 251, but can't seem to get below that number. Ankles swell a lot more than before. Experience muscle pain in back and neck. Also weakness in arms that I never noticed before. | Not diabetic, but part of a study to see if it effects patients with history of strokes. Had a TIA (Transient ischemic attack ) that took out my vision in the upper right quadrant for 4 hours. From what I read below in other cases, I'm moving off the study. Will come back in a month and let you know how this Grandpa is doing. | M | 63 | 90 days 45 MG 1X D | 5/17/2010 | 1 | Diabetes Type II | Gained 45 lbs in the 3 years while stuggling to lose weight (with no luck) n Weight Watchers. Decided to stop the Actos 10 days ago and have lost 10.5 lbs already. Changed to Mmtaformin. I will NEVER take Actos again! | F | 49 | 3 years 30mg 1X D | 5/13/2010 | 1 | Blood Sugar Control | After my mother has been on Actos for about 5 years, the last six months she is experiencing significant abdominal swelling edema primarily of the legs and feet. | How long after stopping Actos does water retention improve? When my mother first started using Actos I liked it because it effectively helped manage her blood sugar levels. Her Drs. (cardio/kidney) recently took her off Metformin (kidney impact), Actos (swelling/edema), and Avapro (too low blood pressure). We are using Glipizide since to manage her sugar control, so far that is working well. It is too soon to tell if the Actos is the culprit with the swelling but that is my main concern right now. My mother is very winded just walking around within the house short distances. I've seen questions on this site about how long it takes after stopping Actos for the swelling/edema to start to improve but there seems to be no clear answer. Today is day four and so far no significant improvement. I would love to hear from others on this topic about when we might see edema problems subsiding. | F | 85 | 5 years 15 MG 1X D | 4/27/2010 | 1 | Type II diabetes | Almost constant runny nose. Some vision disturbances. Now have a dislocated clavicle and 2 fractures of the upper right rib cage. Most likely caused by using Actos, since there was no trauma involved. | I would certainly not recommend the use of Actos. Although it has controlled my blood sugars really well and lowered my A1C down to 4.5, it is apparently way too risky for ones health | F | 67 | 2 years 45 mg. 1X D | 4/25/2010 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Enormous weight gain (at least 50 lbs.), extreme fatigue, extensive swelling in ankles and feet to the point that my skin is cracking and I can only wear one pair of shoes. | I described these side effects to two internists who dismissed them without investigation. One prescribed a diuretic, which didn't help at all. One week ago my doctor finally told me to discontinue Actos; I'm seriously hoping the excess weight will come off now and the fatigue and swelling will be relieved. This drug should be off the market. | F | 59 | 20 months 45 MG 1X D | 4/18/2010 | 4 | Type II Diabetes | Only side effect is loss of appetite. | Keeps blood sugar under control. Before 190-200 after 94-124. I do miss my food but have no desire to eat now.. | M | 52 | 30 days 30mg 1X D | 4/7/2010 | 1 | diabetes | weight gain almost 25 lbs., swelling in legs ankles and feet. congestive heart failure, short of breath. A fib and hospitalized for 4 days regarding the new onset of congestive heart failure. | I was put on the Actos by a doctor with good intentions to lower my A1c from the 8 that it was. It worked. My Fasting blood sugars about 150. But I noticed a change in the way I was feeling. I never have swollen ankles and feet. Elevating them did not help. Then the a fib. I took myself off this med. I will adjust my diet. There is no safe cure in Hypoglycemics. Will stay on my Glybride and Glucophage. | F | 48 | 78 days 15mg twice 1X D | 3/28/2010 | 2 | Type 2 Diabetes | started my periods again. Had a cycle that lasted 7 days then spotting then after a few days started again, with bad cramps, headaches, etc. Unable to lose any weight. | F | 45 | 3 months 15 mg. 1X D | 3/24/2010 | 1 | Diabetes II | Weight gain, hip and feet pain, evere edema in feet spreading to legs, arm, stomach and face. Extreme fatigue. Tooth pain. | My endrocrinologist took me off Actos and within a week I had lost 13 pounds without changing my eating or exercise habits, all the other pains, edema, etc, have resolved. This clearly was the Actos and I will never take it again. I can't even imagine what this was doing to the inside of me. I reported these symptoms to multiple doctors who told me to watch my sodium intake. Sodium had nothing to do with this and that was a huge cop out from these doctors who I will be looking to replace. Very sad doctors don't support their patients when they report these symptoms. I feel so much better now since I stopped taking this even though my blood sugar has had an increase it just isn't worth the horrible pain and impact on my quality of life these last 5 years. I don't feel like I am going crazy anymore and it's so nice to see my skinny ankles again! :) | F | 46 | 5 years 30mg 1X D | 3/24/2010 | 4 | A1C 8.0, Type II | None so far | Controls my sugar very well. To start, my A1C was 8.0, Cholestrol 325 and liver values slightly out of range as well. After starting Actos for a year, in combination with Lipitor (20mg) my A1C went down to 6.0, and my Liver values came back into normal ranges (ALT & AST) You can't beat that !!!! Initially some muscle pain, but that went away, as excerize and diet helped eliminate muscle issues. Weight went down as well from 337 lbs to 285 lbs. Dr says if I keep this up, I may come off the Actos in another year. This is a great drug to help manage your sugar, then you get off of it once you cure the basic cause (Over-weight). It does a great job of helping to manage your Type II as long as you make an effort to control your appetite, excerize, and do what it takes to get off the drug after a period of time. | M | 58 | 1 years 15mg 1X D | 3/13/2010 | 1 | type II diabetes | Muscle pain in elbows, knees, shoulders and neck. Redness on face including red streaks below the eyes. Heart irregularities. Substantial muscle weakness in legs. | Should not be prescribed. Where is the FDA on getting this off the market? | M | 63 | 6 days 20mg 1X D | 2/28/2010 | 3 | type 2 diabetes | extreme icy cold legs and feet, very tired and no energy, also found that my weight having been quite stable for 5 years has shot up by 6 pounds | normaly plenty of energy and find it difficult to relax or sit for to long , but since I have been on this taking this actos I sleep 8 hours a night which is very good but no energy at all during the day, poor circulation in hands legs and feet, | M | 64 | 48 days | 2/3/2010 | 5 | Type 2 diabetes | None.....Honestly I began to have feelings of euphoria after about a week...... | M | 52 | 30 days | 1/28/2010 | 1 | insulin resistance | tooth pain, lost 2 teeth, stomach problems pain in shoulder and back, sinus infections double ear infections, finally told dr, that I am not taking Actos any longer, cost me alot of $ trying to figure out what was wrong, it was the Actos, saw reg pcp, gastro dr and ent dr, had mri of my head cat scan, dentist bills and blood