Metformin/Pioglitazone 24 HR Extended Release Oral Tablet 15 mg/1000 mg

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take the medicine with a meal.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

This medicine usually does not cause low blood sugar levels if you eat regular meals.

Symptoms of low blood sugar may include nausea, shaking, sweating, cold skin, fast heartbeat, hunger, and irritability.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not start or stop any other medicines without first speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• decreased appetite
• increased risk for bone fractures
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• low blood sugar
• liver problems
• muscle pain
• nausea and vomiting
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• sore throat
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• shallow, irregular breathing
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• shortness of breath
• light colored stool
• increased urinary frequency
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• blood in urine
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting
• sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.