Actos Heart Side Effects Similar to Avandia: Study

New research suggests that the heart side effects of Actos carry a similar risk to what is associated with the competing diabetes drug Avandia, despite prior studies to the contrary.

The new Avandia and Actos study was published this week by the medical journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Researchers found that both Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Actos and GlaxoSmithKline’s Avandia raised the risk of heart problems by 4%.

According to the study’s findings, out of 36,000 diabetes patients who used Avandia or Actos, 602 who took Avandia suffered heart problems or died, while 599 of those taking Actos had heart problems or died. The data was gleaned from insurance claims by the health insurer WellPoint Inc.

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The new study contradicts a recent Avandia study published by FDA researchers, which was led by drug safety reviewer Dr. David Graham, who concluded that Avandia carried an 18% greater risk of heart attack and death over Actos. Graham determined that given the risks and benefits of the two drugs, it was hard to justify keeping Avandia on the market.

Some experts have pointed out that Graham’s study focused on people age 65 or older, while the WellPoint study subjects had an average age of 54, opening the possibility that age is a factor in Avandia side effects.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) was first approved in the United States in 1998 to treat type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels. The drug has been used by millions of diabetics, but sales have plummeted in recent years following a May 2007 publication in the New England Journal of Medicine that identified an increased risk of heart attacks and congestive heart failure with Avandia.

Following a meeting of independent experts last month, an FDA advisory panel determined that Avandia increased the risk of heart problems, but recommended that Avandia remain on the market with stronger warnings and restrictions.

GlaxoSmithKline faced about 13,000 Avandia lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who accuse the company of failing to warn patients that of Avandia heart attack risks. Last month the company announced it had reached Avandia settlements in about 10,000 of those suits.

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27 Comments

  • Jean B.October 18, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    We now know that my sister has small cell cancer that will keep coming back but can be put down with chemo. Has actos been linked to this type of cancer?

  • Jean B.September 30, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    My sister has been on actos for several years and has just now learned she has cancer. We are still not sure what type of cancer but will find out in two weeks.. It is in her overies and spleen. Could this be caused by the actos?

  • Judy H.September 10, 2011 at 4:37 am

    Since 2006 I was diagnose with type 2 diabeties. First I was put on Gluberyde, then Metformin. Then in 2007 I was put on Avandia, I right away started to experience some chest pains and some discomfort. One night watching the news, it talked about the risks of Avandia, the next day I called my dr., to ake me off this medication. He puts me on Actos, and maybe a week later or 2, I start experie[Show More]Since 2006 I was diagnose with type 2 diabeties. First I was put on Gluberyde, then Metformin. Then in 2007 I was put on Avandia, I right away started to experience some chest pains and some discomfort. One night watching the news, it talked about the risks of Avandia, the next day I called my dr., to ake me off this medication. He puts me on Actos, and maybe a week later or 2, I start experiencing palpitations, discomfor in the chest area, racing feeling, heaviness in the chest and, etc,. Last year I had a stroke in my right eye, had to be admitted in the hospital. A MRI was done, it seems that I've had 15 TIA's according to the results, (15 Chronic MicroVascular Disease) I was just in the hospital again, for having heaviness in the chest and shortness of breath. Results, blood labs=negative, EKG=negative. My dr., tells me "I'm suffering from anxiety attacks". He wants to put me on Paxil. I'm not happy with that. :-{

  • lindaAugust 7, 2011 at 1:10 am

    i already suffered from heart disease and had open heart surgery in 1997. I cant remember the dates I took actos i believe it was 2008, in 2009 of February, I was diagnoesed with conjestive heart failure and was in and out of the hospital from 2009-2010

  • L. C. ADDISONJuly 3, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    I been taking actos since sept,20 2007 and i have 2 storke and still having a hard time.

  • PatriciaMay 30, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    I took actos for over 5yrs or more. In 2005 and 2006 I went to hospital with chest pain and blood pressure very high. One doctor took me off actos; but was put back on actos again. This last time went to hospital with rapidly heart beat, chest pains, dizziness (which I passed out) and short of breath and at that time I became so constipated, could not tolerated food and lost so much weight until[Show More]I took actos for over 5yrs or more. In 2005 and 2006 I went to hospital with chest pain and blood pressure very high. One doctor took me off actos; but was put back on actos again. This last time went to hospital with rapidly heart beat, chest pains, dizziness (which I passed out) and short of breath and at that time I became so constipated, could not tolerated food and lost so much weight until I was hospitalized. At this time I am not taking Actos.