work bills. | would rec not to start this drug, very bad side effects | M | 48 | 2 years | 1/28/2010 | 1 | type 2 diabetes | Excruciating pain all over, especially in shoulders/arms; finger pain; headaches, sore throat w/earaches, sinus pain; icy cold hands and feet | I am adding to my initial comments from 5 Nov 09 (I began taking 15 mg actos...). I called Takeda to report my reactions; they seemed interested and listened. They sent a form for my doctor to fill out and return. When I asked what kind of tooth problems, they did not have any answers. I did not get a drug information sheet from my pharmacist, but it would have been helpful. I continue to have intermittent pain in arms/shoulders, fingers (one finger still has excruciating pain). The pain is less severe, but it still interferes with my life. I believe my doctor thinks I am delusional, or at best, that this is an unusual reaction. I wish I had never taken Actos. | F | 63 | 14 weeks | 1/20/2010 | 1 | diabetes II | Thrumb fracture and broken tooth. I was also on Byetta and lost hair, developed a rash on my scalp with pain, severe nausea and my finger nails were tearing like they were made of paper. Stopped the Byetta first. The rash went away in a few days. My hair is beginning to grow back and the scalp pain has stopped. My nails are starting to grow back and the nausea is gone. I broke a thumb at Thanksgiving and a tooth below the gum line after New Years. I didn't think anything about it until I got a drug reaction sheet from my pharmacy. It seems actos causes women to have hand and finger fractures and teeth issues. I took both Byetta and Actos for about 6 months and have since stopped both drugs | I stopped they Actos because I had a hand fracture and lost a tooth. I am lucky enough not to have had a heart issue. Because my doctor will not listen to what I am telling him, I will be changing doctors as well. | F | 63 | 6 months | 1/17/2010 | 5 | type 2 diabetes | None | M | 64 | 5 years | 1/9/2010 | 2 | subsequent addition to metformin | severe gum, jaw and tooth pain spreading to the side of my face and head | That was after 3 doses. I've discontinued for 2 doses and knoiw it was the Actos. Pain is deminished but it seems like it may take a few more days to go away completely. Aleve was important in staying sane during the peek pain | M | 51 | 3 days | 12/27/2009 | 5 | Diabetes Type II | Blurry vision for a week and some sporadic nausea. | On Metformin for 2 years unable to control BS (fasting 250). 2 months ago, Dr switched me to Janumet (cocktail of 1000mg Metformin & Sitgliptin 50mg) 2 x daily and 15mg of Actos once daily. A1C went from 8.8 to 5.8 and fasting BS from 250 to 110 avg. Now Dr has taken me off Janumet and I start today on only 1 Actos 45mg pill a day. Seems to work for me. More later. | M | 58 | 60 days | 12/18/2009 | 1 | DM type2 vs Metabolic syndrome ?? | weight gain (30lbs) & unable to lose in spite of constant dieting. | I am RN--stopped it on my own 10 days ago-sugars range 86-156 testing 3-4x/day.I notice no patients are prescribed this in my hosp.I couldnt tolerate metformin(3 attempts) horrible stomach issues on it.I will see my primary MD tomorrow to get her opinion before I see(or change) my endocrinologist.He added Onglyza 5mg last visit--only out since Aug 'O9--didnt start it--will not be guinea pig.Pharmacist friend in my hosp never heard of it !!!! So frustrating !!!!! | F | 59 | 3 years | 12/17/2009 | 1 | type 2 diabetes | Severe muscle pains and water retention | No way can I handle this | M | 66 | 5 days | 12/8/2009 | 4 | Type II | Musle pain in shoulder and arm, weight gain, loss of mucle tone and size and a general feeling of fatigue at times. | I had a very strange experince with actos. I started with 15 mg and started to gain weight with some muscle pain that went away in about two weeks. After my doctor bumped me up to 30 mg my weight gain has almost leveled off (14 pounds total) but I believe it is due to the fact that my upper body muscle mass is shrinking while I am still adding fat cells to my thighs, hips and butt. At the same time I started to get muscle pain (trigger points) in my shoulder, chest and upper back area. But Actos has controled my blood sugar levels very nicely and I seem to be getting rid of my muscle pain again. I don't want to go on insulin and other medications have not been as effective as actos for me. | F | 56 | 9 months | 11/10/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | I began taking 15mg of pioglitazone in May of '09 and experienced progressive constant pain, sore throats, a throat infection and earache, some ankle swelling, and moderate weight gain (5-7 lbs). The whole summer was miserable due to the generalized pain and malaise. My blood sugars were still high, so I saw an endocrinologist on July 25th, who put me on 45 mg of pioglitazone. At the time I did not realize my symptoms were related to this hell drug, so I took the larger dose until September 11th. My pain was constant, level 10/10, I couldn't walk more than 20 ft without shortness of breath, I had continuous throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, headaches, and icy cold hands and feet. In my sleep I even dreamed I was in pain. The pain was all over, but particularly bad in my shoulders and arms. One finger was swollen and constantly throbbed with excruciating pain. Four days after stopping this hell drug, my pain decreased about 40% and continues to decrease, as have all the other s | My symptoms started on the 15mg dose and progressed to a critical point after taking the 45mg dose for 2 weeks. I did not realize all my symptoms were related to this drug until I did some on-line research. After reporting this to my doctor, he saw me in the office 2.5 weeks later. He should have seen me right away and checked my CK level (an enzyme release with muscle damage which could cause renal failure). He didn't seem too concerned and assured me this is a safe drug which only causes side effects in a very few patients. There is an FDA Black Box Warning on this hell drug which addresses heart failure, but in my opinion, these other side effects are also life-threatening. By the way, at the time I was also taking long-acting insulin, metformin, and was very compliant with my diet. I an an RN and should have known better. It grieves me that very few health care providers listen or pay attention to patient reports (we in the profession call them "complaints," as if they have no validity). Shame on us all, from the nurses, to the doctors, to the pharmacists. I have reported my reaction to the FDA MedWatch adverse drug reaction site on-line. | F | 63 | 14 weeks | 10/5/2009 | 1 | diabetes type 2 | gained THIRTY yes 30 freaking pounds-while running 4 miles a day! Incredible muscle pain during runs..chronic hunger! Oh my god this drug should be pulled off the market--i took myself off of life saving drugs thinking it was them and so angry about this huge weight gain! | This drug can kill you--it should be pulled off the market. People living with HIV, watch out-this plus a pretease will put your weight so high the diabetes is the lsast of your problems..plus my BP went up to 190 of 995 from the weight--the drug actually makes it worss as the heart strain is far worse than the diabetes--my