Compare Apidra vs. Actos

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

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Apidra (insulin glulisine)

Prescription only

Actos (pioglitazone)

Prescription only
Controls blood sugar.

Apidra (insulin glulisine) is an insulin that controls blood sugar during your meals, but you'll still have to follow your doctor's diet and exercise plan.

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
Upsides
  • Apidra (insulin glulisine) starts working in as soon as 15 minutes.
  • Programs are available to lower your copay. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Can be used in people over 65 and children 4 years of age and older.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Your doctor might have to check your kidneys and liver regularly if you've had kidney or liver problems in the past.
  • Since Apidra (insulin glulisine) is an injectable, it might not be a good treatment option for people who are afraid of needles.
  • Only available as a brand name, so Apidra (insulin glulisine) can be expensive.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$526.31
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Lowest price
$12.00
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
175 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
1possible side effects
  • Common cold
    11%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Sharing of pen and needles
  • Low blood sugar
    • Changes in diet and exercise
    • Drinking alcohol
    • Taking other medications for diabetes
    • Over age 65
    • Liver or kidney problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Low blood potassium levels
    • Taking laxatives
    • Taking medications that increase urination
  • Mixing of insulins
  • Fluid buildup
    • Taking Avandia or Actos
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Apidra (insulin glulisine)
Learn more about Actos (pioglitazone)