Drug Name
Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin)
Drug
Uses
Actoplus Met is used for treating type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It
may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.
How to use
Use Actoplus
Met as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient
leaflet is available with Actoplus Met . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take Actoplus Met by mouth with meals.
Take Actoplus Met on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
Taking Actoplus Met at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Actoplus Met
even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Actoplus Met
is a biguanide and thiazolidinedione antidiabetic combination. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar the liver
produces and the intestines absorb. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally
produce.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Actoplus Met , take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature at
77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.
Warnings/Precautions
Do
NOT use Actoplus Met if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Actoplus Met
you have type 1 diabetes
you have moderate to severe heart failure
you have a severe infection, low blood oxygen levels, kidney or
liver problems, or high blood ketone or acid levels (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis), or you are severely dehydrated
you have had a stroke or a recent heart attack, or you are in shock
you are 80 years old or more and have not
had a kidney function test
you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
you have a history of
liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called
troglitazone
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Actoplus Met . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical
conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or
dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of
heart problems (eg, heart failure), abnormal liver function tests, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems,
stomach or bowel problems (eg, paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, eye or vision problems (eg,
macular degeneration), bladder cancer, or lactic acidosis
if you have fluid retention or swelling problems,
vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, or anemia, or if you are
dehydrated
if you have an infection, fever, recent injury, or moderate to severe burns
if you have a
history of bone fracture, weak bones (eg, osteoporosis), or low calcium intake
if you drink alcohol or have a
history of alcohol abuse
if you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
if you take a
beta-blocker (eg, propranolol)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Actoplus Met . Tell your health care provider
if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin,
morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, or vancomycin because they may
increase the risk of Actoplus Met 's side effects
Calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine), corticosteroids
(eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth
control pills), insulin, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral antidiabetics (eg, glipizide), phenothiazines (eg,
chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormones (eg,
levothyroxine) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
Gemfibrozil because it may increase
the risk of Actoplus Met 's side effects
Rifampin because it may decrease Actoplus Met 's effectiveness,
resulting in high blood sugar
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their effectiveness may be decreased or the
risk of their side effects may be increased by Actoplus Met
Possible Side Effects
All
medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of
these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Cold-like symptoms; diarrhea; headache;
indigestion; mild weight gain; nausea; stomach upset.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these
SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing;
tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; bone
pain; chest pain or discomfort; dark urine; difficult or painful urination; dizziness or lightheadedness; fainting;
fast or difficult breathing; feeling of being unusually cold; general feeling of being unwell; muscle pain or
weakness; pale stools; persistent loss of appetite; severe or persistent headache, nausea, or vomiting; shortness of
breath; slow or irregular heartbeat; sudden unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual
stomach pain or discomfort; unusual drowsiness; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
More Information
If you have any questions about Actoplus Met , please talk with
your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Actoplus Met is to be used only by the patient for whom
it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse,
check with your doctor.
If using Actoplus Met for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.