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Pioglitazone / Metformin Coupon - Pioglitazone / Metformin 15mg/850mg tablet

pioglitazone / metformin

Generic Actoplus Met
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) is a combination diabetes medication. It's used together with nutritious meal planning and exercise to reduce blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The two active ingredients, pioglitazone (a thiazolidinedione) and metformin (a biguanide), work by improving your body's ability to use insulin and by lowering the amount of sugar your body makes. Side effects like diarrhea and headache are possible. The labeling also includes a warning for lactic acidosis. This medication is available under the brand name Actoplus Met and as a lower-cost generic.

Last reviewed on September 23, 2024
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What is Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)?

What is Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) used for?

How Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) works

Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) is made up of two types of diabetes medications that work together to help lower blood sugar.

Are you looking for information on pioglitazone (Actos) or metformin instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsActoplus Met
Drug ClassThiazolidinedione / Biguanide
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$267.38(save 89.29%)
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$28.64
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What are the side effects of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Headache (6%)

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath, tiredness, unusual swelling, sudden weight gain
  • Lactic acidosis: fast breathing, shortness of breath, fast or slow heartbeat, heartbeat that doesn't feel normal, very upset stomach, vomiting, sleepiness, tiredness, feeling cold, muscle pain
  • Bladder problems: pain while you urinate, constant need to urinate, blood in your urine
  • Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • Eye problem called macular edema: blurry vision, changes in vision

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

weight gain

Less common

Pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury

pale skin

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Anxiety

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

confusion

cool, pale skin

decreased appetite

depression

diarrhea

dizziness

fast heartbeat

fast, shallow breathing

general feeling of discomfort

headache

increased hunger

loss of consciousness

muscle pain or cramping

nausea

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

sleepiness

slurred speech

stomach discomfort

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

cough

ear congestion

fever

loss of voice

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can improve blood sugar levels more than pioglitazone (Actos) or metformin alone

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause stomach upset, swelling, and weight gain

Can take a few months to see the full effects of the medication on your blood sugar levels

Not approved for treating Type 1 diabetes

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)

pharmacist
  • Upset stomach is a common side effect of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). You can take the tablets with meals to lower your chance of having an upset stomach from the medication.

    • To get the best results from Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin), make sure to follow a nutritious and balanced meal plan and an exercise routine in addition to taking the medication. Ask your care team for more resources on meal planning and exercises that best fits your needs.

      • It can take a few months to see the full effects of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) on your blood sugar levels. Continue taking the medication every day as prescribed. Check your blood sugar levels regularly and keep a log of your readings. Share your log with your prescriber at your follow-up visits and discuss with them about your progress.

        • Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while you're taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). Too much alcohol or long-term alcohol use can put you at risk for a life-threatening side effect called lactic acidosis.

          • Let your prescriber know if you have any procedures planned, including any imaging that requires contrast dye. You might need to stop taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) around the time of your procedure to lower your risk for lactic acidosis. Your prescriber will tell you when you can restart the medication.

            • Share an up-to-date list of all the medications you take with your prescriber and pharmacist. They can check for drug interactions to make sure your medications are safe to take together. For example, medications that can affect blood sugar levels can either make Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) work less well or put you at risk for low blood sugar.

              • If you miss a dose of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin), don't double up the next dose to make up for it. This could lead to dangerous side effects.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)

