Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, Metformin Hydrochloride Oral tablet
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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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?
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
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?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
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
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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?
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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
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.
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, Metformin Hydrochloride Oral tablet, biphasic release
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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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?
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.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
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?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
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
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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?
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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
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.