Hypoglycemia-induced Actos

Life as we know is hard, let alone staying healthy. But of course, the road to good health requires one to be cognizant of what he or she consumes and should include exercising as well. But even that alone does not exempt most people from being sick especially, if it is diabetes type II and that nasty hypoglycemia-induced medication called Actos (Pioglitazone).

Personal Encounter

Very seldom do I encounter someone using Actos but a few weeks ago, a friend of mine said that he uses it and hates the side effects i.e.tremors and a rapid heartbeat. He started with Metformin but it was too much for him. His BGL is usually between 200 and 300mg/dl, and he is not obese. In any case, I suggested one that the FDA endorses and is pharmaceutically graded and hope to see what he has to say as soon as I follow up on him.

Side Effects

Aside from getting hypoglycemia, diabetes drugs like Actos can induce more problems than one can imagine. Yet, there are those who would allow their physicians to mislead them instead of learning from others experiences to reject the use of drugs like Actos and its nasty side effects like the ones listed below.

Ø Upper respiratory infections (similar to the common cold) -- in up to 13.2 percent of people

Ø Headache -- up to 9.1 percent Sinus infection or

Ø Sinus irritation -- up to 6.3 percent

Ø Muscle pain -- up to 5.4 percent

Ø Tooth problems -- up to 5.3 percent

Ø Sore throat -- up to 5.1 percent

Ø Swelling or water weight gain (edema) -- up to 4.8 percent

Ø Fever and chills

Ø Dizziness

Ø Hunger

Out of Pocket Expense

Interestingly, these sickly people would rather forego the cost of such medications via government-sponsored co-payment plan than worry about the side effects. Fortunately for most pharmaceutical companies, there is a "revolving door" between them and the FDA. And if there is a chance of a policy change, we can be sure there will be none in the near future.

§ ACTOS 15 mg approx $185.96

§ ACTOS 30 mg approx $247.68

§ ACTOS 45 mg approx $363.06

Obvious Problems

Obviously, our two problems are side effects and high price. Can one avoid them? It depends on the individual. If I had diabetes, I surely would not bother using Actos, to say the least. And for sure, someone is going to suggest ordering from Canada to save money. Great suggestion if all else fails.

Nevertheless, your choice of medication should not include Actos or anything in this class. If Metformin is prescribed as an alternative, use it but, be sure to brace yourself of the side effects when used long term.

Actos has been around for some time now, and only recently (September 2010) did we have a report that says Actos may be linked to cancer of the bladder yet it requires further studies. Surely, this is not a good sign, and some consumer groups advocate the need for new and safer drugs. But do we really need something new and safe? I don’t think so.

Sometimes, I wonder about people’s stubbornness. It seems that it overrides some common sense in spite of what is written in black and white i.e. side effects. Whether or not we want to blame this on bureaucracy, the FDA is very hypocritical on its drug approval policy and/or ethical practices.

Suggested Solution

My suggestion is, latch on to a pharmaceutically graded medication that uses a specific bioflavonoid compound. Why? Because specific flavonoids have a blocking effect vice over increase adipose sensitivity resulting in hypoglycemia, etc., etc. If one chooses otherwise, then one need NOT get angry at drug companies, the FDA or physicians.

The idea to make a change is simple. If every diabetic clearly believes and collectively succeed in lobbying for a pharmaceutically graded, one ingredient natural med for hospital usage, and without objection it is covered by a well-known medical insurance company each person's bill would be manageable, less people would be admitted (for dialysis, for example), no additional drugs like Statin or Lisinopril would be necessary, and life would be more enjoyable.