What is the most important information I should know about ActoPlus Met?
Lactic acidosis, which can be fatal, may occur while taking ActoPlus Met.
Symptoms include:
- general body discomfort,
- muscle pain,
- breathing problems,
- increasing drowsiness,
- upset stomach,
- cold skin,
- dizziness,
- tiredness,
- lightheadedness,
- and slowed heartbeat.
If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention at once.
Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have heart failure, kidney or liver problems, a lack of body fluids or dehydration, x-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, surgery, serious infection, heart attack, stroke, or who use alcohol excessively. Also at higher risk are the elderly, especially those older than 80 years of age who have not had kidney and liver function tests.
Thiazolidinedione antidiabetics such as ActoPlus Met may cause or worsen heart failure in some patients. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart failure. ActoPlus Met should not be used to treat patients with moderate to severe heart failure. You will be monitored for signs of heart failure when you start ActoPlus Met and when your dose increases. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; or sudden unexplained weight gain. Your doctor may need to stop your medicine or change your dose.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking metformin and pioglitazone. Together, alcohol and metformin and pioglitazone may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.
Metformin and pioglitazone does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Nevertheless, hypoglycemia may occur, as a result of skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, which include:
- hunger,
- headache,
- drowsiness,
- weakness,
- dizziness,
- a fast heartbeat,
- sweating,
- tremor,
- and nausea.
Carry a non-dietetic candy or glucose tablets to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking ActoPlus Met?
Do not take metformin and pioglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you:
- have type 1 diabetes;
- have liver or kidney disease;
- have acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis;
- have congestive heart failure;
- have had a heart attack or a stroke;
- have a serious infection, illness, or injury;
- need to have surgery;
- need to have x-rays or other procedures using injectable contrast agents;
- are dehydrated (have lost water from your body) due to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, heat stroke, decreased fluid intake, or any other cause;
- have edema (water retention or swelling);
- drink alcohol; or
- are 80 years of age or older and have not had your kidney function tested.
You may not be able to take metformin and pioglitazone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Treatment with metformin and pioglitazone may cause resumption of fertility by allowing the return of ovulation (production of eggs) in certain women with insulin resistance who were not ovulating before treatment with metformin and pioglitazone. Talk to your doctor about adequate forms of birth control while taking metformin and pioglitazone if birth control is desired.
Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, require surgery, or if you experience a serious injury. Illness or injury may cause a loss of blood sugar control and insulin (or an adjustment of a current insulin dose) may be required for a period of time.
Metformin and pioglitazone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Generally, insulin is the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take metformin and pioglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether metformin and pioglitazone passes into breast milk. Do not take metformin and pioglitazone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over the age of 65 years, there may be an slight increase in the risk of developing lactic acidosis due to a natural decline in kidney function with advancing age. A lower dose or special monitoring may be necessary during treatment.
More information about ACTOPLUS MET (Pioglitazone/Metformin):
ACTOplus met Approved by the FDA for Type 2 Diabetes
To buy ACTOPLUS MET click HERE: My Family Drugstore
Tags: Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin), Conditions & Treatments, Medications, Type 2 Diabetes