god this industry big pharma is sick. I though it was the seroquel andother mess of a drug, but off that for months and still gaining--fro 220 to 275--never in my life was I over 235! EVER!! | M | 48 | 5 months | 10/3/2009 | 1 | Type II | Weight gain of over 20 lbs in 4 months. I felt so quilty like I was piggy out and not realizing it. Now I know, after reading these comments, it's the Actos. I waddle when I walk and it's not a nice feeling. I'm so tired of hearing diet and exercise will help. I started walking when I started the weight gain and I gained more weight. I am going to my doctor and ask for something else. I am also on Lantus and I understand weight gain is a side effect too. Can't win for losing! | F | 58 | 4 months | 10/3/2009 | 4 | Type II | Weight gain of about 15 pounds that settled mostly on my hips, butt, and thighs. Slight water retention around my ankles. | Actos has been a great help in the reduction of my blood sugar levels. I started with 15mg 1 X day and now am on 30mg 2 X day. | F | 56 | 6 months | 10/1/2009 | 3 | Polycystic Ovaries | Was prescribed by my endocrinologist. Weight Gain 25+ pounds, Excessive abdominal bloating. I look as though I am 4 months pregnant. | I am a fit and trim person. I have never had a weight issue. I have maintained a weight of 115 lbs. Since taking Actos I have continued to gain weight despite a regimented fitness program. I run 15+ miles per week, eat healthy, swim, weight train 5 days per week, and ride bikes with my family in the evenings. My weight has spiked as high as 140. I was unaware that Actos could cause weight gain. I have an appointment with my physician to discuss switching medications. | F | 34 | 2 years | 9/21/2009 | 2 | Type 2 Diabetes | I am having a lot of problems with sweating at night(sleeping) and after eating breakfast which I had never noticed when on Metformin alone. No weight gain, but my thirst in the evening is crazy. | Too expensive. | M | 49 | 6 months | 9/21/2009 | 1 | Type 2 diabetic | I'm not sure if the following is from Actos but after reading what other people have written I seem to agree with them on the following side affects...Weight gain that I can't seem to loose. Extreem Fatigue. Swelling of ankles and legs. | Very expensive | M | 66 | 2 years | 9/18/2009 | 1 | Dr. prescribed | My dr. performed a special DNA blood test for Cholesterol and it showed that I might develop Diabetes in the next 10 years, so he tried Metformin, which I didn't like the way it made me feel. He then changed me to Actos which I've taken for more than a year. | I ended up in the ER with from an episode of being in a catatonic state for about 2 minutes and found that I had a Hypoglycemia attack. I also had low blood pressure from Lisinopril. The ER dr. said to immediately stop the Lisinopril and I also stopped the Actos. I'm lucky to be alive and I'm going to a new dr. next week. | F | 63 | 500 days | 9/2/2009 | 1 | Type II diabetes | Initially actos seemed wonderful. Then the weight gain started. I had recently lost 50 lbs and was dismayed to be gaining weight after improving my diet and exercising regularly. I noticed achy muscles and fatigue but attributed it to the weight gain (40lbs in 6 months). with the muscle pain came slight joint pain (ankles/knees some shoulder pain) but recently that has turned severe. It is to the point that just walking is a hardship, exercising is out of the question and getting down on the floor to play with my granddaughter(2) and son(10) is completely out of the question. I have lost coordination sometimes feeling as if I have to actually concentrate on the process of walking as my body won't do it naturally. I am even waking at night in pain. I have an extremely high tolerance for pain and I don't whine about minor aches and pains. My family knows if I am complaining this is something serious. My most recent symptom has been the swelling feet ankles and hands. I have been up 30 mi | I am relatively young and have no desire to walk like an ancient old woman.I want my life back. I am seeing the Dr in just a few hours and I won't be taking actos again. This is not the medication for me. My mother, father and brother all take it without the extreme side effects that I have experienced. All have had some weight gain and muscle/joint pain but none to the extreme that walking is a chore and that breathing causes weight gain. As for the people who think the weight gain is from twinkies and stuffing my face let me just say that is not the case. I am eating far better now than I ever have and until the extreme pain was exercising regularly. I am being far more proactive than I was when I lost 50 lbs shortly before starting the actos. I am happy you didn't experience what I and several others have. That means you are lucky not that we are lazy pigs, try a little compassion and understanding. Some day you might need it yourself. | F | 43 | 6 months | 8/31/2009 | 1 | Type II Diabetes | Weight gain, increased appetite, some tiredness | I have only been taking this medication for 2 months, but I am going to stop. My weight has been stable for several years, but I have gained 6 lbs after starting Actos. All I want to do is eat. Yes I am sure the added pounds are from overeating, but my appetite has increased enormously. Came to this site trying to figure out what was going on with my body. After reading the comments, I feel sure it is the Actos. | F | 55 | 2 months | 8/30/2009 | 2 | Type II | Gained over 50 lbs in less than 8 months. | Don't use it. | M | 48 | 8 months | 8/20/2009 | 1 | higher than normal insulin levels | muscle and joint pain so severe I couldn't get up from a seated position without the aide of someone else. The muscle pain and joint pain came on slowly and after 2 months I was convinced I had some horrible illness. Than I thought calmly and realized this pain started shortly after I started ACTOS. I discontinued taking ACTOS and within the week the pain lessen and after two weeks of not taking ACTOS, the pain was gone completely. | My GP was quiet upset that I discontinued ACTOS without telling her. She informed me that there was nothing wrong with ACTOS and the problem with pain in my muscles and joints was all in my head. | F | 48 | 60 days | 8/20/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Gained over 30 pounds in 5 years, severe swelling in legs, severe leg cramps at night, fatigue,muscle and joint pain. | Was taking this with Metformin and Glyburide. Stopped taking Actos and lost the 30 pounds in 90 days. Muscle cramps and swelling went away. Would not recommend this to anyone! | M | 50 | 5 years | 8/19/2009 | 1 | Diabetes | Bloating, weight gain, leg and muscle cramps, fluid retention, fatigue,joint and chest pain. | My doctor added Actos 8 yrs ago to the Metformin I was taking.It improved my A1C but I gained 8 lbs/year & began suffering leg/muscle cramps.My ankles & feet became swollen & joints so sore I could hardly move.On 1200 calorie/day diet & exercise I couldn't lose weight.I became so fatigued & short of breath, I could hardly function.Exercise became harder because of the pain in my legs & joints.I'm 6'6" & always been 250 lbs & now found myself over 300.Those saying it was the "twinkies or stuffing my mouth", I was eating 1200 calories per day & running 2 