Switched from Metformin to Actos - More side effects?

[EricG]

Hi Everyone,

A little history. Last June after a doctors visit I was sent to the hospital. My blood sugar was in the 300 range, A1C was 11.75%. After being released from the hospital, I was told to control my diet and take metformin 2x a day for a total of 2000mg.

My BS dropped almost immediately and gradually worked its way down to 80-100 in the last month. My A1C on January 2 was 6%. However, starting in August I started getting shooting pain in my toes and fingers. The doctor prescribed etodolac (an anti-inflammatory) which worked up until three weeks ago.

The pain became more intense, as did extreme weakness in my legs. By accident while I was looking for possible muscular causes I saw several references to metformin causing my symptoms. Since my BS was way down I decided to stop taking metformin for a week to see if there was any change. Almost immediately the pain stopped and I have regained strength in my legs.

I saw my doctor again last Friday. He switched me to Actos, 15mg/day. My BS while off metformin was in the 110/120 range. This morning it was 98.

Now I have started to see a lot of reports of Actos causing weight gain, among other things. I've lost 70 pounds since last June, and the last thing I want is to gain any of it back. Is this a given with Actos or just a rare side effect?

[Dan Gato]

Eric, Welcome to the forums !!:wavey:
Read the threads about medications.
Keep reading the forums.

I'm on Metformin & don't have any side effects, I've heard of others here on the forums that they had had some side effects such as diahrrea but not feet pain.
I wanted to go on Actos but another side effect (I've read) is affecting the heart, so I need to do some more research. but the Actos for me wouldn't be to replace Metformin but to use with it. because, I think, they're different families of meds.

Congrats on your low A1C & your weight loss !!!
There are other things that you have to consider to lower your BG's, how many carbs you eat.
Also, there are other meds, such as Glipizide.

[EricG]

Thanks Dan.

I did also see the possibility of heart trouble, believe it has to do with fluid retention which is also the cause of some stomach bloating and swollen ankles/feet in some people. I'll be watching carefully and will talk to the doctor if any of these develop.

Changing carb intake was the major factor in the weight loss. I was very happy to see 110-120 blood sugar levels without any medication at all. The doctor thinks once I lose another 20 lbs or so I may be able to control the blood sugar with diet alone.