What is this medicine?
METFORMIN; PIOGLITAZONE (met FOR min; pye oh GLI ta zone) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-become easily dehydrated
-bladder cancer
-diabetic ketoacidosis
-heart disease
-if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-polycystic ovary syndrome
-serious infection or injury
-swelling of the arms, legs, or feet
-undergoing surgery or certain x-ray procedures with injectable contrast agents
-vomiting
-an unusual or allergic reaction to metformin, pioglitazone, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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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.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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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 may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-dofetilide
-gatifloxacin
-certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-atorvastatin
-digoxin
-diuretics
-female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
-gemfibrozil
-insulin
-isoniazid
-ketoconazole
-medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-midazolam
-morphine
-niacin
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-phenytoin
-procainamide
-quinidine
-quinine
-ranitidine
-rifampin
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
-thyroid hormones
-trimethoprim
-vancomycin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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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 side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-blood in the urine
-breathing problems
-dark urine
-dizziness
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-fever, chills, sore throat
-increased urination
-low blood sugar (ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a list of these symptoms)
-muscle aches, pains
-pain when urinating
-slow or irregular heartbeat
-stomach pain
-swelling of the hands, legs, or feet
-unusually weak or tired
-yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea
-headache
-stomach gas, heartburn
-nausea
-problems with teeth
Where should I keep my medicine?
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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.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
