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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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin and pioglitazone. 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.

You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have congestive heart failure.

Do not use metformin and pioglitazone if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking metformin and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure or heart disease;
• a history of heart attack or stroke;
• liver disease; or
• eye problems caused by diabetes.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin and pioglitazone. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with metformin and pioglitazone.

Some women using metformin and pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether metformin and pioglitazone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether metformin and pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take metformin and pioglitazone without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I take metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take metformin and pioglitazone with meals.

Metformin and pioglitazone is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need regular eye exams. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking metformin and pioglitazone for a short time if any of these situations affect you.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

• hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;
• drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;
• sweating, fast heartbeat;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking metformin and pioglitazone. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

Store metformin and pioglitazone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.