Actoplus Met

Actoplus Met (pioglitazone and metformin) is a combination of two oral diabetes drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone is in a class of medications called thiazolidinediones, while metformin is in a class of medications called biguanides.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body does not make enough insulin and/or is unable to use insulin properly. This causes your body to have too much sugar (glucose) in your blood.

Actoplus Met works by helping your body to better use the insulin it makes. It also decreases the amount of sugar your liver makes and the amount of sugar your intestines absorb.

Actoplus Met is usually taken once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and take this medicine exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Take Actoplus Met with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

You should not use Actoplus Met if you are allergic to pioglitazone or metformin, or if you have severe kidney disease, heart failure, or metabolic acidosis.

To make sure Actoplus Met is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (your kidney function may need to be checked before you take this medicine);
• heart disease, congestive heart failure;
• a history of heart attack;
• a history of stroke;
• liver disease;
• pancreatitis;
• alcoholism; or
• high blood pressure.

If you have high blood sugar (glucose) levels, you may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and may experience symptoms such as dizziness or shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, hunger, confusion, or headache. Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have diabetes. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you have diabetes.

Actoplus Met is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Actoplus Met is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Pioglitazone and metformin may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.