km.My doctor wanted to "staple" my stomach.After spending a night in hospital where doctors thought I was having a heart attack, I decided it was enough. I'd read about weight gain with Actos & talked my doctor into letting me drop this horrible drug.He doubled my Metformin to 2000mg per day & I stopped taking Actos.Without changing anything in my diet or daily routine, I began losing a pound every 2 days.The first month I lost 15 pounds.My doctor couldn't believe it.It's been 4 months now & I've lost 40 lbs! The loss slowed to 5 lbs a month now, but it took me 8 years to put it on.I wouldn't take this drug for anything in the world.It'll drive you to an early grave.I'm still fatigued & seeing a neurologist for damage caused to my legs & my A1C is higher now at 7.3, but my doctor prefers the weight loss to the lower A1C.By the way, I'm now eating 1 | M | 49 | 8 years | 8/19/2009 | 2 | Diabetes II | After 3 days of Actos and baby Aspirin together I experienced a TIA-like episode making it difficult for me to communicate temporarily; there was a buzzing sensation, a brief dyslexia and a peculiar depressive period that evening. At my doctor's request I stayed on the drugs. That all passed gradually over the next day, or two. Over the following weeks I developed a slightly bloated and extra-sensitive feeling which was easy to ignore. However, impossible to ignore was ringing in my ears so loud it was keeping me awake. After stopping both drugs at the same time the ringing mostly subsided and the bloated/sensitive feeling was completley gone after another 2 or 3 weeks. | Stopping both drugs after 3 weeks to my doctor's dismay, I'm not sure if the Actos helped with blood sugars because it was my first line drug while I was making major diet and excercise changes. Monitoring BGs throughout the day: diet and excercise had the most obvious effect on BG levels, much more obvious than Actos. | M | 45 | 3 weeks | 8/16/2009 | 1 | Diabetes II | Gained over 20 pounds, swelling in feet and ankles. Lethargy, confusion, sore throat, dizziness. Numbness in my legs, pain in feet, legs and lower back. | Stopped taking Actos now for about 2 weeks and it is amazing the energy I have. No aches in the feet, legs or back. Remarkable the way I feel after stopping that medication in just a short period of time. I took it for 18 months. It makes you wonder what the doctors are prescribing, not to mention the fact that my sugar levels were no different than before I took it. | F | 55 | 18 months | 8/11/2009 | 1 | Metformin didn't work | Swelling of my feet | Metformin made me sick, so my doc decided to try Actos. Within three days my feet were so swollen my canvas shoes that it looked like they were two sizes too small. Plus my feet were red. | F | 52 | 3 days | 8/10/2009 | 1 | Type 2 | I only took this for one month. Three weeks after I started taking it, I started having periods again. Not normal periods, I bleed 6 or 7 days and stop for 2 to 3 days. I haven't taken it for 2 months and still going. I am almost 60 years old. I hate this. Can someone tell me how long will this last? I wish the Dr. had told me this side effect before I started, I would have refused. | F | 59 | 30 days | 8/6/2009 | 4 | Type 2 | Don't know if it's Actos by it self because my Dr has me on a cocktail of 2000mg metformin,100mg ofJanuvia and 45mg ofActos, but I have developed a thin skin condition where in stead of bruising I bleed under the skin.The Januvia works great as an appetite supressant because I dropped 20lbs after I started taking Januvia. | M | 60 | 5 years | 8/4/2009 | 4 | Diabetes 2 | Out of the 20 possible side effects listed in the package leaflet from Takeda, Vertigo,Dizziness, and Insomnia bother me the most. | I know it that besides taking the Actos I also need to cut down on sweets (cookies) and do some excercise. So wrote the FDA in a 2002 letter. So far, I have managed to stay at A1C of 6.1 +/- 0.1 with 30 mg daily tablet. As a retiree on Medicare Drug Plan D I'll enter the donut hole this month (July). Since Actos price is sky hi in the US I have been ordering it from Canada for the 6 months supply left this year. I have paid $208 for 84 tablets by Takeda, plus S&H and $20 for credit card conversion fee. See www.DoctorSolve.com. I wished that there was a reliable alternative to Actos. Metformin did not help me enough. At age 80 I weigh 230 lbs. It would be nice if I lost 30 lbs. Hey, I go to the gym 3 times a week and take a daily walk of 45 min with the dog. | M | 80 | 3 years | 8/3/2009 | 1 | Type II Diabetes | Told I had Diabetes II two months ago. Started out on Metforman, 500 mg, diet control, exercise (a mile a day) but after a few weeks, had to come off because of extreme stomach pain. My numbers did come down. Went off of medication for 10 days and the was put on Actos, 15mg. Within a day or so, I started having tooth pain, hot flashes, extreme hunger, muscle pain, weight gain, dizziness and fatigue. My numbers went up - not down. | I feel like a guinea pig. Doctors don't seem to know much about this disease and don't really have time to listen or tell me very much except to shove a new prescryption in front of me to try. I must apparently educate myself on Diabetes 11 and try to help guide my treatment myself. Actos is not going to be a part of it though. Ever feel like the pills they give you are far worse than the disease? | F | 68 | 8 days | 7/24/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | After being on Actos for almost 2 years I had to figure out what was going on with my body and found out it was the Actos I was taking. I have been off Actos for 3 months and am beginning to feel more like my old self. I have more energy, can remember things, swelling is going away, over all body ache is getting better. I am no longer hungry all the time and am sleeping better!!!! Am trying to loose the 25 pound weight gain. I cannot believe this drug caused so much trauma to my body and mind. My doctor saw the change for the better in me today and now believes it was the Actos. I would never recommend it to anyone! | F | 53 | | 7/23/2009 | 1 | Diabetes | muscle pain; I walked like I was 90. Leg cramps at night. Just a feeling of being exhausted all the time.Gained weight. | We will find out this drug has so many side effects; that lawyers will be running ads on T.V wanting you to sue. There will never be a cure for Diabetes because there is to much money in treating it. We have to learn to treat it ourselves.Actoes did lower blood sugar but at what price. | F | 54 | 12 months | 7/21/2009 | 1 | Diabetes Type II | I have severe muscle cramps in my legs and have gained over 25 pounds since I have been taking this drug. | F | 64 | 1 years | 7/18/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Weight gain, leg pain, lethargy, and did not lower blood sugar at all. | F | 43 | 14 months | 7/17/2009 | 1 | Type II diabetes | I was on Actos for 13 months (12/06) before I notice blood in the urine (1/08) and diagnosed with bladder cancer 6 months later, bladder cancer is a risk associated with Actos as stated in the patient information paper that is packaged with the medication. I continued to take the Actos after I had surgery in Nov. 08, and stopped taking it when I refilled my precription and decided to recheck the side