Pioglitazone/metformin (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to pioglitazone or metformin.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using, including acetazolamide, cimetidine, dichlorphenamide, gemfibrozil, rifampin, or zonisamide.
Limit how much alcohol you drink.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you had problems ovulating or have irregular periods, this medicine may cause you to ovulate, which could lead to pregnancy if you are sexually active. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, edema (fluid retention or swelling), macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye), adrenal or pituitary gland disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, or a history of alcohol abuse or bladder cancer.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Congestive heart failure
- Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
- Low blood sugar levels
- Liver problems
- Increased risk for bladder cancer if you use this medicine for a long time
- Increased risk for broken bones
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an x-ray or a CT scan.
It is important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or other procedures.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision or other changes in vision
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination, lower back or side pain, blood in your urine
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe joint pain
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness, hunger, confusion

Last Updated: 1/27/2017