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
| |||
Actoplus Met combines two proven antihyperglycemic agents, pioglitazone and metformin, into a single tablet to provide comprehensive glycemic management for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This fixed-dose combination therapy targets two key pathophysiological defects of the disease—insulin resistance and hepatic glucose overproduction—offering a synergistic approach to lower both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. By addressing multiple mechanisms simultaneously, it can simplify treatment regimens and improve adherence, which is critical for long-term metabolic control and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Features
- Contains pioglitazone hydrochloride and metformin hydrochloride in fixed-dose combinations (e.g., 15 mg/500 mg, 15 mg/850 mg)
- Thiazolidinedione and biguanide dual-mechanism action
- Film-coated, oral tablet formulation
- Typically administered twice daily with meals
- Available by prescription only
Benefits
- Provides complementary mechanisms to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hepatic glucose output
- Lowers HbA1c effectively, helping patients achieve glycemic targets
- May reduce the need for multiple pills, supporting medication adherence
- Can be used as initial combination therapy or when monotherapy provides insufficient control
- Addresses both fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia
- May offer potential cardiovascular considerations under physician guidance
Common use
Actoplus Met is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is particularly useful when treatment with both pioglitazone and metformin is appropriate. This combination is often prescribed when monotherapy with metformin, a thiazolidinedione, or other agents has not achieved adequate glycemic control. It may also be initiated in patients who have previously been treated with the individual components separately.
Dosage and direction
Dosage should be individualized based on effectiveness and tolerability, while not exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of pioglitazone (45 mg) and metformin (2550 mg for immediate-release formulations). Typically administered in divided doses twice daily with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin. Renal function must be assessed prior to initiation and regularly during treatment. Dose adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients or those with renal impairment. Titration should be gradual to minimize adverse effects.
Precautions
- Lactic acidosis: A rare but serious metabolic complication associated with metformin use; risk increases with renal impairment, dehydration, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, or acute congestive heart failure
- Monitor renal function before initiation and at least annually during treatment
- Assess for signs and symptoms of heart failure; pioglitazone may cause or exacerbate heart failure
- Regular liver enzyme monitoring recommended
- Increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in female patients
- Potential for ovulation in premenopausal anovulatory women, which may increase pregnancy risk
- May cause vitamin B12 deficiency; periodic measurement of hematological parameters advised
- Edema and weight gain may occur
- Increased risk of bladder cancer with long-term pioglitazone use
Contraindications
- Renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m²)
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
- History of hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, metformin, or any component of the formulation
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Acute congestive heart failure requiring pharmacological treatment
- Conditions predisposing to renal dysfunction, hypoxic states, or acidosis
Possible side effects
Common (≥1%):
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, flatulence
- Metabolic: weight gain
- General: headache, edema
- Respiratory: upper respiratory tract infection
Less common:
- Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
- Hypoglycemia (particularly when combined with other antidiabetic agents)
- Anemia
- Increased liver enzymes
- Bladder cancer (with long-term use)
- Fractures (particularly in women)
- Visual disturbances
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Drug interaction
- Drugs that affect renal function may increase metformin accumulation
- Alcohol potentiates metformin’s effect on lactate metabolism
- Cationic drugs (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin) may compete for renal tubular secretion
- CYP2C8 inhibitors/inducers may affect pioglitazone metabolism
- Insulin or other glucose-lowering agents may increase hypoglycemia risk
- Contrast media may increase risk of lactic acidosis; temporary discontinuation may be necessary
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered with food, 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 one. Consistent timing helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Overdose
Metformin overdose has been associated with lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tachycardia, hypothermia, hypotension, and acute renal failure. Pioglitazone overdose may potentiate these effects. Treatment is supportive and may include hemodialysis (which clears metformin effectively). Blood glucose should be monitored, and hypoglycemia should be treated with appropriate glucose administration.
Storage
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep in original container, tightly closed, and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Actoplus Met is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to therapy may vary. Patients should discuss their medical history, current medications, and potential risks with their physician before starting or changing any treatment regimen. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential for safe and effective use.
Reviews
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Actoplus Met provides significant HbA1c reductions compared to monotherapy components alone. In comparative trials, the combination therapy showed additive effects on glycemic control with a generally acceptable safety profile. Many endocrinologists report improved patient adherence and satisfaction due to the simplified dosing regimen. Some patients note gastrointestinal side effects initially, which often diminish with continued use. Long-term real-world evidence supports its effectiveness in maintaining glycemic control when used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.