Farxiga vs. Actos
See how Farxiga and Actos compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Farxiga treats type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, while Actos is approved only for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
Actos carries a boxed warning for worsening heart failure, while Farxiga is actually used to treat certain types of heart failure.
Farxiga's most common side effects involve genital and urinary infections, while Actos is more associated with respiratory infections, headache, and long-term risks like bladder cancer and fractures.
Farxiga vs. Actos Drug Summary
Farxiga
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and is also approved to treat heart failure and slow chronic kidney disease progression. It comes as a tablet taken once a day, usually starting at 5 mg and increasing to 10 mg if needed.
Actos
Actos (pioglitazone) is a thiazolidinedione used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, either alone or with other diabetes medications. It is taken as a once-daily tablet, typically starting at 15 mg and increasing up to 45 mg based on response.
Farxiga vs. Actos Side Effects
Farxiga
Actos
Farxiga vs. Actos Dosage
Farxiga
Actos
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 45 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Farxiga
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Actos
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 45 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Farxiga vs. Actos Indications
Farxiga
Farxiga is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 and older, and its use has expanded well beyond glucose control. It also treats heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction and slows the progression of chronic kidney disease, even in people without diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10+
Reduce risk of heart failure hospitalization
Treat heart failure (reduced or preserved EF)
Actos
Actos is FDA-approved only for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, used alone or combined with other diabetes medications. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, though this is not an FDA-approved use.
Type 2 diabetes blood sugar control
Used as monotherapy or combination therapy
Off-label: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH)
Farxiga vs. Actos Pros and Cons
Farxiga
Farxiga's clinical profile extends far beyond diabetes, with FDA approval for heart failure and chronic kidney disease that Actos does not share. It carries its own risks, including genital infections and rare but serious complications like Fournier's gangrene.
Pros
Also approved to treat heart failure
Slows chronic kidney disease progression
Approved for children 10 and older with diabetes
Reduces cardiovascular death risk in heart failure
Cons
Risk of genital yeast infections
Rare risk of Fournier's gangrene
Not recommended with significant kidney impairment
Risk of urinary tract infections
Actos
Actos has decades of use and a well-established side effect profile, but its boxed warning for heart failure limits who can safely take it. It remains a straightforward option for glucose control alone or in combination with other diabetes drugs.
Pros
Low-cost generic widely available
Long-term safety track record since 1999
No increased risk of genital infections
No dose adjustment needed for kidney function
Cons
Boxed warning for worsening heart failure
Contraindicated in advanced heart failure
Increased risk of bladder cancer with long-term use
Increased fracture risk in women
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.