Pioplus 2 Tablet belongs to the group of medications called ‘antidiabetic agents’ used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic or life-long condition in which blood sugar or glucose levels rise more than normal. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (metabolizes glucose), or if produced, it cannot function properly in the body.

Pioplus 2 Tablet is a combination of three medicines, namely: Metformin, Glimepiride, and Pioglitazone. Metformin acts by decreasing liver glucose production and intestinal glucose uptake. Glimepiride acts by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. Pioglitazone works by decreasing the amount of glucose released by the liver and also by improving the sensitivity of tissues towards insulin effects.

You should take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. You may experience side-effects of such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (falling sick), diarrhea, headache, stomach ache, respiratory infection, weight gain, sweating, palpitations, and vision problems. Some patients experience decline in blood sugar levels lower than normal (hypoglycemia) resulting in sweating, dizziness, headache, confusion, feeling hungry, temporary changes in vision, uneasiness, irritability, and weakness. In such cases, seek medical attention immediately.

Do not take Pioplus 2 Tablet if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not use this medicine if you have heart failure, bladder cancer, or diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes). Pioplus 2 Tablet may cause ‘lactic acidosis’ (accumulation of lactic acid in the blood), which requires immediate medical attention. The risk increases if you are previously diagnosed with kidney or liver diseases. Do not consume alcohol (risk of lactic acidosis) or fast for prolonged periods (risk of hypoglycemia). Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Pioplus 2 Tablet contains Metformin, Glimepiride, and Pioglitazone. Pioplus 2 Tablet is given when single or dual therapy of hypoglycemic agents is not effective in diabetes patients. Metformin acts by decreasing liver glucose production and intestinal glucose uptake.  Glimepiride acts by increasing the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Pioglitazone works by decreasing the amount of glucose released by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat. 

Pioplus 2 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases as it increases the risk of heart failure. Pioplus 2 Tablet may cause ‘lactic acidosis’ (buildup of lactic acid in the blood), characterized by abdominal pain, muscle cramps, vomiting, severe fatigue, and difficulty breathing. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Inform your doctor if you have any severe liver or kidney problems as their normal functioning is required to eliminate excess lactic acid from the body.  Do not consume excess alcohol as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.  Pioplus 2 Tablet may lower vitamin B12 levels, so it is recommended to take blood tests regularly to identify any vitamin deficiencies.

• Pioplus 2 Tablet shows optimum effects when you follow healthy lifestyle changes like weight loss, regular exercise, healthy diet, etc.
• Keep taking the drug even if you think your blood sugar levels are under control. If you miss a dose, do not take a larger dose, consult your treating physician for advice.
• Take short frequent meals, avoid prolonged fasting when taking this drug. Beware of symptoms of hypoglycemia which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination, etc. Whenever you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies or 3 glucose biscuits or 3 teaspoons of honey/sugar and also get in touch with your physician. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially for long travels.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while on this drug as it increases the risk of hypoglycemia (decrease in blood sugar which might be fatal in some cases) and lactic acidosis (when the lactic acid increases in the body which impacts the functioning of various organs in the body).
• Try to quit smoking and reduce intake of carbohydrate-rich food like potato, rice, mangoes, bread, sugar, etc.