                How well does Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) reduce blood sugar?
                In a study of people with Type 2 diabetes, Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) on average reduced A1C (a measure of your blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months) by about 2% after 6 months of treatment. Keep in mind that people in this study took the medication twice a day along with a diet and exercise plan.
                Is Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) the same as metformin?
                Actoplus Met is a combination medication, which means that it contains more than one active ingredient. Actoplus Met contains metformin as one of its active ingredients and pioglitazone as the other. These active ingredients work differently to lower your blood sugar levels. So taking them together can help lower your blood sugar more than taking either metformin or pioglitazone by themselves.
                When is the best time to take Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)?
                The manufacturer doesn't recommend a specific time to take Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). The most important thing is to take it at the same time every day so that the amount of medication stays consistent in your body. Pick a convenient time for you to take your medication so it's easy for you to remember every day. It's helpful to make taking your medication part of your daily routine.
                Do you need to take Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) with food?
                It's best to take Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) with food to prevent stomach upset from the medication. You're more likely to experience nausea and diarrhea when you take it without food.
                Is Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) approved for children?
                No. Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) isn't recommended for children because of potential side effects like swelling and the risk for heart failure, broken bones, and bladder problems. This medication is only FDA approved for adults.
                Can I drink alcohol while I'm taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)?
                It's best to avoid drinking alcohol, especially large amounts of alcohol, while you're taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). Drinking alcohol can put you at risk for having low blood sugar. Alcohol can also make side effects from the medication like upset stomach and low vitamin B12 levels worse. In addition, heavy drinking raises the risk for lactic acidosis, which happens when there's too much lactic acid in the body and the body becomes too acidic. Lactic acidosis can often have severe and deadly side effects. Speak with your prescriber about your drinking habits and whether Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) is appropriate for you.
                Is there an extended-release (ER) version of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) available?
                No. The extended-release version called Actoplus Met XR (pioglitazone / metformin) was discontinued and is no longer available in the U.S. It's unclear why the ER version of the medication was discontinued.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)?

                Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Fluid build-up and risk for heart failure

                • Risk factors: Swelling (edema) | History of heart failure | At risk for heart failure

                  Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) can make you hold onto fluids in the body, which can look like swelling (especially in the legs, ankles, and feet). This fluid buildup can lead to or worsen heart failure. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience sudden weight gain, swelling, or trouble breathing while you're taking this medication. These can be signs of heart failure.

                  risk-warning

                  Lactic acidosis

                  • Risk factors: Age 65 or greater \ Kidney or liver problems | Heart problems | Heavy alcohol use | Imaging procedure that uses contrast dye | Recent or planned surgery or medical procedures | Taking medications that affect your kidneys, heart, or acid-base balance | Taking medications that cause metformin to build up in your body

                    Although rare, some people who've taken medications containing metformin, such as Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin), developed a condition called lactic acidosis. This condition happens when there's too much lactic acid in the blood, and it can lead to other health problems that can be deadly.

                    Call your prescriber or get medical help right away if you notice that you're having breathing problems (short of breath or breathing too fast) or that you have an irregular heartbeat (too fast or too slow). Other signs of having too much lactic acid in the blood to look out for and to tell your care team about include upset stomach, vomiting, sleepiness, weakness, feeling cold, and muscle pain.

                    risk-warning

                    Low blood sugar

                    • Risk factors: Taking certain other diabetes medications

                      It's possible for Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) to lower your blood sugar. Taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) with insulin, glipizide, or other sulfonylureas can put you at greater risk for having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Be sure your prescriber know about the other diabetes medications you're taking. They might need to lower the dose of your other diabetes medications to minimize the risk for low blood sugar.

                      Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar because it can be life-threatening if it's severe. Signs of low blood sugar include fast heartbeat, sweating, pale skin, shakiness, confusion and irritability. Have some form of sugar, such as hard candies or glucose tablets, with you at all times so you can get your blood sugar back up quickly in case it drops too low.

                      risk-warning

                      Liver damage

                      • Risk factors: History of liver problems

                        Some people who took pioglitazone, one of the components of Actoplus Met, have had liver damage. But it's not clear what caused this liver damage. As a precaution, your prescriber will check your liver function through blood tests before you start Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). Be aware of signs of liver damage and contact your prescriber if they appear. These signs include loss of appetite, pain in your right upper stomach area, tiredness, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes. You'll probably need to get a blood test done so your prescriber can decide whether you should continue taking the medication.

