Actoplus Met is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent). Typically, your pancreas makes the hormone insulin to lower your blood glucose levels. In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't respond to it. According to Drugs.com, Actoplus Met is a combination of the diabetic drugs metformin and pioglitazone. Both work to normalize your blood glucose levels. Take this medication as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Actoplus Met typically causes a headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sneezing. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to declining blood potassium levels and dehydration. Constipation, fatigue and muscular cramps or pain result from reduced potassium levels (hypokalemia). You must include potassium-abundant foods into your diet such as bananas and apricots. Consuming these food items can gradually increase your potassium levels. Dry skin and infrequent urination characterize dehydration. Try to drink six to 10 glasses of water every day. Actoplus Met can also cause muscle or joint pain, a cough and a runny nose.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Actoplus Met can cause heart failure, a condition characterized by increased weight gain, swelling (edema) and shortness of breath.
Drugs.com indicates that this drug can cause lactic acidosis, a condition in which elevated levels of lactic acid accumulate in your blood. Signs of lactic acidosis include muscle pain, shortness of breath, light-headedness, fainting, weakness and drowsiness. Call 911 when you have these symptoms.
Actoplus Met can also cause clay-colored stools and yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice). These are both manifestations of a liver injury. Phone your physician when Actoplus Met causes these symptoms. She may switch your medication.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Actoplus Met if you are hypersensitive to metformin or pioglitazone. Manifestations of a hypersensitivity response include trouble breathing, hives and swelling (edema) of your tongue, throat or face. Drugs.com suggests you tell your doctor if you have heart or liver problems or eye problems as a result of diabetes. Actoplus Met's dosage might have to be adjusted. Avoid combining this medication with isoniazid or diuretics because it can lead to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). Do not combine Actoplus Met with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or sulfa drugs as this can lead to low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Inform your physician about all the medications you are taking so she can check whether they interact with Actoplus Met.
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