What is an Actos and Metformin combination?
Actos and metformin is a combination of two oral diabetes drugs that are taken together to help reduce high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition where the body cells become resistant to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps to convert glucose into energy. Without insulin, glucose will build up in the bloodstream and cause a spike in blood sugar levels. To prevent the risk of long-term health complications associated with high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes patients may be prescribed to take Actos and Metformin. The drugs are commonly prescribed together with a proper diet and exercise program. However, they should not be used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes. This is because these drugs work by helping the body cells respond better to the insulin it already produces. People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin naturally. Because of this, they require to take insulin medication.
Dosage
Actos and Metformin are prescription medications available in both immediate and extended-release tablets. Your dosage and the form you take will be based on different factors, including your age, severity of your condition, other drugs you are taking, and how your body responds to the initial dose. The initial dose is 500–850 mg of Metformin and 15 mg of Actos, and should be taken every day with meals. If your initial dose is 500mg of Metformin to 15mg of Actos, this is typically taken twice a day. If you are given an initial dose of 850mg Metformin and 15mg Actos, you will only need to take it once a day, unless specified otherwise. The maximum daily dose is 2550 mg of Metformin and 45mg of Actos. Higher doses, such as Metformin doses over 2000mg, may be better tolerated if taken 3 times daily. For extended-release tablets, the maximum dose is 2000 mg of Metformin and 45 mg of Actos every day. For the extended-release tablets, the initial dose is usually between 15–30 mg Actos and 1000 mg Metformin.
Actos and Metformin side effects
Taking Actos and Metformin may result in common side effects such as:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- edema
- stomach upset
- weight gain
- headache
Usually, these side effects are mild and disappear after a few days or weeks after beginning the treatment. In case they become troublesome or persist for long periods, you should call your health-care provider for advice. They may adjust your dosage or change your medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency help right away.
Severe side effects include hypoglycemia with symptoms like
- dizziness
- confusion
- blurred vision
- tiredness
- weakness
- headaches
- loss of consciousness
- weakness
- seizures
Other severe side effects include the following:
- Lactic acidosis
- Macular edema
- Anemia
- Bladder cancer
- Heart failure
- Ovulation
- Fractures
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Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