  • JosephMay 19, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    I had been taking ACTOS a couple of years ago, I was concerned at the time of the side affects it could have on the liver. I stopped taking it. A couple of months ago my Doctor put me back on on it because my A1c levels were very high. I have had Quadruple Bypass surgery in 2004. Lately I get a funny hard to describe feeling in my chest, not really a pain, but a sensation. Also, some weight gain. [Show More]I had been taking ACTOS a couple of years ago, I was concerned at the time of the side affects it could have on the liver. I stopped taking it. A couple of months ago my Doctor put me back on on it because my A1c levels were very high. I have had Quadruple Bypass surgery in 2004. Lately I get a funny hard to describe feeling in my chest, not really a pain, but a sensation. Also, some weight gain. What can I do. I am afraid of the ACTOS.

  • BryanMarch 27, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Back in 2004, my dr put me on Actos, 15 mg. I complained to him that something was not right, but I just could not pin point it. My sugar levels continued to raise and spike, so he then put me on 30mg of Actos. After 6 months on 30 mg, my sugar levels continued to raise, so he put me on 45 mg. With in 3 months I gained 35 lbs, felt terrible, had muscle aches, could not concentrate at work, and I f[Show More]Back in 2004, my dr put me on Actos, 15 mg. I complained to him that something was not right, but I just could not pin point it. My sugar levels continued to raise and spike, so he then put me on 30mg of Actos. After 6 months on 30 mg, my sugar levels continued to raise, so he put me on 45 mg. With in 3 months I gained 35 lbs, felt terrible, had muscle aches, could not concentrate at work, and I felt a pressure in my chest. Within 2 months of taking 45 mg of Actos, I had a heart attack. I then took myself off of Actos, lost the 35 lbs of weight, I think it was water build up and I was headed for congestive heart failure. This is a dangerous drug that I believe was not fully tested and should be taken off the market ASAP!

  • J. BryantMarch 25, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    I have beentaking actos for two weeks since the doctor put me on it .For two weeks now my legs have been swelling and my stomach has gotten worst .I already take metformin 1500mg in morn. and 1000mg at night plus glimplie, and insulin, .They took me for of avandia because I stayed sick all the time and hurt in my chest. What should I do about the actos ?

  • GailMarch 15, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    My son died July 3rd 2009 after taking actos since 2006, he was 33 years old with type 2 diabetes.

  • LouisFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    I have been taken off avandia and now on actos, I noticed that I have leg swelling and a lot of weight gain even though I feel much better than I did with avandia, I do not feel that this the correct medication for me. I will talk to my doctor on the third of march 2011 and find out where we go from here.. I know of the balck box warning by the FDA, hopefully this is another unsafe med and thi[Show More]I have been taken off avandia and now on actos, I noticed that I have leg swelling and a lot of weight gain even though I feel much better than I did with avandia, I do not feel that this the correct medication for me. I will talk to my doctor on the third of march 2011 and find out where we go from here.. I know of the balck box warning by the FDA, hopefully this is another unsafe med and this med will be removed from the market before any more deaths whether related to this or other causes.

  • ssrFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    Can you sue both Drug Company's avandia and acto? I had two heart attacks and I was in good shape for a diabetic I didn't smoke I didn't eat white foods that turn into sugar. Didn't drink coffee I think both these medicines play a role in my two heart attacks.

  • bettyannFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    MIKE...pls get off the drug ACTOS...my Mom just died from a heart attack after 3 months on ACTOS. It is a very dangerous drug...there are many other options for treating type 2 diabetes. Both Advandia and ACTOS shd NOT be legal. They both KILL. My Mom was only 68 and was on ACTOS for three months.

  • MikeFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    I am 44 years old. I am currently taking Actos 40mgs since November, 2010. This news is very scary to me, recently I went to see my dentist last month and she told me that my blood pressure was high and also I feel my hands and legs swelled up and sometime loose memory. This is an abnormal feeling that I have never had before. I hope this is not cause by taking Actos.

  • DonnaFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:58 am

    I took actos 40mgs a day. In 2009 and in Feb of 2010 I had a heart attack. In Jan 2011 I had another heart attack. 10 days later I had congestive heart failure. Did not think about it at the time but my legs swelled up and was hard to walk sometimes.I am 59 years old.Am ow on water pills and a lot of other pills . Hope it is not because of the actos.

  • JacquelineFebruary 9, 2011 at 2:35 am

    I have type 2 diabetes, am over 80 years old. My doctor first prescribed Actos several years ago. Since then, my blood pressure has risen to dangerous levels at times, I have had many experiences with serious tachycardia, and have been hospitalized numerous times. While in the hospital last year, I suffered a terrible experience which was diagnosed as atrial fibrillation. I felt like I would d[Show More]I have type 2 diabetes, am over 80 years old. My doctor first prescribed Actos several years ago. Since then, my blood pressure has risen to dangerous levels at times, I have had many experiences with serious tachycardia, and have been hospitalized numerous times. While in the hospital last year, I suffered a terrible experience which was diagnosed as atrial fibrillation. I felt like I would die. Before taking Actors, I did not have a heart murmur, but a short time later was told by the heart doctor that I did, and that it increased in a year from mild to moderate. I now have an excellent new heart doctor. All this time, I was taking Actos. I am now taking heart medication, including Multaq, Furosemide, with Potassium Chloride. I also carry Nitroglycerin pills with me in case I have need of them. I know of no certain way to determine that Actos has caused my heart problems, but I had no evidence of them prior to taking Actos. It appears to be a dangerous medication. Now that I have read that Actos is just as bad as Avandia, and has other possible serious side effects, I am going to check with my new endocrinologist to see if there is some other suitable medication to use in place of Actos. I have much faith in my new doctors, but I am very concerned about the reliability of the pharmaceutical companies and the FDA, as well.

  • DonFebruary 6, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I have been on Actos for a number of years, I have had 2 heart attacks, my legs are all swollen with water retention, I have severe heart palipatations, and gained a lot of weight. I was wondering if this was caused by Actos. My MD just took me off Norvasc saying that is the cause of my leg swelling problems. I tried to lose weight but I can't do any extra excersise due to leg swelling and bad ac[Show More]I have been on Actos for a number of years, I have had 2 heart attacks, my legs are all swollen with water retention, I have severe heart palipatations, and gained a lot of weight. I was wondering if this was caused by Actos. My MD just took me off Norvasc saying that is the cause of my leg swelling problems. I tried to lose weight but I can't do any extra excersise due to leg swelling and bad aches in legs.

  • JillFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    My husband took Actos for a number of months, and he passed away in November of 2008 from sudden cardiac death. While I am not sure how long he took the Actos, I do know the last refill of his prescription showed he had 1 more refill, which would imply he had been taking it over 6 months.

  • NormaFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    I have type 2 diabetes and was on actos to control my diabetes, I lost the weight and my doctor took me off the medicine actos. But then I began to have heart problems, I could not understand what was going on with my heart it began to get worst so my doctor sent me to see a heart specialist who did all kinds of test, I found out I had tachycardia and a leaky valve, now I am on two different types[Show More]I have type 2 diabetes and was on actos to control my diabetes, I lost the weight and my doctor took me off the medicine actos. But then I began to have heart problems, I could not understand what was going on with my heart it began to get worst so my doctor sent me to see a heart specialist who did all kinds of test, I found out I had tachycardia and a leaky valve, now I am on two different types of medicine to help me with my heart condition

  • StarJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    I did not have insurance and was covered by the county's poor excuse for a health program for 2 and a half years while I was trying to get SSI and Medicaid. Being diabetic (diagnosed when I had a stroke in 2007) my blood sugar was constantly rising so they put me on Actos. I gained about 5 pounds a week, I was so fluid logged the doctor also put me on furosemide and potassium pills and when that[Show More]I did not have insurance and was covered by the county's poor excuse for a health program for 2 and a half years while I was trying to get SSI and Medicaid. Being diabetic (diagnosed when I had a stroke in 2007) my blood sugar was constantly rising so they put me on Actos. I gained about 5 pounds a week, I was so fluid logged the doctor also put me on furosemide and potassium pills and when that did not work she had me taking 2 potassium pills and 2 furosemide for a year! I finally saw a nephrologist who told me I was not a candidate for diuretics and pulled me off all four pills but I was still on Actos and still fat and fluid in my lower legs made it horribly hard to walk. My doctor had always said it could be either Actos or insulin so I threw out the Actos and started on insulin. I also found a good doctor with Medicaid and left the county doctor in the trash can with the Actos! It has taken 3 months to recover where I can walk without feeling like I was pulling two water bags. I don't think anyone should be taking this poison! My heart is fine but the rest of me was sure suffering. Beware!

  • margaretJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:41 am

    I have taken actos/met since 2008 i complained many times of muscle and joint pain then in2010 I discovered that I have damage to my pulmonary artery and 2 heart valves now all my teeth are becoming loose. I have experienced severe mylasia. today i told my MD i will not take actos anymore i was not aware that these side effects were frome actos I have almost uncontrolable pulmonary HTN I have be[Show More]I have taken actos/met since 2008 i complained many times of muscle and joint pain then in2010 I discovered that I have damage to my pulmonary artery and 2 heart valves now all my teeth are becoming loose. I have experienced severe mylasia. today i told my MD i will not take actos anymore i was not aware that these side effects were frome actos I have almost uncontrolable pulmonary HTN I have been tested for all the usual under lying causes for pul htn and i have none of those diseases I feel certian my problems are caused by acotos

  • maryOctober 18, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    i have been taking actos for about 2 to 3 year i been to the hospital several time with chest pains which the first time i was told i had a heart attack. about a month ago i was back again with chest pains was sent for and MRI from there to an heart DR. and currently at this time still on actos.after reading all the comments which is not good.I'm currently still having problem with chest pains.h[Show More]i have been taking actos for about 2 to 3 year i been to the hospital several time with chest pains which the first time i was told i had a heart attack. about a month ago i was back again with chest pains was sent for and MRI from there to an heart DR. and currently at this time still on actos.after reading all the comments which is not good.I'm currently still having problem with chest pains.help!

  • DeloresOctober 5, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    My husband suffered a massive stroke in April of this year after taking Actos for just over a week. When I called the doctor and then 911, I told them that I thought he was suffering from a reaction to the Actos. His symptoms were just what were on the information from the pharmacy.

  • KarenSeptember 10, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    My husband died of a heart attack in 2006 after taking Actos.

  • KPAugust 30, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I am a 41 year-old female who had been on Actos for Type 2 Diabetes since January of this year. Last week, I had a heart attack, and the catheterization test showed absolutely NO blockages. The doctors don't have a definite answer as to why I suffered a heart attack, but something tells me that it was due to Actos. I've never had any cardiac problems in my life, and am very concerned as to why I[Show More]I am a 41 year-old female who had been on Actos for Type 2 Diabetes since January of this year. Last week, I had a heart attack, and the catheterization test showed absolutely NO blockages. The doctors don't have a definite answer as to why I suffered a heart attack, but something tells me that it was due to Actos. I've never had any cardiac problems in my life, and am very concerned as to why I had one. I went to a cardiologist on Friday, and he immediately took me off of the Actos, stating that studies have recently shown a link to heart failure and Actos. Truthfully, I feel physically better since coming off that med, even though it's only been a few days!

  • christinaAugust 29, 2010 at 4:17 am

    My mother took actos ever since 1999 and was diagnosis with congestive heart failure in 2006. She recently passed away from congestive heart failure at the age of 56.

  • robertAugust 26, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    I'm 70 YO and have type 2 diabetes, I'm currently taking Actos and have for about two years, this news is very disturbing to me, I had my yearly physical last wwek and had an electrocardiogram taken, it showed an abnormallity that I've never had before. I've had many electrocardiograms over the years petaing to the type of work I did and never had any thing adverse show up. I hope the studies made[Show More]I'm 70 YO and have type 2 diabetes, I'm currently taking Actos and have for about two years, this news is very disturbing to me, I had my yearly physical last wwek and had an electrocardiogram taken, it showed an abnormallity that I've never had before. I've had many electrocardiograms over the years petaing to the type of work I did and never had any thing adverse show up. I hope the studies made are not true.

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