Is Actos, the medication for type II diabetes, dangerous to your health?

My Dr prescribed Actos for Type II diabetes two days ago. After doing a little research on my own I have learned that certain blood tests should be ordered prior to taking this prescription medication.

Needless to say, my Dr did not order prior blood work.

I am also learning about some negative side effects, possible death, that is really scaring me. Although, the medication has decreased the amount of sugar in my bloodstream, is it worth taking the risk of developing heart failure, weight gain, water retention, possibly liver problems and maybe death.

Does anyone here uses the medication?

Actos is like any drug on the market- it can be bad for SOME people (a tiny percentage) but is safe for the vast majority of those who use it. My PCP and Diabetes Educator have no problem prescribing it because the benefits far outweigh the risks.

I took Actosplus Met for a while. It did indeed cause me some major problems. It kept the glucose numbers in tight check up until I got edema - very fat ankles and couldn't put on my shoes!

Now I have a heart murmur and the doc says I have had a Silent Ischemia.

Didn't your doc do any blood work? How does he know you need this med if he didn't do some blood work?
E me and we will discuss this more.

I've been taking Actos and Metformin for about 4 years now, and I've had no bad effects at all. My doctor DID order all kinds of blood tests and repeats them every 3 months.

Are you sure you didn't have blood work? That's pretty much standard for every follow up visit when you're diabetic.