Actoplus Met: Dual-Action Control for Type 2 Diabetes
Actoplus Met
| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.43 | $43.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.17 | $86.00 $70.00 (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.09 | $129.00 $98.00 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.04 | $172.00 $125.00 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.99 | $258.00 $179.00 (31%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.97 | $387.00 $261.00 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.95
Best per pill | $516.00 $343.00 (34%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms
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Actoplus Met is a prescription medication combining two distinct oral antihyperglycemic agents, pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride, designed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This fixed-dose combination therapy is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise when treatment with both pioglitazone and metformin is appropriate. It is not for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. By addressing multiple pathophysiological defects common in type 2 diabetes—namely insulin resistance and hepatic glucose overproduction—it offers a comprehensive therapeutic approach for patients who have not achieved desired glycemic targets on monotherapy or diet and exercise alone.
Features
- Contains two active ingredients: pioglitazone (a thiazolidinedione) and metformin hydrochloride (a biguanide)
- Available in tablet strengths of pioglitazone/metformin: 15 mg/500 mg, 15 mg/850 mg
- Oral administration, typically twice daily with meals
- Works by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production
- Not associated with drug-induced hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy
Benefits
- Provides synergistic glycemic control through two complementary mechanisms of action
- Helps lower both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels
- May reduce hemoglobin A1c by 1.5-2.5% when used as directed
- Can decrease insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
- May improve lipid profiles in some patients
- Offers convenience of combination therapy in a single tablet
Common use
Actoplus Met is commonly prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with metformin or pioglitazone monotherapy, or who are initially treated with both medications. It is particularly useful for patients who exhibit both insulin resistance and excessive hepatic glucose production. The medication is typically used when lifestyle modifications—including diet, exercise, and weight reduction—have proven insufficient to maintain target blood glucose levels.
Dosage and direction
The recommended starting dose is based on the patient’s current regimen of pioglitazone and/or metformin. Typically, administration begins with one tablet twice daily with meals. The maximum recommended daily dose is pioglitazone 45 mg/metformin 2550 mg. Dose titration should be gradual, with adjustments made no more frequently than every 1-2 weeks based on glycemic control and tolerability. Renal function should be assessed before initiation and regularly during treatment. tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
Precautions
- Assess renal function before initiation and periodically thereafter
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of heart failure
- Evaluate liver function prior to initiation and periodically during treatment
- Regular monitoring of hematologic parameters is recommended
- Consider temporary discontinuation in patients undergoing radiologic studies with intravascular iodinated contrast materials
- Monitor vitamin B12 levels annually in patients on long-term therapy
- Observe for signs of hypoglycemia when used with other antidiabetic agents
Contraindications
- Renal disease or renal dysfunction (serum creatinine levels ≥1.5 mg/dL in males, ≥1.4 mg/dL in females)
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
- History of hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, metformin, or any component of the formulation
- Acute or chronic condition that may cause tissue hypoxia (e.g., cardiac or respiratory failure, recent myocardial infarction, shock)
- Hepatic impairment
- History of bladder cancer
- Heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV)
Possible side effects
Common side effects (>5%) include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and headache. Less frequent side effects (1-5%) may include weight gain, edema, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, myalgia, and tooth disorder. Rare but serious side effects (<1%) include lactic acidosis, congestive heart failure, hepatic effects, anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, bladder cancer, fractures (particularly in women), and macular edema. Hypoglycemia may occur when used with other antidiabetic agents.
Drug interaction
- Alcohol: Potentiates metformin’s effect on lactate metabolism
- Cationic drugs: May increase metformin exposure (e.g., cimetidine, dolutegravir, ranolazine)
- CYP2C8 inhibitors/inducers: May alter pioglitazone concentrations
- Insulin or insulin secretagogues: May increase hypoglycemia risk
- Topiramate: May decrease metformin efficacy
- Drugs that affect renal function: May alter metformin clearance
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Consistent timing of administration helps maintain stable blood levels and optimal glycemic control.
Overdose
Metformin overdose may result in lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency characterized by elevated blood lactate levels, electrolyte disturbances, and metabolic acidosis. Symptoms include malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, abdominal pain, hypothermia, and hypotension. Pioglitazone overdose may potentiate these effects. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive and includes hemodialysis (which clears metformin effectively). Blood glucose should be monitored, and symptomatic hypoglycemia should be treated with oral glucose.
Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations or medication take-back programs.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Actoplus Met is available by prescription only and should be used under appropriate medical supervision. Individual response to medication may vary. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, including potential risks and benefits specific to their condition. Never initiate, adjust, or discontinue medication without professional medical guidance.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Actoplus Met effectively reduces HbA1c levels by approximately 1.5-2.5 percentage points when used as directed. Many patients report improved glycemic control with the convenience of combination therapy. Some users note gastrointestinal side effects during the initial treatment period, which often diminish with continued use. Healthcare providers appreciate the dual mechanism of action but emphasize the importance of regular monitoring for potential adverse effects. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate that most users find the twice-daily dosing schedule manageable and appreciate not having to take multiple separate medications.