Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, Metformin Hydrochloride)
Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, Metformin Hydrochloride) is a mixture of two oral medicines for diabetes that helps control blood sugar levels. This is often prescribed to those with type 2 diabetes and those who do not take insulin injections on a daily basis. This two combination oral diabetes drug works better in controlling blood sugar when combined with diet and exercise.
This medicine should be taken with meals and if you are to undergo any sort of surgery, you have to inform your surgeon that you are taking Actoplus Met. It is supplied in white and pink tablet forms in different dosage. While taking this drug your doctor may ask you to take extra vitamin B12. Use this drug according to your prescribed dosage to ensure a stable blood sugar level.
Side Effects
Actoplus Met possible side effects include:
- Sneezing
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mild nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Joint or muscle pain
- Signs of a cold
These are mild side effects, however you may need to call or go to the doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling or rapid increase in weight
- Loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools and yellowing of the eyes and the skin
- Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, tongue, throat and lips; occurrence of hives
- Fainting spells
- Increased Sleepiness
- Slow heart rate
- Severe muscle pain
- Feeling cold
- Feeling of light-headedness
Warnings:
You should not use this drug if you have the following conditions: liver disease, kidney disease, history of heart attack, or have had congestive heart failure.
Drug Interaction:
Actoplus Met is known to interfere with other prescription medications so it is best to advise your doctor right away if you are taking other medicines. These drugs that counteract with Actoplus Met include diet pills, diuretics, steroids, isoniazid, birth control pills, thyroid medicines like Synthroid as well as phenothiazines. Other drugs that may interfere with Actoplus include digoxin, amiloride, morphine, furosemide, nifedipine, etc. Since there are several enlisted drugs that interact with Actoplus Met, it is advised that you speak with your doctor first before taking this medication.
Those who are taking this medicine are more prone to getting hypoglycemia so it is best to always keep a source of sugar like candy, orange juice, glucose gel or milk handy at all times.