Actos and Lactic Acidosis

Section Guide

While Actos may offer valuable diabetes benefits, a powerful connection between Actos and lactic acidosis development may exist. This rare and dangerous side effect involves excess levels of acid in the blood. Multiple studies suggest that two Actos forms, ACTOplus met and ACTOplus met XR, actually pose lactic acidosis risks. These forms contain high levels of the type 2 diabetes medication metformin, which is associated with lactic acidosis risks.

Actos and lactic acidosis development is rare, with about three out of 100,000 cases developing over a one-year period. However, those who are 80 years old or older and have existing kidney problems are at a greater risk of developing lactic acidosis. Actos patients at risk for acidosis are advised to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Researchers believe they know how Actos contributes to lactic acidosis.

How Actos Leads to Lactic Acidosis

The best-selling prescription medication, Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride) may benefit adults with type 2 diabetes, the more common type of diabetes. This occurs when the body fails to utilize the natural hormone insulin effectively. Insulin is necessary for blood sugar (glucose) control, and Actos may boost its utilization.

ACTOplus met and ACTOplus met XR contain metformin, a drug that both increases glucose utilization and decreases the liver’s glucose levels. Unfortunately, it also causes the body to produce excess lactic acid. Kidney problems may prevent the removal of metformin and lactic acid, which can lead to accumulations, and then, lactic acidosis.

Lactic Acidosis Explained

Lactic acidosis develops when the blood contains excess levels of lactic acid, and low blood pH (acid in the blood and issues). If untreated, about 50 percent of all cases are fatal. This blood acid buildup can cause cellular suffocation, the real danger, as it can lead to cellular death. Other symptoms include:

Stomach and/or abdominal pain and discomfort
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Shallow and/or trouble breathing
Muscle pain or cramping
Feeling cold, tired or weak
Cold or blue hands and feet
Dizziness or lightheadedness
A slow or irregular heartbeat
Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
An enlarged or tender liver
Weight loss

Actos and Lactic Acidosis: Ensuring Your Health

Multiple healthcare organizations and the media have voiced concerns about Actos and lactic acidosis. This connection is reflected by the drug label’s “black box warning.” This is the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) strongest warning, meaning serious and fatal risks may result.

If you took Actos and lactic acidosis; or another severe medical condition such as bladder cancer or congestive heart failure, was diagnosed, you have medical and legal options. As with any medication, you need to discuss any Actos-related concerns with your physician. If taking Actos and lactic acidosis is a concern, you can turn to a lawyer with your questions and concerns. To locate a lawyer in your area, please call (800) 452-0949 or fill out the form on this page.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000974/
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/111/5/583.full
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12225607?dopt=Abstract
http://diabetes.emedtv.com/metformin/metformin-and-lactic-acidosis-p2.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a699016.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000391.htm