effects and read this shocking statement "this medication increases the risk associated with bladder cancer." I stopped this medication after rechecking the side effects in January 2009. | Would like to hear from anyone who took Actos and also had bladder cancer. | M | 76 | 2 years | 7/16/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Sugar | Extreme Leg cramps at night time, stoped Actos, No Cramps.. | M | 6 months | 6/29/2009 | 3 | Type II | weight gain (16 pounds) mostly in the hips, butt, legs and upper arms. | Actos has changed the shape of my body so that now I look more woman like. I still have my belly fat but much more lower body fat too. It has helped my B.S. levels greatly though and my doctors said she wants me to continue with it dispite the weight gain. | M | 56 | 5 months | 6/28/2009 | 2 | Glucophage made me photosensitive | Lethargic, fatigue, constant hunger and muscle aches on my legs mainly (feel bloated) | Does not control my blood sugar so well | F | 33 | 3.5 weeks | 6/12/2009 | 1 | Diabetes II | It is difficult to list all the side effects I have been suffering as some things could be related to other causes/drugs. I have been taking Actos for about 2 years now and last year when I went to visit my daughter and flew up north I experienced leg swelling for the first time in my entire life. Never has ANYTHING swollen on me unless I had a direct injury form a blow or fall. And until I came home and the swelling did not go away, I thought it could just be from the flying, I then began to notice that my breathing was labored when I would exert myself. And I don't mean extreme exertion either, I mean just bringing a bag in from the store!! Then I began to notice other things. Like a lack of energy, extreme tiredness, a rattle in my throat/chest, and feeling like my stomach was going to explode if I bent to put on shoes. I even had to buy velcro sneaks because I couldn't tie reg ones anymore!!! I attributed my weight gain to quitting smoking 2years ago but I have to say it was way to | I was also taking Crestor and a generic Statin drug for cholestrol lowering and so some symptoms I attributed to them. I stopped them by the way as the side effects were life threatening. But the lethargy, weight gain,swelling, difficulty breathing etc. has me stumped. I think I am going to stop the Actos for a while and see if I see any changes in those effects and if so, I will go to the Doc and say, sorry let's try somthing else. If I have to go on full insulin, so be it. But continuing this med may not be the right thing for me. As for those of you that insist, all of us complaining about this med think we are all just lazy slobs that pig out on food all the time and that is our problem? Where did you get your medical degree? and how dare you assume you know me! I stick to my diet faithfully and had a great A1c in Feb of 5.9 so I know I am eating correctly. These meds can be dangerous for a greater majority than was used in the original testing, done by the drug company. I think these boards are a good forum. | F | 56 | 2 years | 6/11/2009 | 1 | TYPE II | AFTER 8 HOURS OF WORK I HAVE TO EAT LIKE A PIG ....THEN SLEEP 12HOURS....DRINK A GALLON OF WATER DURING THE NIGHT....SHORTNESS OF BREATH....GAINED 20LBS...SHOULD I EVEN BOTHER SAYING ANYTHING ELSE...JUST STOP TAKING THIS...ITS JUST NOT WORTH IT....JUST SAY NO TO ATOS | JUST SAY NO !!!! | M | 49 | 60 days | 6/10/2009 | 1 | yes for a few years | def weight gain headaches | i read a few comments and the one thing i would like to say GET OFF THE STUFF actos is a steroid. the doctors will not tell you. i have weighed 270lbs for so long a diet exercise. NOTHING. i just found out myself that its a steroid. i stopped taking it for a month now i take what you call a tissue cleanse it consists of HERBAL SUPPLEMENT NO.19A,VITRATOX NO.16 DETOXIFICANT AND INTESTINAL PURIFICATION VIA ALIMENTARY CANAL AND INTESTINAL CLEANSER NO19. AND I TAKE CHROMIUM PICOLINATE AND BILLBERRY FOR MY TYPE 2 DIABETES. I TELL U I NEVER FELT SO GOOD. AND DIG THIS JUST 1 MONTH AGO I WEIGHED 270 NOW I WEIGH 251LBS AND STILL LOSING. i encourage all of you to please leave this killer medication alone. im 34 years old and im trying to live long enough to see my daughter get married someday. i bought my herbs at this lovely place called the herb nook in phila pa his name is ron he is magnificant with his vast knowledge of herbs. and best of all he does not try to sell you something that you do not need. i love this man i feel like he saved my life if anyone have any question about anything please emial me at learybixon@aol.com thank you | F | 34 | 3 years | 6/6/2009 | 4 | type II diabetes | Some weight gain, seven pounds, but is due to not following the diet plan and lack of exercize. Don't have any pain or swelling. Had to reduce the Lantus due to low numbers and must eat on a regular basis. | A1c went from 9 to 7. Only taking 15mg with 20mg glipizide and 10 units of lantus. I have started walking 30 mins 3 to 4 times a week. I have no complaints. | F | 46 | 50 days | 6/5/2009 | 1 | Type 2 diabetes | fast weight gain - 10 lbs, also noticeable hair loss | Does not seem to have made any great contribution to my glucose control. | M | 53 | 6 weeks | 6/4/2009 | 4 | Type 2 | Weight gain, fluid retention, short term muscle pain, fatigue and so on.... | I learned that the problem wasn't really actos but rather me who refused to take control of my diet and exercise. After I did I maintained my levels well under control and cut my actos pills in half and then quarters. And guess what? No side effects. | F | 55 | 120 days | 5/29/2009 | 3 | A1C was at 8.4 on metformin (1500 mg) and glyburide (5 mg) when doctor added 15 mg Actos to the mix. Weight was 225. Within 6 months I gained 10 pounds and could not determine why. A1C went to 10.0, so doctor put me on 20 units of insulin nightly. | I did not have any of the muscle aches, but I was at a loss as to why the weight gain - I have been at 225 for years. For the last three months on Actos, I had also increased cardio activity considerably, so I was expecting to lose weight, not gain. Since adding the insulin, going to diabetes education, and monitoring carb portions, I have dropped 7 lbs. A few low (for me) glucose readings have me concerned, so I have unofficially laid off the Actos for a week. If the glucose levels stay where I want them, I'm going to ditch the Actos entirely. My biggest problem was for years I did not want to follow any rules. Now that I am following the dietary guidelines and testing my blood, I know I can get this to a much more manageable state. I can't blame the Actos entirely for the weight gain, but I do think it is the culprit. | M | 41 | 6 months | 5/28/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | fibromyalgic type generalized muscle pain. Was 160 lbs when I started Actos. Gained 40 lbs. within 4 months. No edema, but experienced chronic bloating even after eating a small meal. Was seen at emergency room twice for horrific stomach pain. Went through two colonoscopies and two endoscopies, and a nuclear test to find out if my stomach was empting too slowly. I was always tired to the point of lethargy. On my worst days I stayed in bed flat on my back because that was the only way I could find any relief for