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Compare Farxiga vs. Actos

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Actos (pioglitazone) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Farxiga helps lower blood sugar by causing your body to release excess sugar through urine. It also has benefits for heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Actos, on the other hand, improves your body's ability to use insulin. While both medications are usually taken once daily, Farxiga can also be used help treat heart and kidney issues. Taking Farxiga can cause dehydration and increase the risk of urinary tract infections, while Actos can lead to weight gain, fluid build-up, and a increased risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, Farxiga is only available as a brand medication, whereas Actos is available as a lower cost generic.

  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
    Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
    Pioglitazone (Actos)

  • Summary of Farxiga vs. Actos

    Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Farxiga, the brand name for dapagliflozin, is used together with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Farxiga (dapagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include yeast infections, urinating more often, and weight loss.

    Summary for Thiazolidinedione
    Prescription only

    Pioglitazone (Actos) is an oral medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise. It's a thiazolidinedione, which works by helping your body respond better to insulin. This medication is taken by mouth once a day and is available in both brand and generic forms. Side effects include headache, swelling in the body, and weight gain. There's also a serious warning that it can cause or worsen heart failure.

  • Indications of Farxiga vs. Actos

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
    •Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    •Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
    •Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise

  • Pros and Cons of Farxiga vs. Actos

    Pros and Const for SGLT2 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken only once daily
    •Low risk of causing low blood sugar when taken by itself
    •Can take with other diabetes medications
    Cons
    •Raises risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Not available as a liquid
    •Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Thiazolidinedione
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Rarely causes dangerously low blood sugar when taken by itself
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause fluid buildup in the body
    •Not safe for people with moderate to severe heart failure
    •Not a good choice for people with bladder cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Farxiga vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal yeast infection in females (7-8%)
    •Nose and throat infection (6-7%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 4-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (27%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (13%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Heart failure (8%)
    •Sinus infection (6%)
    •Pain in the arms and legs (6%)

    Side effects above are for pioglitazone (Actos) taken alone. These might differ if it's taken with other medications.

  • Warnings of Farxiga vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Ketoacidosis
    •Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
    •Genital and urinary tract infections
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure and swelling
    •Low blood sugar (when used with other medications)
    •Liver problems
    •Bladder cancer
    •Risk of bone fractures
    •Eye problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Farxiga vs. Actos

    Learn more about Farxiga
    Learn more about Pioglitazone

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