                        risk-warning

                        Risk for bladder cancer

                        • Risk factors: Currently have or have had bladder cancer

                          Results from various studies are mixed about whether pioglitazone, a component of Actoplus Met, can raise the risk for bladder cancer. There's not enough information to know whether the medication directly causes the cancer. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about this risk. Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) isn't a good option for people who currently have bladder cancer. Discuss with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking this medication if you've had bladder cancer in the past.

                          risk-warning

                          Broken bones (fractures)

                          • Risk factors: Females

                            Studies show that pioglitazone, one of the components of Actoplus Met, can raise the risk of breaking a bone, especially for females. Talk to your prescriber about how to keep your bones healthy and strong while you're taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin).

                            risk-warning

                            Eye problems

                            Some people who've taken pioglitazone, a component of Actoplus Met, have developed swelling in their eye (macular edema). Tell your prescriber or eye specialist right away if you notice blurry vision or vision that's less sharp than usual while you're taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). Make sure to go to all of your recommended eye exams on time.

                            risk-warning

                            Low vitamin B12 levels

                            • Risk factors: Long-term use of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) | Poor calcium or vitamin B12 absorption

                              Taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) for a long period of time can lower your vitamin B12 levels. Low vitamin B12 levels can sometimes lead to anemia (low red blood cell count). You might need to get blood tests done every few years so your prescriber can check your vitamin B12 levels throughout treatment. Let your prescriber know if you have low energy, dizziness, low appetite, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet while you're taking Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). These can be symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels.

                              dosage

                              Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 60 tablets of 15mg/850mg of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) is $28.64 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 89.29% off the average retail price of $267.38.
                              tablet
                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              15mg/500mg180 tablets$48.60$0.27
                              15mg/850mg60 tablets$28.64$0.48

                              Typical dosing for Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)

                              Each tablet contains 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin.

                              Your dose can vary depending on your previous diabetes medications and your other health conditions. The typical starting dose is 1 tablet by mouth either once or twice a day.

                              If needed, your prescriber will raise your dose slowly depending on your blood sugar levels. The maximum dose is 3 tablets of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) per day.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) and other drugs

                              Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              • Acetrizoic Acid
                              • Diatrizoate
                              • Ethiodized Oil
                              • Iobenzamic Acid
                              • Iobitridol
                              • Iocarmic Acid
                              • Iocetamic Acid
                              • Iodamide
                              • Iodipamide
                              • Iodixanol
                              • Iodohippuric Acid
                              • Iodopyracet
                              • Iodoxamic Acid
                              • Ioglicic Acid
                              • Ioglycamic Acid
                              • Iohexol
                              • Iomeprol
                              • Iopamidol
                              • Iopanoic Acid
                              • Iopentol
                              • Iophendylate
                              • Iopromide
                              • Iopronic Acid
                              • Ioseric Acid
                              • Iosimide
                              • Iotasul
                              • Iothalamate
                              • Iotrolan
                              • Iotroxic Acid
                              • Ioxaglate
                              • Ioxitalamic Acid
                              • Ipodate
                              • Metrizamide
                              • Metrizoic Acid
                              • Tyropanoate Sodium

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              drug-cost

                              How much does Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) cost?

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin)
                              $28.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Used for:
                              • Type 2 diabetes in adults

                              $125.44 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Used for:
                              • Type 2 diabetes in adults

                              $110.61 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Actoplus Met (pioglitazone / metformin) images

                              White Oval P157 And Mylan - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride 15mg-850mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "P157" And "Mylan".White Oval P157 And Mylan - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride 15mg-850mg Tablet
                              White Oblong C28 - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride 15mg-850mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "C28".White Oblong C28 - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride 15mg-850mg Tablet
                              White Oblong 93 And H - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride 15mg-850mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "93" And "H".White Oblong 93 And H - Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride 15mg-850mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              National Eye Institute. (2023). Macular edema.

                              Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2024). Actoplus Met- pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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