Actoplus Met XR

People who have type 2 diabetes cannot always control this condition through lifestyle changes alone. In such cases, medication like Actoplus Met XR may be required. This product comes in tablet form and is generally taken once a day with the evening meal. Most people have no problems with it; however, side effects are possible, such as diarrhea, nausea, and urinary tract infections.

Actoplus Met XR Medication Information

What Is Actoplus Met XR?

Actoplus Met^® XR (pioglitazone and metformin XR) is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). It contains two different diabetes medications: pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos^®) and extended-release metformin hydrochloride.

(Click Actoplus Met XR Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Actoplus Met XR is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

How Does Actoplus Met XR Work?

The two different medications in Actoplus Met XR work differently and have different effects in the body:

Metformin works in several ways. It decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. Metformin can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, helping the body respond to its own insulin better. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels.
Pioglitazone is part of a class of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones (or sometimes called "glitazones"). This drug helps to improve insulin sensitivity. This means that pioglitazone helps your body respond to natural insulin better, which helps to lower blood sugar.

Because Actoplus Met XR does not increase the amount of insulin the body produces, it is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which many other diabetes drugs can do.

Actoplus Met XR Article Continues on Next Page >