Why is Actoplus Met prescribed?

Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin) is prescribed to control and manage type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to use insulin normally, causing high blood sugar levels. Actoplus Met is specific for type 2 diabetes and should be taken in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise to improve blood sugar control.

What does it do?

Actoplus Met contains two medications, Pioglitazone and Metformin, and they help control blood sugar levels using different mechanisms.

Pioglitazone is classified as a thiazolidinedione and it requires insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels) to elicit its effect. Pioglitazone allows the body to control blood sugar levels by increasing your body’s response to insulin.

Metformin is classified as a biguanide and its action is to decrease your liver’s production of glucose, decrease the amount of glucose absorbed from your food intake, and to improve your body’s response to insulin.

How should I take it?

Actoplus Met is available in 15mg/500mg and 15mg/850mg tablets intended to be taken orally. It may cause stomach upset and it is recommended to take it after meals. Follow your doctor’s full prescribing instructions.

When taking Actoplus Met, swallow the tablet whole. It should not be crushed, chewed, broken in half, or tampered with in any way.

Taking this drug may cause you to have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may feel dizzy, extremely hungry, and irritable. To treat this, you can eat or drink a source of sugar that is readily available such as regular soda, candies, or fruit juices.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any concerns you may have in taking Actoplus Met. Do not alter your dose without consulting your doctor.

What if I missed a dose?

The desired effects of prescribed medications will only be achieved if taken properly. As much as possible, strictly follow your doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule. However, if you miss a dose, take it immediately and adjust the time of your next dose depending on your doctor’s advice. Never take two doses at the same time just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before taking Actoplus Met?

Inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have especially if you have heart failure, kidney diseases or cancers, diabetic ketoacidosis, eye problems related to diabetes, and liver problems. If you will also undergo any diagnostic procedure, especially with the use of a dye, inform your doctor as well. Actoplus Met may not be suitable for you to take in these cases and should be discussed with your doctor.

Taking Actoplus Met may cause lactic acidosis especially if you are over 65 years old and have other medical conditions. Inform your doctor of your risk.

Actoplus Met may also make you susceptible to pregnancy due to its ability to stimulate ovulation. If you do not intend to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any component of Actoplus Met. This product may contain inactive ingredients which may cause allergic reactions.

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications.

For the drug label information of Actoplus Met, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects may include:
• Anemia
• Bladder problems
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Edema
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Weight gain

Serious side effects may include:
• Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• Dizziness
• Heart problems
• Liver problems
• Muscle pains
• Painful urination
• Stomach pain
• Vision changes
• Vomiting

Is it safe to take it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause serious or life-threatening reactions when administered together. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Actoplus Met with any of the following medications:

• Amiloride
• Aspirin
• Cardizem
• Coreg
• Crestor
• Diamox
• Dyrenium
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Isoptin
• Lanoxin
• Lasix
• Morphine
• Neurontin
• Plendil
• Procainamide
• Procardia
• Quinidine
• Ranitidine
• Toprol XL
• Trimethoprim
• Vancocin
• Warfarin
• Zestril

This information does not reflect all possible drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Actoplus Met in a clean environment away from light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Always keep it in the container it came in.

Keep out of reach from children and pets. This medication is specific for you and must not be consumed by others. Dispose medications that are no longer needed or expired.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Heart irregularities
• Hypoglycemia
• Lactic acidosis
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Weakness

In instances where the patient has trouble breathing, had a seizure, has collapsed, or can’t be woken up, immediately call an ambulance for immediate medical attention.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Pioglitazone and Metformin should not be taken during pregnancy and it is not determined if this medication will cause harm to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. It is crucial to control high blood glucose levels during pregnancy as the presence of high blood sugar in the body may cause complications to you and your baby.

Pioglitazone and Metformin should not be taken while breastfeeding. It is not established if the use of this medication passes into human milk, which may cause harm to the newborn.

Consult your doctor on how to manage your blood sugar levels if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding.

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