Actoplus met: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is Actoplus Met?

Actoplus Met is a combination of two drugs, namely pioglitazone and metformin which is used for drug therapy in adult patients with type two diabetes. Actoplus Met is an oral drug used for type two diabetics who do not depend on daily insulin injections. This drug is not intended for those with type one diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Controlling blood sugar levels in a disciplined manner can reduce the risk of complications in diabetics, such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, amputations, and problems with sexual function. Maintaining blood sugar levels can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Actoplus Met helps reduce high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by restoring your body's natural response to the insulin it produces. The metformin contained in Actoplus Met also plays a role in reducing the amount of sugar that is reabsorbed by the intestines during the digestive process.

How do you use Actoplus Met?

Read the instructions for use that have been given by your pharmacist or doctor before taking Actoplus Met. Actoplus Met is an oral drug that must be swallowed whole and accompanied by mealtimes to prevent pain in the stomach or stomach. Do not split, crush, or chew this medication. This medicine is usually taken one to two times a day. For consumption extended release tablet, drink it at the same time as dinner once a day.

When taking pioglitazone-metformin, make sure you consume plenty of fluids unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor. Dosing is done by considering your health condition and your body's response to treatment.

Take this medicine regularly for optimal results. To make it easier for you to remember to drink it at the same time every day. This drug may only provide optimal benefits when it has been consumed for 2-3 months. Make sure you also do regular blood sugar checks to monitor your body's response to the action of the Actoplus Met drug.

How do you store Actoplus Met?

This medication is best stored at room temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius. Keep it away from direct light and damp places, such as the bathroom. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this medication if it has reached the expiration date or is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for disposal of this product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Dosage of Actoplus Met for adult patients with type two diabetes

The individual dosage is based on each person's body response to this treatment. Monitoring should still be done to see if a combination drug such as Actoplus Met provides a greater benefit than a single therapy.

Initial dose: metformin 500 mg-pioglitazone 15 mg, twice daily or metformin 850 mg-pioglitazone 15 mg, once daily.

Maintenance dose: increase dose gradually based on safety and effectiveness of body response.

Maximum daily dose: metformin 2,550 mg-pioglitazone 45 mg.

Extended release (XR) tablets:

Initial dose: metformin 1,000 mg-pioglitazone 15 mg or metformin 1,000 mg-pioglitazone 30 mg, once a day

Maintenance dose: increase dose gradually based on safety and effectiveness of body response.

Maximum daily dose: metformin 2,000 mg-pioglitazone 45 mg

Metformin above 2,000 mg can be given by dividing it into three times a day.

Dosage for elderly patients with type two diabetes

The same as the dosage given to adult patients. However, do not give this drug to elderly people who are over 80 years of age without first doing kidney function tests.

In what dosages and preparations is Actoplus Met (Metformin / Pioglitazone) available?

Tablet, Oral: 500 mg / 15 mg, 850 mg / 15 mg

Tablet (XR), Oral: 1,000 mg / 15 mg, 1,000 mg / 30 mg

Side effects

What side effects might occur due to using Actoplus Met?

The use of Metformin in some people may trigger lactic acidosis conditions. It is characterized by muscle pain or weakness, numbness or coldness in the arms and legs, breathing problems, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, dizziness, or extreme fatigue. If these symptoms do not go away or get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Although rare, the use of pioglitazone can be a cause of liver disease. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms such as dark colored urine, yellowing eyes / skin, nausea / vomiting that doesn't go away, pain in the stomach / heartburn.

Allergic reactions are known to occur rarely due to consumption of this drug. Even so, contact your doctor if you find symptoms of an allergic reaction to the drug, such as redness, itching, swelling, especially in the face, eyes, lips, tongue and throat, and shortness of breath.

The explanation above may not cover all the side effects that arise due to consumption of Actoplus Met. Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects that you are worried about.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I know before taking Actoplus Met?

• Tell your doctor about any drug allergies you have, including allergies to metformin or pioglitazone and other drugs
• Tell your doctor about all medical history you have, including past or current illnesses. The use of pioglitazone, although in the rare category, can trigger or even worsen liver disease and heart failure
• Before performing any surgery or procedures that use X rays such as a CT scan or MRI that uses contrast fluid, inform your doctor about using Actoplus Met. You may have to stop taking this drug for a while
• Taking this drug may cause you to develop blood problems such as a vitamin B12 deficiency. Your doctor may prescribe B12 at the same time as this medication. Drink according to the recommended dose
• The use of Actoplus Met may cause hypoglycemia. Do not engage in activities requiring high alertness after taking this medicine before knowing its effects on your body
• Pioglitazone can increase the risk of fractures in women, especially in the upper arms, hands or feet. Talk to your doctor about anticipatory steps you can take
• Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant before taking this medicine
• This medicine may cause changes in the menstrual cycle and increase the chance of an unplanned pregnancy. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of birth control devices while using this medicine

Is Actoplus Met safe to use for pregnant women?

Use of this drug during pregnancy is only given if the benefits it produces outweigh the risks to the fetus. Your doctor may recommend giving insulin instead of giving this drug.

There are no studies that prove the risk level of the drug Actoplus Met in pregnant women. However, pioglitazone has been shown to come out of the body through breast milk in small amounts. Nursing mothers are not advised to take this drug.

Drug Interactions

What drugs interact with Actoplus Met?

Tell your doctor if you are taking insulin. Taking Actoplus Met as well as taking insulin can increase the risk of serious heart disease. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially:

• Gemfibrozil
• Ranitidine
• Antibiotics, such as rifampin, trimethoprim, vancomycin
• Medicines for high blood pressure, such as digoxin, nifedipine, procainamide, quinidine

You may develop hyperglycemia if you take other drugs that increase blood sugar at the same time as Actoplus Met, such as:

• Isoniazid
• Diuretic
• Steroids, such as prednisone
• Niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin)
• Phenothiazines (compazine)
• Thyroid medications, such as Synthroid
• Contraceptive pills and hormones
• Diet medicine or medication for asthma, hay fever, or allergies

The list above does not include all drugs that interact with Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone / Metformin). Save and inform all the drugs you take, both prescription and nonprescription, herbal medicines, and multivitamins to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Overdose

What should I do if I overdose on Actoplus Met?

In case of an emergency, immediately call 119 or the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose can cause lactic acidosis. Some of the symptoms that appear include intense drowsiness, nausea / vomiting / diarrhea, rapid breathing, and slow / irregular heartbeat.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Make sure to drink it at the same time as eating. If the time is too close to the next schedule, skip the missed dose and continue on to the original schedule. Do not double your dose on a single medication schedule.