Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone hydrochloride and Metformin) is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. By controlling your blood sugar, you are preventing problems such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. With having proper control of diabetes using Actoplus Met, you may help lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones or glitazones. This medication works by helping to restore your body’s proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. Metformin also decreases the amount of sugar made by the liver and absorbed by the stomach or intestines. This medication is taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily with food to avoid stomach pain.

Manufacturer Information

Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Actoplus Met from the United Kingdom also called Competact manufactured by Takeda. The generic Pioglitazone/Metformin comes from India also called Gluconorm P by Lupin and Pioz MF by USV.

Common side effects of Actoplus Met may include headaches; diarrhea; weight gain; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing, and sore throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice severe side effects such as:
• Changes in your vision;
• Heart problems- swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• Liver problems- loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice;
• Low red blood cells (anemia);
• Stomach pain, vomiting, slow or irregular heart rate, pink/red urine, urinary problems;
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction - hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face/lips/tongue/throat;
• Unusual muscle pain, feeling cold, trouble breathing, feeling lightheaded, dizzy or tired, feeling weak

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects worsen or persist.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to pioglitazone or metformin, or to other ingredients in this medication. Before using this medication, inform your doctor regarding your medical history, especially if you have ever had severe breathing problems such as lung disease, severe asthma, blood problems such as anemia, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease such as chest pain, fluid in your lungs, swelling, eye problems, or bladder cancer. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or before breast-feeding. Actoplus Met can cause changes in your menstrual cycle and increase the chances of conceiving. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about using birth control. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using this medication as it can increase your risk of lactic acidosis and developing low blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all the medications you use including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Metformin/Pioglitazone and other medications. Actoplus Met is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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