I’ve put on some weight while taking Actos. That’s not really harmful, right?

It’s no secret that most Americans are struggling with their weight. But for diabetic patients, weight gain is a much more serious issue. Extra weight makes it more difficult to control blood sugar-and for patients taking pioglitazone medications like Actos, increased weight can have life-threatening consequences.

Why does Actos cause weight gain?

Actos affects a protein in the kidneys that regulates your body’s salt content. This process also regulates water absorption in the body, and people taking Actos experience extra weight mostly in the form of water retention.

Is Actos fluid retention dangerous?

While water retention can be frustrating to those trying to lose weight while taking Actos, it can be fatal for patients with a history of heart problems.

Rapid water retention is a symptom of congestive heart failure. The buildup of fluid in the body puts pressure on the heart and often signals fluid in the lungs. Since Actos has been linked to heart failure, any patient who experiences weight gain over 3 pounds in one week, has swelling in the legs, hands and feet or is having trouble breathing should seek emergency treatment immediately.

How much weight will I gain while taking Actos in Palm Beach?

Studies have revealed that the amount of weight gained largely depends on the medications you take. For instance:

• On average, Actos patients gained 2 to 6 pounds in the first six months of treatment, while people not taking Actos lost an average of three pounds over the same duration.
• Actos patients who also depended on insulin gained an average of 9 pounds.
• Higher doses of Actos were directly related to higher amounts of weight gain.
• Patients taking Actos in conjunction with metformin saw slightly less weight gain.

As trusted Palm Beach personal injury attorneys, we have seen many diabetic patients suffer needlessly from a medication that was supposed to be improving their quality of life. Many Actos victims don’t notice the early signs of heart attacks, liver damage or even bladder cancer until it is too late-costing them not only pain and injustice, but increased medical bills as well.

Don’t let Actos do you more harm than good! If you have suffered a serious condition while taking Actos in Florida, call Fetterman & Associates today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation.