Actoplus Met is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: pioglitazone and metformin. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels. Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, while metformin is a biguanide medication. Actoplus Met works by decreasing insulin resistance and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking Actoplus Met to achieve the best possible results.
Actoplus Met is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: pioglitazone and metformin. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels. Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, while metformin is a biguanide medication. Actoplus Met works by decreasing insulin resistance and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking Actoplus Met to achieve the best possible results.
Next Steps
Save this report and share it with your healthcare provider or a family member
Ask our expert AI assistant additional questions related to Actoplus Met.
On this page
Actoplus Met
Depletes
Prolonged use of Actoplus Met can impact 8 essential nutrients.
CoQ10
Biguanide (anti-diabetic) drugs have been found in scientific evidence to decrease serum levels of coenzyme Q10. Type 2 diabetes can increase oxidative stress in the body, weakening its defenses and potentially harming cells. CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant, plays a crucial role in protecting cells from this damage. CoQ10 supplementation may help restore these levels, potentially improving mitochondrial function and protecting the kidneys from damage.
Replace with Ubiquinol/Ubiquinone (50mg of each)
Research: Sourris KC, Harcourt BE, Tang PH, Morley AL, Huynh K, Penfold SA, Coughlan MT, Cooper ME, Nguyen TV, Ritchie RH, Forbes JM....
Folic Acid
Research has shown that anti-diabetic Biguanide drugs may reduce folic acid absorption. Folic acid is a powerful antioxidant and low levels make the body more susceptible to oxidative stress, which can damage enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism, and subsequently increase its accumulation. Elevated levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) are a risk factor for various health problems including cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems, osteoporosis, and vision problems.
Replace with Folate L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium (200 mcg)
Research: Aarsand AK, Carlsen SM. Folate administration reduces circulating homocysteine levels in NIDDM patients on long term...
Thiamine Vitamin B1
Biguanides, such as Metformin or Metformin combinations with other drugs, may contribute to reduced levels of thiamine (vitamin B1) in end-stage renal failure patients. Research has found metformin encephalopathy present in patients on hemodialysis for end-stage diabetic renal failure (ESRD). Patients with ESRD should consider having thiamine (vitamin B1) status monitored and supplementing with thiamine when levels are insufficient or deficient.
Replace with Thiamine Vitamin B1 (10mg)
Research: Meyer MJ, et al. Differences in Metformin and Thiamine Uptake between Human and Mouse Organic Cation Transporter 1:...
Vitamin B12
Long term treatment with Biguanides, such as Metformin or Metformin combinations with other drugs, are found in research to reduce vitamin B12 absorption due to it hindering the activity of a calcium-dependent mechanism. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can lead to higher circulating homocysteine levels and the elevated risk of neurological problems and cardiovascular diseases.
Replace with Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) (100mcg)
Research: Pongchaidecha M, Srikusalanukul V, Chattananon A, Tanjariyaporn S. Effect of metformin on plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12...
Also Benefits From:
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) displays several benefits that may be supportive in managing type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest ALA may offer improvements in blood sugar control, potentially by enhancing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help combat oxidative stress associated with type 2 diabetes and its complications, potentially offering benefits for diabetic nerve problems.
Research: Ayman M Elbadawy, Rasha O. Abd Elmoniem & Amira M. Elsayed. (2021) Alpha lipoic acid and diabetes mellitus: potential...
Chromium Polynicotinate
Chromium Polynicotinate shows benefits for managing glucose control. Some studies suggest it may improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, a key hormone regulating blood sugar, potentially leading to better glucose absorption by cells. Additionally, certain studies have observed modest reductions in blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes after supplementation.
Research: Sharma S, Agrawal RP, Choudhary M, Jain S, Goyal S, Agarwal V. Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose,...
Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is found to help support diabetes management. The plant boasts gymnemic acids, which may temporarily block sugar receptors on taste buds, leading to reduced cravings and potentially lower sugar intake. Additionally, some studies suggest Gymnema may lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, Gymnema may help stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, potentially aiding blood sugar regulation.
Research: Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E, Gurram S, Adela R. The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in...
Taurine
Taurine is shown to be beneficial in supporting diabetes management. Studies suggest that taurine supplementation might contribute to improved blood sugar control by lowering HBA1c, a long-term marker, and fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Additionally, it may enhance insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to utilize glucose more effectively. Taurine's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to diabetic complications like nerve damage and vision problems.
Research: Esmaeili F, Maleki V, Kheirouri S, Alizadeh M. The Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Metabolic Profiles, Pentosidine,...
Health Impact
Actoplus Met-induced nutrient depletion can lead to a range of health problems
Statin-Related Muscle Pain & Fatigue
Randomized trials and meta-analyses in statin-treated patients have shown that CoQ10 depletion and/or low circulating levels are associated with muscle symptoms, while supplementation has produced mixed but suggestive improvements in statin-associated myalgia and muscle pain severity.
Research: Caso G et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins. Am J Cardiol....
Low Mitochondrial Energy & Antioxidant Defense
Mechanistic and clinical studies link lower CoQ10 status with impaired oxidative phosphorylation and higher markers of oxidative stress, particularly in tissues with high metabolic demand such as myocardium and skeletal muscle.
Research: Littarru GP, Tiano L. Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: cardiology and beyond. Antioxid Redox Signal....
High Homocysteine & Vascular Risk
Meta-analyses of randomized trials show that folic acid supplementation lowers homocysteine and modestly reduces stroke and overall cardiovascular disease risk in some populations, especially where baseline folate status is low, highlighting the adverse vascular profile of folate deficiency.
Research: Li Y et al. Folic acid supplementation and the risk of cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled...
Folate-Related Megaloblastic Anemia
Hematology and nutrition reviews describe folate deficiency as a classic cause of megaloblastic anemia and mucosal abnormalities, frequently exacerbated by medications that antagonize folate metabolism.
Research: O’Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299-316. (discussion of folate and B12 in...
B12-Related Megaloblastic Anemia
Clinical reviews identify vitamin B12 deficiency as a common cause of megaloblastic anemia; hematologic abnormalities often improve with replacement, underscoring the hematopoietic consequences of depletion.
Research: Langan RC, Zawistoski KJ. Update on vitamin B12 deficiency. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):384-389.; Green R. Vitamin B12...
B12 Neuropathy & Cognitive Decline
Systematic reviews and observational data show associations between low B12 levels and peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy and cognitive impairment; neurological manifestations may become irreversible if depletion is prolonged.
Research: Badar A et al. Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with vitamin B12 deficiency: an updated review. Cureus....
Side Effects
Common side effects of Actoplus Met, some of which may be related to nutrient depletion
Review
Common side effects of Actoplus Met (metformin and pioglitazone) may include:
1. Nausea or stomach upset 2. Diarrhea 3. Headache 4. Weight gain 5. Dizziness 6. Muscle pain 7. Cold-like symptoms 8. Back pain 9. Swelling or fluid retention 10. Constipation
Rare but serious side effects may include:
1. Lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood) 2. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) 3. Liver problems 4. Heart failure 5. Bone fractures
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects while taking Actoplus Met.
Get Support
We've developed a formula to replenish the nutrients depleted by Actoplus Met.
Pure Encapsulations' Vitamin B12 supplement provides a high-quality, bioavailable form of vitamin B12 to support energy production, neurological function, and overall health.
Pure Encapsulations' Folic Acid supplement provides a high-quality, bioavailable form of folic acid to support healthy fetal development, cardiovascular health, and overall cellular function.
The CoQ10 supplement by Life Extension is a high-quality dietary supplement designed to support cellular energy production and antioxidant protection, utilizing a bioavailable form of Coenzyme Q10.