Hi everyone. Well, I was reading a really old sticky in here that was like "A Must-Read for PCOS" or something like that, and the author said that Actos was a preferable drug to Metformin because of fewer side effects, easier on the liver, etc. But it seems nobody is prescribed this. I googled it, and couldn't find any reason why it isn't used. Just wondering if anyone is on Actos (or Avandia) and if you had heard anything about it. Thanks!
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Laura B, 33 yrs old
DH Shannon, 31
DX Dec. 2007, thin PCOS
RX Metformin 1500 mg
I am guessing it's not as popular here in the States than in European cities/countries. I also know for a fact that it is a very expensive drug. I am consulting with an endo about getting on Actos because luckily, my med insurance covers it.
__________________ Currently supplementing with:
-Flaxseed Oil
-Cinnamon
-Chromium Piconilate
-Cal/Mag/VitD
Undergoing treatment for PCOS, IR, Adenomyosis
attempting to avoid hysterectomy
I am currently on Actos and as of only a month ago, my doctor has started prescribing it instead of Met because there are little to no side effects. I pay $20 instead of $10 copay for it and have BC/BS insurance. As for how effective it is...I haven't had an AF in the longest time ever for me. This is something I've heard of happening with Met, but I don't really know what it means. In fact, I'm on here to see if I can find out more about that. Another woman on another board said that Actos has usually been used to supplement Met and is not as proven to be effective. Again, my doctor only made the switch about a month ago so it seems he must know something about there being a switch recently. It is very true that I have little to no side effects. Occasionally (like once or twice) I have felt generally swollen, but nothing I couldn't handle.
I would like to hear more as well....
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I am also on actos. I started it 3 months ago and i take it with my metformin. I love actos. I just went back to my endo for the results of my blood tests and my fasting glucose, triglorides (sp), liver enyemes were normal. They had been elavated in January. Also, my cholostrol is still high but it come down 50 points. My endo was very inpressed, since my blood tests have never been this good.
He also said that since i had a very good cycle, where i ovulated on CD16 that the actos was helping with that too. He said i had three things working for me now, femara, metformin and the actos. I was very excited when he talked to me about it. I hope its my miracle drug to get pregnant.
I also have BC/BS but have not filled my prescription yet, the endo gave me enough samples to last till tomorrow.
__________________ Tawny (32) , DH (36) Twins-Sami & Abby Daisy Mae To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & Lilly To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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I was on Met and actos when I got pregnant. My RE and endo said that the actos wouldn't help with weight loss but might help me feel better. (they are pretty sure I am now a diabetic).
My RE only prescribes glucophage (metformin) for PCOS patients.
I lost weight on the glucophage at first and then gained 40lbs. On the actos I lost about 20lbs. But I felt better which was the main goal. That and I got my BFP which I am pretty sure the actos somehow contributed to it.
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i posted a similar question on the TTC boards. i tried met and couldn't get over 1000mg without severe s/e. i do believe that i am IR even though i am not clinically dx. i would love to try actos/avandia but it seems like it is rarely prescribed. i hope someone gives us some good advice or info.
__________________ me 35; dh 37
pcos & MFI
TTC 2.5yrs: clomid, femara, 3IUI's and 3 fresh IVF's... finally a BFP!
BFP 1/09(triplets);
loss baby B @8wks(vanishing triplet);
loss baby Noel @16.5wks(pPROM) forever in my heart;
5 months of bed rest, cerclage and PRAYER delivered healthy baby at 38wks1day...humbled and forever grateful for my miracle baby Noah! Praise God!
I was kind of scared to try Actos after my doctor prescribed it. I have been taking it for one week, and I can already tell a huge difference. Before, I would have to eat every 2-3 hours or I would feel very sick (like hypoglycemia). Now, I can go for 5-6 hours without eating. I have to remind myself to snack like I am supposed to for the South Beach diet. I wish now that I had not waited to start taking it!
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Me(28) + DH (29) = 3 years married
M/C 2001 (11wks), 2003 (6wks), 2007 (10wks)
BFP 8-27-08
Ainsley is here! 4-21-09
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And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
I have BCBS too, and I will be seeing an endo for the first time in early June. I will discuss Actos with her but will go with whatever she thinks I should be on, as long as it's not Metformin/Glucophage. I was on that for a year at 500 mg/day and I ended up with a lot of stomach problems. I refuse to go on that again.
__________________ Currently supplementing with:
-Flaxseed Oil
-Cinnamon
-Chromium Piconilate
-Cal/Mag/VitD
Undergoing treatment for PCOS, IR, Adenomyosis
attempting to avoid hysterectomy
Actos; please share what you know 
