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Reading the fine print is an easy step to skip when you are prescribed a new medication, but you risk taking something that may be more harmful than helpful.
When it comes to type 2 diabetes, there are several classes of drugs that your doctor can choose from. They include sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides (metformin) and thiazolidinediones (Actos).
Every medicine should be approached with caution. You’ll want to watch for these serious side effects:
Weight Gain
Gaining 2 to 12 pounds when you begin many type 2 diabetes mediations is normal. However, if you gain more weight than this or continue to gain weight after taking the medicine for some time, you may be retaining water. Water retention is dangerous, because it is often an indicator of heart problems.
Hypoglycemia
Sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the release of insulin, which can cause your blood sugar to drop too much. Hypoglycemia needs to be dealt with right away. It can be detected by increased heartbeat; sweating; paleness; anxiety; numbness in fingers, toes and lips; sleepiness; confusion; headache and slurred speech.
Bladder Cancer
Actos, which is the world’s best-selling diabetes drug, has been linked to higher rates of bladder cancer. Watch for these signs of Actos bladder cancer: blood in the urine, frequent need to urinate and pain while urinating. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Actos bladder cancer Lawsuits are in the thousands, patients have sued the maker of Actos after developing complications.
Lactic Acidosis
Metformin carries the Food and Drug Administration’s black-box warning because it can lead to lactic acidosis in rare cases. This life-threatening condition occurs when oxygen levels in the body drop and lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream faster than it can be removed.
Lactic acidosis can be detected by checking electrolyte levels. Also watch for nausea, vomiting, lethargy abdominal pain, anxiety and an irregular heart rate.
No matter which medication you and your doctor choose, it’s important to be fully informed about the risks that come with it. Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have.
Alanna Ritchie is a writer for Drugwatch.com. An English major, she is an accomplished technical and creative writer.
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