Product Details: Actoplus Met (Metformin/Pioglitazone)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a combination of an insulin resistance reducer and a biguanide used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in certain diabetic patients. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. 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. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking your dose at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or change your dose without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver function tests, kidney function tests, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), eye exams, or complete blood counts may be done to check your progress or to monitor for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF BONE FRACTURE IN SOME WOMEN. Inform your doctor if you have a history of bone fracture, low calcium intake, osteoporosis, or weakened bones. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO UNDERGO any x-ray or scanning procedures using injectable iodinated contrast material, be sure to inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You will need to temporarily stop taking this medicine around the time of your procedure. Check with your doctor for more information. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE CONSUMING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while taking this medicine. Excessive alcohol intake can add to your risk of developing a serious, sometimes fatal condition called lactic acidosis. Ask your doctor for more information. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: this medicine may increase your chance of pregnancy by causing ovulation to resume in women who have not been ovulating. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medicine. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. Other therapy may be recommended to control blood sugar during pregnancy. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, headache, nausea, or stomach upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience dizziness, or sore throat. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blurred vision, swelling of the hands or feet, unusual tiredness or weakness, muscle aches or pain, sudden weight gain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, vomiting, yellowing of eyes or skin, loss of appetite, dark urine, or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Metformin/Pioglitazone