
Package | Dosage | Price | Price per Dose | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dosage: 500/15mg | ||||
180 pill | 500/15mg | AUD597.42 | AUD3.32 | |
120 pill | 500/15mg | AUD421.41 | AUD3.52 | |
90 pill | 500/15mg | AUD334.65 | AUD3.72 | |
60 pill | 500/15mg | AUD230.53 | AUD3.84 | |
30 pill | 500/15mg | AUD123.93 | AUD4.14 |
Actoplus Met Description
What is Actoplus Met?
Actoplus Met is a fixed‑dose combination medicine used in Australia for adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone do not control blood sugar. It blends pioglitazone and metformin in one tablet, usually in strengths such as 15 mg/500 mg or 30 mg/1000 mg. Some pharmacies also offer an extended‑release version, often taken once daily with a meal. The aim is to simplify daily treatment while providing two ways to lower glucose levels: metformin reduces liver sugar output and improves insulin action, while pioglitazone makes body tissues more responsive to insulin.
How it fits into Australian diabetes care
In Australian practice, doctors prescribe Actoplus Met after reviewing a patient’s overall health, kidney function, and current medicines. The combination can help people who still need better control after metformin alone or who require a two‑in‑one approach to therapy. The usual plan is to take the tablet with meals to reduce stomach upset, and dosing is tailored to blood glucose readings and tolerability. For some, the extended‑release form (Actoplus Met XR) allows once‑daily dosing, which can be convenient for busy routines. Your prescriber may adjust the dose gradually to reach your target A1C while limiting side effects.
What patients in Australia commonly notice
Many users find steadier morning and post‑meal readings with Actoplus Met. Weight change varies: metformin is generally weight‑neutral or modestly weight‑loss friendly, while pioglitazone can cause some weight gain and fluid retention in certain individuals. Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms early on, such as nausea or loose stools, which often improve after a few days or weeks with meals and dose adjustments. Edema, joint swelling, and a feeling of fullness can occur, especially in those with heart or fluid‑balance concerns. Because diabetes and heart health are closely linked in Australia, doctors monitor heart symptoms and bone health during long‑term use. Overall, the combo can be a helpful option when a simple once‑daily or twice‑daily schedule fits your lifestyle and waistline needs, alongside regular blood sugar checks.
Safety notes and local tips
Metformin in Actoplus Met requires monitoring of kidney function. In Australia, kidney tests (eGFR) guide starting doses and any adjustments; the medicine may be stopped or dose‑reduced if kidney function worsens. Pioglitazone carries a small risk of fluid retention and heart‑related concerns in susceptible people, so it is used with caution in those with heart failure, edema, or fracture risk. There are cautions about bladder health with pioglitazone in some patients, and long‑term liver function tests may be considered in certain cases. If you notice persistent swelling, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, chest pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin, contact a clinician promptly. Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious risk with metformin, marked by heavy breathing, severe fatigue, and stomach discomfort; seek urgent care if these symptoms appear. When shopping online in Australia, choose a licensed Australian pharmacy, present a valid prescription, and keep your medicine out of children’s reach. Store Actoplus Met as advised on the label, away from heat and moisture, and bring an up‑to‑date medicines list to every appointment to avoid interactions with other diabetes drugs or supplements.