the stomach bloating. Yes, it dropped my A1C from 8.9 to 6.1. But I quit Actos, restarted metformin and I got my life back. Yes, it took awhile to get readjusted to taking metformin...the daily diarrhea...but I would rather be dead than restart Actos. | M | 64 | 120 days | 5/26/2009 | 1 | Type 2 diabetes | Excessive weight gain, water retention, swelling of ankles and abdomen to the point of discomfort, joint pain and hair loss. | Actos did control my diabetes quite well however the joint pain, hair loss, swollen ankles and abdomen have resulted in stopping the medication. | F | 61 | 6 months | 5/25/2009 | 1 | diabetes | nasua, lightheadedness, basic wierd overall | pay attention to your doctors and your scripts.used two different times one year+- apart ... | M | 39 | 3 days | 5/21/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Weight gain (28 lbs in 8 weeks). Trouble breathing,panic attacks,skin blisters, hip pain, sinus infections, nose bleeds, anxiety. | I started taking Actos because my insurance company would no longer pay for my Avandia and told me I had to switch to Actos. Within days, I developed a sinus infection in conjunction with nose bleeds. Then within 2 weeks I started having trouble taking a deep breath. It was like my lungs could not expand. This began causing me severe anxiety, as I felt like I was slowly suffocating to death. As it got worse I began experiencing panic attacks every time I would try to go to bed, because when I was in a prone position I could not breathe. It got so bad that I was afraid to have anybody near my face for fear they would take my breath away from me. It caused my poor wife to think that I didn't find her attractive any more because I wouldn't kiss her. When I finally fessed up as to what was going on, she went on line and found this website and discovered that all of the things I was experiencing had been experienced by other people who had taken the Actos. I quit taking the Actos and with in 2 days my symptoms began to disappear and by 4 days they were gone. Do not take this drug. THIS IS POISON! | M | 55 | 8 weeks | 5/11/2009 | 5 | metabolic disorder syndrome | Slight water retention when I eat way too much salt. | I have/had metabolic syndrome and mild to moderate insulin resistance. I put on a lot of belly fat over the past 18-24 months going from a size 34 waist to a size 42 duing that time. I asked my doctor to put me on Actos 15. I have been taking 1 per day for about 5 weeks now. I went from 225 pounds down to 217. I lost 4.5 inches from my waist. My waist looks much smaller even though I didn't lose all that much weight. I went to the health dept. yesterday and they did a glucose fasting blood test (finger stick) and three hours after eating three cream sticks doughnuts my blood sugar level was 115. To be fair, I have really watched my diet going on a low carb diet except for those cream sticks yeasterday. I have also been exercising very hard at the gym 4-5 days a week. I tried both diet and exercise together prior to ACTOS but I made very little progress then. I also didn't seem to have much energy then and I always had a huge hunger when I got done exercising. That is not the case now. I'm very satisfied with ACTOs but want to get off ACTOS as soon as I can and stick with the diet and exercise. | M | 56 | 1 months | 4/18/2009 | 1 | Doctor prescribed | Extreme swelling in stomach, ankles, and legs. So puffy around my knees that I can no longer see where my knee stops and my leg starts. Extreme swelling due to increase in fat cells as per Actos. I can no longer continue using this medication. Legs look like huge tree trunks. | Dangerous swelling of ankles, feet, and legs; stomach is huge also. | F | 57 | 1 years | 3/21/2009 | 1 | Type II Diabetes | Weight gain, constant muscle and body aches, shortness of breath and severe stomach pain resulting in a couple of emergency room visits because doctors thought I was having a heart attack. | I have been off Actos for a couple of days now after doing much research online and realizing that the reason my weight loss efforts have been sabotaged was due to this medication. I have been following a very low carbohydrate program for 4 weeks and have not dropped an ounce. I have been taking glipizide and metformin for many years and my A1C was not as low as it needed to be so it was thought Actos would help. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. I also have a family history of heart disease and realizing that Actos can cause congestive heart failure, I could not figure out why a doctor would prescribe this medication to me. It makes no medical sense at all. The quality of my life has been extremely unsatisfactory and I only hope that what damage Actos has done to my body can be reversed. | F | 54 | 2 years | 3/5/2009 | 1 | Type II Diabetes | Weight gain, exhaustion, depression, joint pain, muscle aches. Tried Metformin, and had severe gastric upset. | It seemed to regulate the A1c, but the weight gain of 40lbs was not acceptable. I DO NOT shovel food into my mouth, in fact, avoid all sugars, and keep carbos at less than 20% of the daily caloric intake, exercise faithfully, and still I gained 40lbs!!!!. I've been off Actos for a month now, and feel better every day. I'd rather experience quality of life, and am working on a more holistic method of dealing with Diabetes, and it is working! | F | 60 | 3 years | 2/24/2009 | 5 | Type II Diabetes | None | There are no calories in a pill. The calories come from the fork in your hand. To the person who commented below, if you read the ProActive study, Actos decreased to risk of heart attack and stroke. Byetta is helpful in losing weight because it makes you feel full so you stop eating... What a novel idea, you quit stuffing you face and you actually lose weight? Wow. Just better hope you don't develop pancreatitis. The last patients who developed necrotizing and hemorrhagic pancreatitis from Byetta had a nearly 100% mortality rate. The whole name of the game is controlling your sugars. Wouldn't you rather gain 5lbs and not have a heart attack in 5-10 years. Or I guess the alternative is looking a little slimmer in your casket... The choice is yours. | M | 45 | 9 years | 2/23/2009 | 1 | I experienced painful and extreme water retention and weight gain. I was not overweight before (5'10" and 160 pounds,) but by the time I stopped taking actos, I was 200 pounds. I gained 40 pounds over a period of 2 years. I have since lost 21 pounds since using byetta injections instead of actos. I severly hate actos. It is counter-productive in keeping a diabetic healthy. | The only positive part about it is that it controls the blood sugar levels well. | F | 21 | 2 years | 2/16/2009 | 1 | Diabetic 11 | Extreme weight gain. Gained weight in places I've never had weigh before. | I am going to get off this medication before I have a heart attack. I retired to become stress free and stop having fattening lunches with colleages. I lost my weight gradually and felt better. The doctor kept pushing drugs for that perfect AIC number, so I agreed to Actos. Big mistake and larger me. Gained 15 pounds and a overlapped gut to boot. | F | 58 | 5 months | 1/28/2009 | 5 | Type II Diabetes | Have been on Actos 30mg for 6 years, and have maintained an A1C of 5.7. Prior