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Compare Nesina vs. Actos

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

Key takeaways

Alogliptin (Nesina) and Pioglitazone (Actos) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Alogliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that helps your body keep insulin around longer and reduces sugar production, while pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that improves your body's ability to use insulin. Both medications are typically taken once daily, with or without food, and are available as lower-cost generics. Pioglitazone can cause weight gain and fluid build-up, which can lead to heart failure, while alogliptin doesn't significantly affect weight but may increase the risk of heart failure in those with a history of heart issues. Additionally, pioglitazone has been linked to a higher risk of bladder cancer and bone fractures, especially in women, whereas alogliptin may cause severe joint pain and rare cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or liver problems. Both medications are not first-choice treatments for Type 2 diabetes.

  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Pioglitazone (Actos)

  • Summary of Nesina vs. Actos

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Alogliptin (Nesina) is a medication that treats Type 2 diabetes. It's added to diet and exercise to help lower your blood sugar levels. But it isn't a first-choice treatment for this condition. Alogliptin (Nesina) is typically taken by mouth once a day. Some people may experience certain side effects, such as headaches or symptoms of the common cold (e.g., sore throat or runny nose), after starting this medication.

    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 Nesina vs. Actos

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

  • Pros and Cons of Nesina vs. Actos

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Is available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Dose may change if you have kidney problems, while other similar medications, like Tradjenta (linagliptin), don't need dose changes
    •Not a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes
    •Isn’t 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 Nesina vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Common cold (5%)
    •Headache (4%)
    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 Nesina vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Severe joint pain
    •Inflammation of the pancreas
    •Liver problems
    •Severe itching rash
    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 Nesina vs. Actos

    Learn more about Alogliptin
    Learn more about Pioglitazone

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