Anti-Diabetic

Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin)

Actoplus Met is used for treating type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

Use Actoplus Met as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with Actoplus Met . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take Actoplus Met by mouth with meals.
Take Actoplus Met on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Actoplus Met at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Actoplus Met even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Actoplus Met is a biguanide and thiazolidinedione antidiabetic combination. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar the liver produces and the intestines absorb. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.

If you miss a dose of Actoplus Met , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

Do NOT use Actoplus Met if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Actoplus Met
• you have type 1 diabetes
• you have moderate to severe heart failure
• you have a severe infection, low blood oxygen levels, kidney or liver problems, or high blood ketone or acid levels (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis), or you are severely dehydrated
• you have had a stroke or a recent heart attack, or you are in shock
• you are 80 years old or more and have not had a kidney function test
• you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
• you have a history of liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), during therapy with a similar medicine called troglitazone

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure), abnormal liver function tests, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, eye or vision problems (eg, macular degeneration), bladder cancer, or lactic acidosis
• if you have fluid retention or swelling problems, vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, or anemia, or if you are dehydrated
• if you have an infection, fever, recent injury, or moderate to severe burns
• if you have a history of bone fracture, weak bones (eg, osteoporosis), or low calcium intake
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
• if you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
• if you take a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol)

• Amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, or vancomycin because they may increase the risk of Actoplus Met 's side effects
• Calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), insulin, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral antidiabetics (eg, glipizide), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
• Gemfibrozil because it may increase the risk of Actoplus Met 's side effects
• Rifampin because it may decrease Actoplus Met 's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their effectiveness may be decreased or the risk of their side effects may be increased by Actoplus Met