Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin)

What is Actoplus Met?

Actoplus Met is a combination of two oral diabetes medications called metformin and pioglitazone. Metformin belongs to a drug group called biguanide and pioglitazone is a drug from the family of glitazones or thiazolidinediones.

What is Actoplus Met used for?

Actoplus Met is prescribed to type2 (non insulin dependent) diabetes patients. Controlled blood sugar levels further help prevent heart attacks, kidney damage, blindness, loss of limbs, nerve problems and problems associated with sexual functions.

Also, it is important to note that the medicine does not treat type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes.

How does Actoplus Met work?

Actoplus Met works by restoring the body’s response system to the naturally produced insulin in the body. The important agent called pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity in the body and reduces insulin circulating levels.

How to use Actoplus Met

Consult your doctor before you start taking Actoplus Met and each time you get it refilled. This medicine is usually taken once or twice daily along with the daily meals for the prescribed number of days. Do not consume more than 45 milligrams of pioglitazone and 2550 milligrams of metformin per day without the doctor’s advice. Swallow the whole pill to avoid release of more than required drug for the body. Remember to consume Actoplus Met at the same time each day.

Get your blood test done on a regular basis to keep a check on your blood sugar levels. Keep the medicine at the room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

If you suffer from low blood sugar level, then remember to keep glucose gel, milk, orange juice and candy handy. Your doctor may prescribe you Vitamin B12, but it should be taken in the prescribed manner only.

Actoplus Met warnings and precautions

Do not use Actoplus Met if you are allergic to pioglitazone, metformin or any other type of glitazones. Prior to taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have a medical history of conditions like low oxygen or blood levels, lack of body fluids, liver disease, type 1 diabetes, metabolic acidosis and serious infection. You might need an adjustment with the dosage, but do not alter your dosing schedule on your own.

Inform your doctor in advance if you need to undergo any type of x-ray or CT scan in which a dye has to be injected into your veins. Your physician might ask you to stop the dosage of Actoplus Met for some time.

Women might experience menstrual periods, which did not happen over a long period of time due to some medical condition. In such case, consult your doctor immediately as you may get pregnant during these times. If you are planning a family while under the prescription period of this medication, inform the physician. Lactating females should not use this medication, unless prescribed by the doctor.

Avoid physical activities or activities that require alertness, after consumption of Actoplus Met. Stop taking alcohol while under this medication as it may lead to low blood sugar levels.

What do I do if I have missed a Actoplus Met dose?

If you have missed a dose of Actoplus Met, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Actoplus Met overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Actoplus Met, contact your doctor immediately.

Actoplus Met interactions

Do not change, stop or start any medicine without seeking medical assistance as it can lead to drug interactions. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs that you are already taking.

If you are taking Actoplus Met with any other drug you may have high blood sugar levels. Some of these drugs include birth control pills, steroids, thyroid medicines, diet pills, seizure medicines, diuretics and phenothiazines. If you have to get your x-ray done, then your doctor may advise to stop iodinated contrast material as it can interact with the procedure. If you are using furosemide, morphine, vancomycin, digoxin, quinidine or other related drugs, then tell your doctor immediately.

Consumption of drugs like sulfa drugs, insulin, beta blockers, aspirin or NSAIDs along with Actoplus Met can lead to low blood sugar levels.

Actoplus Met side effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience side effects of Actoplus Met like lactic acidosis symptoms and other problems like troubled breathing, dizziness or muscle pain. Rapid weight gain, sudden pain in arms, dark urine, clay colored stools, swelling,  trouble concentrating, jaundice are some of the major side effects of this drug.

Less serious side effects from Actoplus Met may include sneezing, nausea, headache and upset stomach.