What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin)
Also Known as Competact
Generic Equivalent - Actoplus Met (Pioglitazone/Metformin)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Actoplus Met (pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride) is a combination medication that is used with diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Actoplus Met comes in oral tablets that contain 15 mg pioglitazone/500 mg of metformin HCl and 15 mg pioglitazone/850 mg metformin HCl.
Directions
Take Actoplus Met exactly as your doctor has prescribed. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your Actoplus Met dosage will depend on your current treatment regimen and may be adjusted based on response and tolerance. The dose should not exceed pioglitazone 45 mg and metformin 2550 mg by mouth daily.
Ingredients
Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, and metformin, a biguanide, are the active ingredients in Actoplus Met. Povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose 2910, polyethylene glycol 8000, titanium dioxide, and talc are the inactive ingredients.
Contraindications
Actoplus Met should not be given to patients with New York Heart Association Class III or IV heart failure.
Actoplus Met should not be given to patients with severe kidney problems.
Actoplus Met should not be given to patients who are allergic to pioglitazone, metformin, or to any of its other ingredients.
Actoplus Met should not be given to patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Cautions
Actoplus Met has the following FDA Boxed Warnings:
- Thiazolidinediones, which is a component of Actoplus Met, can cause or worsen congestive heart failure in some patients.
- Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of heart failure after starting Actoplus Met and after dose changes. If heart failure occurs, it should be managed and Actoplus Met should be stopped or the dose reduced.
- Actoplus Met should not be used in patients with symptomatic heart failure.
- Actoplus Met should not be used in patients with established New York Association Class III or IV heart failure.
- Metformin-associated lactic acidosis can cause death, hypothermia, low blood pressure, and resistant slow heart arrhythmias. Symptoms include general discomfort, muscle pains, breathing problems, drowsiness, and stomach pain. Lab findings may include elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactate:pyruvate ratio, and metformin blood levels greater than 5 mcg/mL.
- Kidney problems, taking certain drugs, being 65 years old or older, undergoing radiological studies with contrast, undergoing surgery and other procedures, low blood oxygen, excessive alcohol consumption, and liver problems can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Actoplus Met should be stopped and treatment started if lactic acidosis is suspected.
- Before you begin treatment with Actoplus Met, consult with your doctor about the following:
- All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
- Your allergies
- Your medical history and current health problems
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Actoplus Met can cause fluid retention, which can worsen or lead to congestive heart failure. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms.
- Actoplus Met can cause lactic acidosis.
- Actoplus Met can cause swelling that is dose-related.
- Actoplus Met can cause low blood sugar levels when used with insulin or an insulin secretagogue. Therefore, a lower insulin or insulin secretagogue dose may be required.
- Liver failure that can lead to death may be caused by Actoplus Met.
- Actoplus Met may be associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer.
- Actoplus Met can increase a female’s incidence of fractures.
- All diabetic patients are recommended to have regular eye exams, as they are at risk of macular edema with Actoplus Met.
- Vitamin B12 levels may be decreased by Actoplus Met.
- There is no evidence that Actoplus Met reduces the risk of macrovascular outcomes.
Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Actoplus Met include upper respiratory tract infection, swelling, diarrhea, headache, and weight gain. If any other side effects occur that become bothersome or persistent, call your doctor right away.
Reference:
Actoplus Met. Lexington, MA: Takeda Pharmaceuticals America Inc.; 2020.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 9444
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