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Compare Glyburide vs. Actos

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

Key takeaways

Glyburide (Glynase) and Pioglitazone (Actos) are medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Glyburide helps your pancreas release more insulin to lower blood sugar, while pioglitazone improves your body's ability to use insulin. Glyburide is typically taken once or twice daily with meals, unlike pioglitazone which is taken once daily, with or without food. Glyburide can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip meals, and may lead to weight gain. Pioglitazone rarely causes dangerously low blood sugar on its own but can lead to fluid build-up, weight gain, and an increased risk of bladder cancer and bone fractures. Both medications are available in generic forms, however, pioglitazone may take several weeks to show its full effect on blood sugar levels, while glyburide works more quickly.

  • Glyburide
    Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Glyburide
    Pioglitazone (Actos)

  • Summary of Glyburide vs. Actos

    Summary for Sulfonylurea
    Prescription only

    Glyburide is taken by mouth to lower blood sugar levels for people who have Type 2 diabetes. This medication isn't meant to be taken alone, but in addition to eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Glyburide is typically taken once or twice daily, depending on your dose.

    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 Glyburide vs. Actos

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise

  • Pros and Cons of Glyburide vs. Actos

    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea
    Pros
    •Usually taken only once daily with largest meal
    •Can lower A1C levels by 1.5%
    •Taken by mouth, so good option for people who don't like injections
    •Can be taken with some other blood sugar medications, such as metformin
    Cons
    •Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you have kidney or liver problems
    •More likely to cause low blood sugar than other blood sugar medications, such as metformin
    •Can cause some weight gain
    •Not approved for Type 1 diabetes
    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 Glyburide vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling bloated
    •Nausea
    •Heartburn
    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 Glyburide vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Possible risk of heart problems
    •Breakdown of red blood cells
    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 Glyburide vs. Actos

    Learn more about Glyburide
    Learn more about Pioglitazone

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