The side effects of thiazolidinediones diabetic medications are more rare than with other types of oral diabetes medications. The side effects that can occur can be extremely dangerous and should be reported immediately to the physician or the diabetic patient should seek treatment in the hospital emergency room.

One of the most serious side effects of this oral diabetes medication can be elevated liver enzymes that can lead to liver failure. The prescribing physician will monitor liver function closely to ensure the liver enzymes are not elevated.

The other side effects of thiazolidinediones can be respiratory infection, headache and fluid retention. While these side effects are not as dangerous as liver failure, they are still serious for the type II diabetic that is prescribed these oral diabetes mediations.