to Actos, I was on Metformin and Amaryl for 5 years, but A1C was never below 7. Actos does a great job controlling your sugar, but that doesn't mean you can start eating whatever you want. I want to laugh at you people who say you've gained 50-100lbs because of the drug. Quit shoveling Twinkies, 3 plates of pasta and a stick of butter into your mouths daily and you probably will stop ballooning. This comment section just gives obese people something other to blame their obesity on besides themselves. Honestly, how did 99% of you become diabetic anyway??? | And Actos doesn't cause heart attacks. I've done a ton of research in the area. Avandia causes heart attacks, Actos actually decreases the risk of having one. Januvia is weight neutral, and doesn't control your blood sugar (might as well take Tylenol). Byetta will make you lose weight, but then you have an increased risk of pancreatitis. Glimipiride, glyburide, glicizide can all lead to your beta cells burning out quicker and hypoglycemia. Actos is the best drug on the market to treat the disease we have, pharmacologically speaking. Dump the excuses, take ownership of your disease and maybe you'll live to see your grandchildren. | M | 49 | 6 years | 1/18/2009 | 2 | Diabetes 2 and infertility | EXTREME, fast weight gain....CONSTANT fatigue, loss of muscle/skin tone, unexplained sharp back/shoulder pain, increased hunger. | I started taking Actos and thought I had found my "miracle". I was already taking glyburide and metformin for diabetes, with great success. I was having some infertility issues, as well as thinning hair. Doctor said this would be "Great" for infertility...would make me ovulate . If only I had known! My hair did get thicker, and my periods became regular again. BUT in the process I have gained almost 40 lbs. in 4 months. I have aches/pains all the time and I am so tired I could just sleep all the time. So now, I can either be fatter and pregnant with thick hair, or be thinner, not pregnant and going bald. I HATE Actos! Don't even want pregnancy now, not weighing this much! I would not recommend this drug to anyone, for any reason. Now, I have extreme depression because of the weight gain ( I was already heavy to begin with), and I don't have the engery to even do basic day to day things. | F | 36 | 4 months | 1/16/2009 | 1 | Type 2 Diabetes | Started taking Actos 3 months ago after being taken off of Avandia. Noticed a chest discomfort shortly after starting Actos but then all of my muscles started hurting. I couldn't even get out of a chair without being in tears because I hurt so bad. The doc thought my arthritis was flaring up and that I might have fibrmyalgia so he increased my Ibuprophen to 2400 mg per day and added pain pills for breakthroughs. My chest started hurting more so I thought it was my esophogus because of all of the Ibuprophen. When I couldn't breathe and my chest was pounding so hard that I could take my pulse without even touching myself, I went back to the doc. EKG was fine and am waiting on the stress test results. After reading everyone's comments I see many other side effects that I didn't even realize were due to the drug. I stopped it 5 days ago and I feel like I am alive again. My chest stopped pounding, I can breathe, my ankles don't itch or swell, I can see clearly and I don't hurt. Bot | F | 49 | 3 months | 1/12/2009 | 1 | Type ll Diabetes | I have been taking actos for approx 8 months. Shortly after be prescribed Actos I began iching. I told my Dr. and she said that," I will take you off Actos once you have fallen below two hundred pounds". I have begun vomitting and having nausea during my period. I will stop taking actos on my own. | Side Effects of Actos to Report There are a number of less common (but more serious) side effects of Actos that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to: Symptoms of high blood sugar, including: o Increased hunger o Increased thirst o Increased urination o Blurred vision o Fatigue o Shortness of breath o Nausea or vomiting Symptoms of low blood sugar, including: o Sweating o Shakiness o Extreme hunger o Dizziness o Cold sweats o Blurry vision o Changes in behavior, such as irritability o Loss of coordination o Difficulty speaking o Confusion o Seizures Trouble breathing (which may be a sign of new or worsening congestive heart failure) Swelling, especially in the legs or ankles Rapid increase in weight (three to five pounds in less than one week) Liver problems, including o Nausea or vomiting o Stomach pain o Unusual or unexplained tiredness o Loss of appetite o Dark urine o Yellowing of you | F | 44 | 8 months | 12/22/2008 | 1 | for diabetes 2 | swollen ankles, leg pain, weight gain,shortness of breath, | I had echocardiogram, had angiogram with no problems with my heart.2 x bone marrow tests, results were non specific.Spoke to my endochronologist who told me that the symptoms were due to Actos and stop taking Actos. It is exactly 1 week since I stopped and all symptoms are still there. I wonder how long does it take for Actos to go out of the system? | M | 79 | 9 months | 12/7/2008 | 2 | Diabetes Type II | Weight gain of 18 pounds. Extreme sugar lows (as low as 43) if I don' eat enough. I now have chronic headache and just started experiencing swollen feet and ankles this weekend. I am chronically tired and weary. I also have muscle aches but am not sure if this is from not going to the gym or from the drug. | I did not tolerate Glucophage so I was switched to Glipizide. THe side affects from the Glucophage stopped, but my fasting tests were still averaging about 140 (beats 280). So my doctor added Actos. It did bring my blood sugar down, but I have to be very careful to eat at two to four hour intervals or the bottom drops out on me. I carry snacks everywhere with me. My car trunk looks like a grocery store. Also since my feet started swelling, my walking program is in jeopardy and I just got my feet into shape with orthopedic shoes, pads, and physical therapy! | F | 56 | 9 months | 11/3/2008 | 1 | Diabetes Type II | I started out on 30MG/day for about 3 months but even with exercise it did not control my sugar. I was put on Actos Plus twice a day and that controlled sugar well. After being on Actos Plus for 2 months I gained 17 pounds. I continued my exercise routine but noticed occasional shortness of breath while resting, eyestrain, and swollen ankles. I took a routine stress test and after 5 min my heart went into Ventricular Tachycardia for about 30 or 40 beats and then resumed normal rhythm after several minutes of rest. I had never experienced problems in previous stress tests. I have Echocardiogram scheduled. | I have also experienced extreme hunger right after eating and feel like this may have contributed to weight gain | M | 65 | 5 months | 9/19/2008 | 1 | Diabetes | 40lb weight gain...leg and ankle swelling...shortness of breathe...stress over all three problems | Am seeing my Dr in 2 days and will be telling him that 'I AM NOT nor WILL NOT BE TAKING ACTOS EVER AGAIN'...have been complaining about Actos for months...weight gain menace is depressing...goodbye ACTOS...bye George...(~.