Compare Actos vs. Prandin

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

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Actos (pioglitazone)

Prescription only

Prandin (repaglinide)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Actos (pioglitazone) can improve blood sugar control but is not a top choice since it has a lot of side effects.

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3.1/ 5 average rating with 175 reviewsforActos
Lowers blood sugar.

Prandin (repaglinide) works quickly to lower blood sugar, especially during mealtimes. However, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are not consistent with your diet and exercise schedule.

Upsides
  • Improves sugar control and lowers A1c levels by around 1%.
  • Easily taken by mouth as a once a day pill.
  • Prevents the harmful effects of high sugar levels on your organs.
  • Rarely causes low blood sugar.
  • Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • Quickly and effectively lowers blood sugar during meal times.
  • Less likely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than Starlix (nateglinide).
  • Good first-choice if you cannot tolerate metformin or add-on therapy if your blood sugars are not controlled on metformin alone.
Downsides
  • May take several weeks to lower blood sugar.
  • Can cause weight gain.
  • People with heart failure or history of bladder cancer shouldn't use this medicine.
  • Some people might get fluid accumulation (edema), from minor ankle swelling to fluid in lungs that makes it hard to breathe.
  • Raises the risk of bone fractures, especially for people who already have a risk for fractures.
  • May cause some weight gain.
  • May cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
  • Can frequently interfere with how other medicines work.
  • Not a good choice if you have poor kidney function, liver problems, or younger than 18 years old.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$14.62
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Lowest price
$16.86
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Reviews
175 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
11possible side effects
  • Low blood sugar
    27%
  • Swelling
    27%
  • Colds and flu
    13%
  • Headache
    9%
  • Heart failure
    8%
  • Sinus infection
    6%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Pain in arms and legs
    6%
  • Muscle pain
    5%
  • Sore throat
    5%
  • Chest pain
    5%
See more detailed side effects
20possible side effects
  • Low blood sugar
    31%
  • Headache
    11%
  • Sinusitis
    6%
  • Joint pain
    6%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    5%
  • Heart failure
    4%
  • Rhinitis
    3%
  • Constipation
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation on the skin
    3%
  • Chest pain
    3%
  • Weight gain
    3%
  • Inflammation of the airways
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
  • Tooth disorder
    2%
  • Allergy
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart failure
    • Heart failure
  • Fluid buildup
  • Liver damage
    • Current liver problems
  • Bladder cancer
    • History of bladder cancer
  • Bone fracture
    • Women
  • Low blood sugar
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    • Alcoholism
    • Changes in meal pattern
    • Changes in exercise
    • Insulin
    • Other antidiabetic medications
    • Elderly
    • Bad liver or kidney function
  • Heart damage
    • use with NPH-insulin
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Actos (pioglitazone)
Learn more about Prandin (repaglinide)