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In this Article

• What is metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What are the possible side effects of metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What is the most important information I should know about metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• How should I take metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What happens if I overdose (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What should I avoid while taking metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• What other drugs will affect metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma.

An overdose of metformin and pioglitazone may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin and pioglitazone. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine.

What other drugs will affect metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking metformin and pioglitazone with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

• isoniazid;
• diuretics (water pills);
• steroids (prednisone and others);
• phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
• thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);
• birth control pills and other hormones;
• seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and
• diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking metformin and pioglitazone with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);
• sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);
• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);
• beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or
• probenecid (Benemid).

Some medications may interact with metformin and pioglitazone. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• furosemide (Lasix);
• nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia);
• cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac);
• amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium);
• digoxin (Lanoxin);
• morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph);
• procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid);
• quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);
• trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra); or
• vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with metformin and pioglitazone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metformin and pioglitazone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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