Pill Identifier Search

May 22, 2012

Actoplus MET

Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) »

Diabetes facts

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.
Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.
The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst and hunger as well as fatigue.
Diabetes is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing.
The major complications of diabetes are both acute and chronic.
- Acutely: dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications may occur.
- Chronically: disease of the blood vessels (both small and large) which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart may occur
Diabetes treatment depends...

Read the Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR User Reviews >>

Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR

Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow Pictures

Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow Pictures

Take the Diabetes Quiz!

font size

Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Actoplus Met

Generic Name: metformin and pioglitazone (Pronunciation: met FOR min and PYE o GLI ta zone)

What is metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

Metformin and pioglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Metformin and pioglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin and pioglitazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Actoplus Met 15-500 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 4833M, 15/500

Actoplus Met 15-850 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 4833M, 15/850

What are the possible side effects of metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

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.

Stop using metformin and pioglitazone and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling or rapid weight gain; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold;
dizziness;
headache;
mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; or
joint or muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metformin and pioglitazone (Actoplus MET, Actoplus MET XR)?

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related Drug Centers