Insert J
Thiazolidinedione (THY-uh-ZOHL-ih-deen-DY-ohn)
| Brand Name |
Generic Name |
| __ Actos (AK-tohss) |
__ pioglitazone (py-oh-GLIH-tuh-zohn) |
| __ Avandia (uh-VAN-dee-uh) |
__ rosiglitazone (rohss-ih-GLIH-tuh-zohn) |
What does this type of pill do?
This type of pill helps treat insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Thiazolidinediones help your insulin work properly. Then your blood glucose levels stay on target and your cells get the energy they need.
Who should not take Actos or Avandia?
If you have heart failure, you should not take this type of pill. This type of pill can cause congestive heart failure or make it worse.
Studies have shown that Avandia is associated with an increased risk for heart attacks and chest pain or discomfort from blocked blood vessels.
This type of pill can cause congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which your heart no longer pumps properly. Then your body keeps too much fluid in your legs, ankles, and lungs.
If you already have congestive heart failure, this type of pill can make it worse.
Call your doctor right away if you have signs of heart failure. Warning signs include
- having swelling in your legs or ankles
- gaining a lot of weight in a short time
- having trouble breathing
- having a cough
- being very tired
You should also talk with your doctor about whether to take this type of pill if
- you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
- you have liver disease
What are the possible side effects?
Congestive heart failure is the most serious side effect.
This type of pill doesn’t cause low blood glucose by itself. But your risk of having low blood glucose goes up if you also take
- diabetes pills that cause low blood glucose
- insulin
Your doctor may ask you to take a lower dose of your other diabetes medicines while you take this type of pill.
Possible side effects, in addition to the side effects related to heart failure, are
- anemia (uh-NEE-mee-uh), a condition that can make you feel very tired
- an increased risk of getting pregnant even if you’re taking birth control pills
Women who take Actos, Avandia, or combination diabetes pills containing pioglitazone or rosiglitazone may have an increased risk of bone fractures.
If you take Actos or Avandia, your health care provider should make sure your liver is working properly. Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of liver disease: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, dark-colored urine, or loss of appetite.
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