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Compare 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
    Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Novolin n
    Pioglitazone (Actos)

  • Summary of Novolin N vs. Actos

    Summary for Insulin

    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.

    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 Novolin N vs. Actos

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise

  • Pros and Cons of Novolin N vs. Actos

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    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
    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 Novolin N vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar
    •Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)
    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 Novolin N vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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 Novolin N vs. Actos

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