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Novolin N vs. Actos

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

Key takeaways

Humulin R (insulin regular) and Actos (pioglitazone) are both used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Humulin R is a short-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar by allowing your body to absorb and store sugar after meals. It is available in two strengths, U-100 and U-500, and is typically injected under the skin multiple times a day. Actos, on the other hand, is a thiazolidinedione taken orally once a day. It helps your body respond better to insulin and lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes. While Humulin R can be used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Actos is only approved for Type 2 diabetes. Humulin R is available over the counter in its U-100 form, whereas Actos requires a prescription. Common side effects of Humulin R include low blood sugar and injection site reactions, while Actos can cause weight gain, swelling, and may worsen heart failure. Additionally, Actos has a generic version available, which can be more cost-effective.

Novolin N

 

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Pioglitazone

(Actos)

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Summary for Novolin N

Prescription or over-the-counter

Novolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.

Indications for Novolin N

Pros and Cons for Novolin N

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription
  • Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
  • Available as a pen and vial
  • Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket

Cons

  • Might need to inject twice daily
  • Must give as an injection under the skin
  • Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
  • Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Novolin N

  • Low blood sugar
  • Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

Warnings for Novolin N

  • Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
  • Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
  • Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

Summary for Actos

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 for Actos

Pros and Cons for Actos

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 for Actos

  • 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 for Actos

  • 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 Novolin N vs. Actos

Price Card Drug Icon
Novolin N1 vial / 10ml of 100 units/ml
$54.04$171.45
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Price Card Drug Icon
Pioglitazone30 tablets / 30mg
$12.52$19.04
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