What is metformin and pioglitazone?
Metformin and pioglitazone is a combination of two oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
Metformin and pioglitazone is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Metformin and pioglitazone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about metformin and pioglitazone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin (Glucophage) or pioglitazone (Actos), or if you have kidney problems, severe heart failure, active bladder cancer, or metabolic acidosis. Do not use metformin and pioglitazone if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Do not take this medicine for longer than recommended. Taking pioglitazone for longer than 1 year (12 months) may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin and pioglitazone.
Before taking metformin and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure or heart disease, a history of bladder cancer, a history of heart attack or stroke, liver disease, eye problems caused by diabetes, or if you are 80 years or older.
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin and pioglitazone?
Some people develop a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin and pioglitazone. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a severe infection, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
Do not use metformin and pioglitazone if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin (Glucophage) or pioglitazone (Actos), or if you have:
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin and pioglitazone. Be sure your caregivers know ahead of time that you are using this medication.
To make sure you can safely take metformin and pioglitazone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
congestive heart failure or heart disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke;
liver disease;
a history of bladder cancer;
eye problems caused by diabetes; or
if you are 80 years or older.
Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes.
Some women using metformin and pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control. Women may also be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking this medication. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.
Do not take this medicine for longer than recommended. Taking pioglitazone for longer than 1 year (12 months) may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether metformin and pioglitazone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether metformin and pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication.