What is Actos (Pioglitazone)?

Actos, which is also known as pioglitazone, is an oral diabetes drug that is supposed to be taken once daily to control blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. This medication works by improving your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which increases glucose absorption by the cells. This helps to lower high levels of blood sugar. Both Actos and Januvia come in pill forms that are supposed to be taken orally.

What is Januvia?

Januvia is an oral prescription drug that is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Januvia is also referred to as sitagliptin and can be used alone or in combination with other oral diabetes drugs to control high levels of blood sugar. However, when this medication is taken with other diabetes drugs, it increases the risk of low blood sugar.

Differences between Actos Vs Januvia

Actos belongs to a class of medications known as thiazolidinedione, while Januvia belongs to a class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 inhibitors function in the body by inhibiting the work of enzymes known as DPP-4, which are responsible for destroying incretins. Incretins are hormones that increase insulin production when blood sugar rises and prevents the liver from producing more glucose. On the other hand, thiazolidinedione drugs like Actos improves your cells’ sensitivity to insulin. When your body is insulin resistant, it cannot be able to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This is a common problem in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, when you take Actos, your cells will become more sensitive to insulin, thus they will be able to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This will help to lower high levels of blood sugar. Another difference is that Januvia refers to the brand name of sitagliptin, while Actos is the brand name of pioglitazone. Also, Actos is a cheap oral diabetes drugs while Januvia is an expensive drug that is sold as brand name. There is a difference in dosage strength where Actos comes in 15mg, 30mg and 45mg. On the other hand, the dosage strength of Januvia is 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

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