metformin and pioglitazone Health Article

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

• swelling or rapid weight gain; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• sneezing, runny nose, cough or other signs of a cold;

• dizziness;

• headache;

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; or

• joint or muscle pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect metformin and pioglitazone?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking metformin and pioglitazone with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

• isoniazid;

• diuretics (water pills);

• steroids (prednisone and others);

• phenothiazines (Compazine and others);

• thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);

• birth control pills and other hormones;

• seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and

• diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking metformin and pioglitazone with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);

• aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);

• sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);

• beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or

• probenecid (Benemid).

Some medications may interact with metformin and pioglitazone. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• furosemide (Lasix);

• nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia);

• cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac);

• amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium);

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph);

• procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid);

• quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);

• trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra); or

• vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take metformin and pioglitazone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect metformin and pioglitazone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about metformin and pioglitazone written for health professionals that you may read.