Why Avandia and Actos Carry New Safety Warnings

Reported side effects of thiazolidinediones include:

• Upper respiratory infections and sinusitis
• Headaches
• Mild anemia
• Fluid retention, which could lead to heart failure
• Weight gain
• Muscle pain

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, women who take rosiglitazone (Avandia) or pioglitazone (Actos) could increase their risk for upper arm or foot fractures.

One thiazolidinedione, called Troglitazone (Rezulin) has been taken off the market in the United States and some European countries because it has been shown to cause severe liver problems in a small number of patients.

Newer thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) have not been shown to cause liver damage; however, they may still pose a risk. Symptoms include:
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine

If you are taking one of these medications and have these symptoms, report them immediately to your doctor.