Boxed warning
A Boxed warning is a warning given by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The administration gave Actos a boxed warning.
In some cases, treating type 2 diabetes with Actos can result in new Congestive heart failure or worsen the existing one. According to experts, congestive heart failure is a popular side effect of thiazolidinedione drugs, including Actos. Every drug in this class has a boxed warning for this effect.
Heart failure decreases the heart’s pumping ability. Some organs in your body will be deprived of blood and lose their ability to function properly. People with heart failure may experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Edema (fluid accumulation) in your ankles or legs
- Constant feeling of tiredness
- A quick increase in weight (such as gaining 5 or more pounds over a few days)
To prevent these complications, doctors are advised not to prescribe Actos to anyone who has been diagnosed with heart failure.