-) | M | 66 | 2 years | 9/6/2008 | 1 | Diabetes | Medium amnemia and strong muscle aches | Doctor insists that I have internal bleeding and that this is not a side effect of Actos. No blood in stool, now going through colonoscopy and complete 'light' tube down throat and into intestines. Have been on Actos-Avandia for years. Doctor jokingly said I would not die of disease but of side effects of medication! WHY DON'T DOCTORS KNOW MORE ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS OF DANGEROUS DRUGS? They take at face value what the drug pushers tell them when they deliver their little samples of death. | M | 70 | 3 years | 8/20/2008 | 1 | Poor glucose control | I have had Type II Diabetes for 17 years. I had been well controlled up until a year ago. My doctor tried many different medications which were not working. He was about to put me on insulin, but wanted to try Actos plus Amaryl first. I have tolerated Amaryl very well for a number of years. When I began taking Actos, I was initially pleased to see my glucose become well controlled again. That, however, is the only positive thing I can say about Actos. My initial satisfaction with the drug turned to complete dissatisfaction within a few weeks. I began to gain weight. My appetite soared. My eyes became very blurry. I also experienced chronic headaches, muscle aches, and extreme swelling of my feet, ankles and legs. | To sum up, the only thing I can add is that for me, Actos was worse than the disease! | F | 56 | 90 days | 8/19/2008 | 4 | Type II Diabetes | None after about 15 years of treatment | No weight gain or other side effects. I am a physician. My Hgb Aic is 5.9. I also take Metformin and Starlix. | M | 72 | 15 years | 8/16/2008 | 2 | Type 2 Diabetic | Significant, fast weight gain (40 lbs), edema in ankles/feet, constant backache, bloat in stomach, loss of energy, loss of muscle tone, increased carb cravings. Didn't start to feel these side effects until after being on actos 45mg about 9 mths, probably because I'm also on metformin, metoprolol, lisinopril & hctz and was introduced to those drugs at about the same time and was dealing with the side effects from those as well (I was diagnosed in 11/06 as diabetic and hypertensive). I 'adjusted' to the other drugs after 6 mths and have not felt too many side effects from them in the last year but started feeling more of the actos side effects by winter 2007. | My understanding of how actos works is that it helps your stem cells to make more fat cells to 'soak' up the extra glucose floating around in your blood after you have eaten-this helps to keeps your blood glucose (BG) levels within acceptable limits when you test your BG with a monitor. Now, this is just MY opinion, not a medical fact, but because you have those extra fat cells floating around in your body, you also get increased appetite (the carb cravings), thus a vicious cycle emerges...you crave more food, then actos responds by making more fat cells to soak up the extra glucose from the extra food, thus producing even more craving for food, etc, etc, etc. You see my point...the other problem is that since actos is 'tying' up all of your stem cells' time into making more fat cells, the stem cells don't have as much time to make more muscle cells to help keep your body toned, so you start to feel more 'flabby' over time even if you do maintain a regular exercise routine. So you a | F | 47 | 19 months | 8/9/2008 | 1 | Better blood sugar control | Weight gain, 40-50 pounds in 4 or so years, severe leg swelling | I was taking 2000 mg Metformin and my doctor added the Actos several years ago for better control. Better control did occur with A1C levels well below 7. I was trying to ignore the weight gain, but finally I couldn't ignore it any longer as I was obese to begin with. I had lap band surgery to get rid of the weight and was allowed to go off Actos after surgery. I've lost 48 pounds in about 3 months, but it's been hard work. The Actos weight comes on easily but doesn't come off as easily. I think I've lost the Actos weight now and can now begin to lose the rest of the weight I need to. My husband had the same Actos experience. He's type 2 but insulin dependent. He begged his doctor to take him off Actos so they switched him to 3 more shots per day with Symlin and he's lost 13 pounds. He'd rather take extra shots than deal with the Actos weight gain. Actos is evil!! | F | 51 | 4 years | 7/27/2008 | 1 | Type II diabetes | Extreme hunger, 3 lb. weight gain in 10 days, water retention and after approx. an hour after taking Actos, the back of my eyes ached. | I am going off this medication (under Dr. supervision)and do not recommend this medication. | F | 40 | 10 days | 7/21/2008 | 1 | Type II diabetes | After taking 1st dose 5 days ago, muscle aches began--especially arms, shoulders & legs. Since then, I've had a headache every day, am lethargic & have been EXTREMELY hungry (which is not my usual situation). I'm afraid to weigh myself, after losing 15 lbs. in the last 2 months from dieting & exercising. I was taking metformin & glucotrol, but PA, not regular doctor, changed me to actos with metformin because my bg was a little high in the morning and went low after exercise. | After seeing the effects that others have had while taking this med., I'm not going to wait a year or so & gain 100 lbs. before I stop taking it. It is going into the trash right now & I'll go back to metformin ONLY! THANKS! to others who have given their symptoms & opinions. I thought maybe I was getting sick--now I'm sure it's the actos! | F | 57 | 5 days | 6/21/2008 | 1 | high blood sugar | Beyond horrible upper left back muscle pain that crossed over entire shoulder and traveled into the base of my head, I stopped taking actos 10 days later on my own and oow i am out of work because I cant stand any matereal near my skin. | my Dr. had to put me on muscle spasm pills for the pain to stop. I am so frustrated now with the sensitivity with my skin not being able to have matereal near it. I am type one diabetic and my Dr.gave me this hell pill and I just dont why, why, why. | F | 58 | 10 days | 6/19/2008 | 1 | Diabetes Type II | Extreme weight gain, even though I am exercising and eating healthy, fatigue, anemia, edema of face and extremities. | After I discovered the reason why I am gaining weight and cannot lose any (Actos makes your body develop fat cells to absorb sugar from your blood so you have better numbers-just what we all need more fat cells!)I have stopped all Actos and will only continue my Metformin. I have not been able to lose weight in over a year and a half and have gained over 20 lbs in the last 4 mos. even though I should have been losing. I will wait till I get my lab results in two months before I tell my doctor because he probably will not be happy with my decision. So far my sugars are fine without the Actos so I hope I will stay that way and I will start losing weight! | F | 55 | 2 years | 5/27/2008 | 3 | Type 2 Diabetes | Been on Actos now for a little over 3 months and it has lowered my blood sugar...HOWEVER...I have also gained 15 more pounds!!! This is horrible. I feel so bloated and suffering with muscle cramps. I have some metformin left over from 3 months ago, I might just go back on it myself until my next appt and see what my numbers show then. All I want to do now is eat eat eat. | F | 58 | 3 months | 5/22/2008 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |