Actoplus Met
Pioglitazone/Metformin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Actoplus Met
Actoplus Met contain 2 anti diabetic drugs, Pioglitazone and metformin. Pioglitazone is thiazolidinedione oral hypoglycemic (drug that reduce blood sugar level) drug and metformin is a biguanide group of oral hypoglycemic drugs. Both of the drugs act by reducing blood sugar level. Both of the oral hypoglycemic drugs also help in diabetes by making the body more sensitive to insulin. Metformin also helps reducing body weight in obese diabetic patients and it is preferred for treatment of obese type 2 diabetes patients.
Therapeutic Uses of the Product
Actoplus Met is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used in combination with exercise and diet. Actoplus Met is used either alone or with other anti diabetics like insulin or other oral hypoglycemic drugs.
Direction of use of Actoplus Met
Use Actoplus Met as directed by your physician. There are labels on the packet of medicine for direction of use. There is also a separate leaflet about Actoplus Met. If you have any doubt please contact your health care provider.
Actoplus Met is taken orally once a day preferably with a major meal. Actoplus Met should be taken in the same time every day to get maximum benefit from it, because it help to maintain the blood sugar control and also help to remember it. Actoplus Met has to be taken for long duration (life long), so if you feel well also you have to keep taking them.
Dose of Actoplus Met, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Actoplus Met than take it as soon as remembered. Do not take 2 doses together to catch up. If the dose is missed for long time and almost time for next dose, than skip the dose and take as regular dose.
How to Store Actoplus Met
Store Actoplus Met at room temperature at about 77 degree Fahrenheit or 25 degree Centigrade, in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and heat and direct sunlight. But it can be stored for a short duration of time at 59-86 degree Fahrenheit (15-30 degree Centigrade).
More Information About
If there is any doubt regarding Actoplus Met, talk to your doctor or other health care provider. Do not share Actoplus Met with anybody; it should be used by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. If there is no improvement in symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not use same drug of other manufacturer as it may cause some variation in the blood glucose level. You should refill the tablets before the supply runs out.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking
Actoplus Met should not be used if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients of Actoplus Met.
- If you have heart failure, recent heart attack/stroke or during shock.
- If you are a patient of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- If you have to undergo major surgery very soon.
- If you are very old (above 80 years) and kidney function is compromised.
- You should not take Actoplus Met during severe infection, severe dehydration, and low oxygen saturation of blood, abnormal liver and kidney functions and during severe form of diabetes like diabetic ketoacidosis.
- If you have suffered from jaundice during treatment with similar medicines known as triglitazones.
Some health conditions can interact with Actoplus Met and you should inform about the conditions (if you have) to your doctor or health care provider if you have any of the following:
- If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy or you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you have allergy to any food, medicine etc.
- If you are taking beta blocker drugs like propranolol.
- If you are taking any other medicines either prescription medicine or non prescription medicine.
- If you are heavy drinker or have history of alcohol abuse.
- If you suffer from anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, vitamin B12 deficiency, calcium deficiency, poor nutrition status, fluid retention or edema or dehydration.
- If you have suffered from fracture or osteoporosis or low calcium intake.
- If you will undergo major operation or major lab procedure in short time.
- If you are suffering from infections, burns, fever or recent severe injury.
- If you have history of heart trouble like heart failure, thyroid problems, liver function tests that was not normal, breathing problems, stomach or bowel problems like paralysis, blockage, adrenal or pituitary problems, vision problems like macular degeneration, bladder cancer or lactic acidosis.
Some medicines interact with Actoplus Met and if you are taking any of the medicines that interact with Actoplus Met like the following list, tell your doctor:
- Calcium channel blockers (antihypertensive) like nifedipine, corticosteroids like prednisone, diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, hormonal contraceptives, isoniazid (anti tuberculosis drug), other oral hypoglycemic drugs like glipizide, nicotinic acid (B complex vitamin), sympathomimetics, pseudoephedrine, thyroid hormones (levothyroxine) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be there.
- Gemfibrozil (can increase the side effects of Actoplus Met).
- Amiloride, ranitidine, cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, trimethoprim, vancomycin etc. (they may increase the risk of Actoplus Met’s side effects).
- Rifampin (reduces the effectiveness of Actoplus Met due to liver enzyme production that metabolizes Actoplus Met faster).
- Anticoagulants like warfarin (their effectiveness can be lesser and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Actoplus Met).
Possible Adverse Effects of Actoplus Met
All medicines have adverse effects. Some are mild and some can become bothersome. Some of the common side effects of Actoplus Met are hypoglycemia, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, weight gain etc.
If any of the following side effects occur immediately consult your doctor:
- Allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of Actoplus Met (breathlessness, skin rash, tightness in chest, swelling of lips, face, throat etc.), loss of appetite for long time, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, bone pain, chest pain, chest discomfort, dark color urine, difficult and painful urination, general weakness.