Actoplus Met Side Effects

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ACTOplus met and ACTOplus met XR are "2-in-1" prescription medications that combine Actos (pioglitazone) with the drug metformin. Actos works by helping the body make better use of the insulin it makes. Metformin lowers the amount of sugar produced by the liver. Metformin also helps insulin work more efficiently.[1]

ACTOplus met XR contains an extended-release form of metformin which is slowly released in the body throughout the day. Along with a program of diet and exercise, ACTOplus met and ACTOplus met XR improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. They are not for patients with Type 1 "juvenile" diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Since they contain the same ingredient as Actos, ACTOplus met and ACTOplus met XR also share all of same precautions, warnings and side effects as both Actos and metformin. These include symptoms of the cold like runny nose, sore throat, achy muscles and headache.[2]



Flickr: Actos
Brand name for pioglitazone + metformin hydrochloride
Manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.
Uses Treats type 2 diabetes
Common metformin side effects Diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, gas, constipation, unpleasant metallic taste in mouth, heartburn.
Common pioglitazone side effects Runny nose and other cold symptoms, headache, muscle pain, tooth or mouth pain, sore throat.
Who should not take ACTOplus met Certain patients with symptoms of heart failure, people with kidney disease or people 80 years of age or older whose kidneys do not work properly, people with metabolic acidosis or who drink excessive alcohol, people allergic to metformin or pioglitazone.[2]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Actoplus met Side Effects

  • The most common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, gas, constipation, unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, heartburn, headache, sneezing, cough, runny nose, flushing of the skin, nail changes and muscle pain. More serious side effects include chest pain and rash.[1]
  • Common side effects of pioglitazone include runny nose and other cold symptoms, headache, muscle pain, tooth or mouth pain, and sore throat. Other pioglitazone side effects can be serious, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and altered or diminished vision.[3]


About Drug Side Effects

Adverse reactions that can occur with drugs like Actoplus Met

Actoplus Met Allergic Reactions

Most patients treated with Acto plus will not experience allergic reaction. However, serious reactions are possible. Symptoms include trouble breathing, hives, red, itchy skin, and swelling in the face or other parts of the body. Those who are not allergic to metformin or pioglitazone may still experience allergic reactions to any of the inactive ingredients found in this medication.[4]

Actoplus Met Precautions and Warnings

  • There is a slight chance that patients taking metformin will experience a potentially fatal condition called lactic acidosis. This happens when acid accumulates in the blood.[2] Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness or exhaustion, muscular pain, breathing problems, feeling cold, pain in the stomach, dizziness, slowed heartbeat, liver tenderness or swelling and unexplained weight loss.[5]
  • Drinking alcohol increases the chances of lactic acidosis with Actoplus [6]
  • Dehydration from inadequate water intake, diuretic use, fever or vomiting can increase the risk of lactic acidosis with Actosplus.[4]
  • The elderly are particularly prone to lactic acidosis, as well as low blood sugar, while taking Actoplus met.
  • Women who take pioglitazone might be more likely to fracture bones in the hands, feet and upper arms.[4]
  • Pioglitazone can cause heart failure, or exacerbate existing heart problems. Symptoms include rapid weight gain, water retention, shortness of breath, or feelings of tiredness.[2]
  • Actoplus met can cause blood sugar to spike or plummet. This can result in feelings of tiredness, as well as blurred vision, and may affect the ability to drive.[4]
  • Women who take Actoplus met may have an increased risk of becoming pregnant, as the drug can affect the menstrual cycle.[4]
  • Metformin can appear in breast milk and be transferred to nursing infants. Health experts do not yet know if pioglitazone appears in breast milk.[4]


Also See: Actos Side Effects, Avandia Side Effects, Metformin HCL Patient Assistance Programs,Metformin Coupons, Duetact Side Effects, Insulin and Alzheimer's, Insulin Side Effects, Insulin Coupons

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000974
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.actos.com/RightForYou.aspx#ActoPlusMetXR/ActoPlusMetXR.aspx
  3. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001047/
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-94140-actoplus+met+Oral.aspx?drugid=94140&drugname=actoplus+met+Oral
  5. ↑ http://diabetes.emedtv.com/metformin/metformin-and-lactic-acidosis-p2.html
  6. ↑ met.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-94140-actoplus+met+Oral.aspx?drugid=94140&drugname=actoplus+met+Oral
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