WHAT IS Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone TABLETS?

METFORMIN/Actoplus met ; PIOGLITAZONE helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

HOW SHOULD I USE Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your doctor or health care professional. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• dofetilide

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• phenytoin/Dilantin
• isoniazid
• procainamide
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• quinine
• vancomycin
• ketoconazole/Nizoral
• gemfibrozil/Lopid
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• steroid medicines like prednisone/Meticorten or cortisone
• diuretics
• atorvastatin/Lipitor
• trimethoprim
• morphine
• medicines for high blood pressure
• nifedipine/Afeditab er
• midazolam
• cimetidine
• thyroid hormones
• insulin
• quinidine
• medicines to suppress appetite
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine/Thorazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine/Compazine, thioridazine/Mellaril
• rifampin
• ranitidine/Zantac
• niacin
• digoxin/Lanoxin
• other medicines for diabetes

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing problems
• fever, chills, sore throat
• dark urine
• unusually weak or tired
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• swelling of the hands, legs, or feet
• muscle aches, pains
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• problems with teeth
• stomach gas, heartburn
• headache
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Actoplus met/Metformin and pioglitazone?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• undergoing surgery or certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents
• heart disease
• vomiting
• kidney disease
• become easily dehydrated
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• liver disease
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metformin/Actoplus met , pioglitazone, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• serious infection or injury

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.