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:
-bladder cancer
-become easily dehydrated
-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. Swallow whole, do not crush or chew. 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.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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
-certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures
-gatifloxacin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-digoxin
-diuretics
-female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
-isoniazid
-medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-morphine
-nicotinic acid
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-phenytoin
-procainamide
-quinidine
-quinine
-ranitidine
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
-thyroid medicines
-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. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
If you have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that has sugar. Make sure others know to get medical help quickly if you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like if you become unconscious or have a seizure
The tablet shell for some brands of this medicine does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.
If you need surgery or if you will need a procedure with contrast drugs, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
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
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-increased urination
-low blood sugar (ask your doctor or health care professional for a list of these symptoms)
-muscle aches or pains
-pain when urinating
-slow or irregular heartbeat
-unusual stomach pain or discomfort
-unusually tired or weak
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
-diarrhea
-headache
-heartburn
-metallic taste in mouth
-nausea
-stomach gas, upset
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 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.
