• Take with food. ; If you drink alcohol, discuss the safe use of alcohol while using this medication with your healthcare professional. ; It is very important that you take or use this exactly as directed. Do not skip doses or discontinue unless directed by your doctor. ;

Common side effects

• Upper respiratory infection
• Dysgeusia
• Headache disorder
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flatulence
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal distension
• Weight loss
• Rhinitis
• Dyspepsia
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Flushing
• Myalgia
• Dyspnea
• Nail disorders
• Hyperhidrosis

If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Weight gain
• Tooth problems or a metallic taste in the mouth

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including

• New/worsening vision problems
• Bone fracture
• Reddish-colored urine
• Urgent need to urinate
• Pain while urinating

Pioglitazone may rarely cause liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including

• Dark urine
• Yellowing of eyes/skin
• Persistent nausea/vomiting
• Stomach/abdominal pain

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction

• Rash
• Itching/swelling
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Other things to note

• This medication usually does not cause low blood sugar . Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications . Low blood sugar is more likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
• Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased.

• Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
• Seek medical care if breathing trouble occurs
• Report sudden weight gain swelling, short breath
• Check blood glucose levels regularly
• Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset
• Tell MD of this drug use before X-ray type tests
• Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol
• Discuss risk and benefits of this drug with doctor.

This combination medication is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

May Treat: Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Brand Names: Actoplus MET · Actoplus Met XR

Drug Class: Antihyperglycemic - Thiazolidinedione and Biguanide Combinations

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication