Pioglitazone and Metformin



Actoplus Met™







Pioglitazone and Metformin

(pye oh GLI ta zone & met FOR min)

U.S. Brand Names
Actoplus Met™
Pharmacologic Category
Antidiabetic Agent, Biguanide; Antidiabetic Agent, Thiazolidinedione
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • A small number of people may develop an acidity to their blood. Metformin can cause this. It may occur in people whose liver or kidneys do not work normally.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child.
  • If you have an allergy to metformin, pioglitazone, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Acidic blood condition, dehydration, drink alcohol to excess, kidney disease, liver disease, or severely weakened heart.
  • If you have active liver disease or yellowing skin or eyes during troglitazone therapy.
  • If you are having an x-ray with dye.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients.
How does it work?
  • Pioglitazone increases insulin activity in the body.
  • Metformin reduces sugar production and helps insulin work better.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you are 80 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Do not drive if blood sugar has been low. There is a greater risk of an accident.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Risk of pregnancy in female of childbearing age who have not been ovulating.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work to prevent pregnancy. Use another form of birth control while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugar.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Metallic taste. This is usually reversible.
  • Swelling.
  • Headache.
  • Nasal irritation.
  • Cough.
  • Weight gain.
  • Liver damage can rarely occur.
  • Worsening of heart failure can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check weight weekly. Report a weight change to healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam and visit to the foot doctor.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
  • Severe dizziness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Feeling cold.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness.
  • Not hungry.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: