Competact

What is Competact?

Competact is an anti-diabetic treatment which contains a combination of metformin and pioglitazone.

Competact is used to control type 2 diabetes in adults whose blood sugar cannot be controlled with metformin alone.

You can buy Competact online from Prescription Doctor. Click the green button to go to our online medical form.

Once you have completed the medical form, our doctor will review it and determine whether Competact is suitable for you.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood glucose level to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin or when the body's cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin. This is different from Type 1, in which a person’s pancreas does not produce any insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to being overweight and living an inactive lifestyle. People who have a family history of type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk of developing the condition at some point in their lives.

When you are diabetic, your body reacts differently to insulin than a person who is not diabetic. The pancreas produces insulin to control the amount of sugar in the blood.

When you digest food, it enters your bloodstream, and then insulin moves glucose from the blood into your cells.

It is then broken down to produce energy; however, if you have diabetes, your body is unable to break down the glucose into energy. The cause of this is either that there is not enough insulin to regulate the level of glucose in the blood or that the insulin produced is ineffective.

Treating Diabetes

If diabetes is left untreated, there is a risk of complications including: cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage and hearing impairment.

Before you buy Competact online, it is important to speak to your doctor about your condition to determine the right course of treatment for you. Your doctor will be able to provide actionable steps to help you manage your condition. They may recommend dietary or lifestyle changes, such as reducing the intake of simple carbohydrates and engaging in regular exercise.

How Does Competact Work?

Competact tablets contain two active ingredients to help your body process glucose: pioglitazone and metformin.

Pioglitazone is believed to reduce insulin resistance and reduce the amount of glucose in the liver and blood.

Metformin also reduces the amount of glucose the liver produces, thereby lowering the blood glucose level.

When combined, the two active ingredients make it easier for your body to manage the glucose in your bloodstream and lower your blood sugar levels.

How long does Competact take to work?

It can take about 4 weeks of taking Competact to balance your blood sugar levels.

You may not notice an improvement in your condition; however, this does not mean that the medicine isn't working.

You must continue taking Competact as prescribed to maintain controlled blood sugar levels.

How Do I Take Competact?

Always follow the directions on your prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand.

Competact tablets are usually taken twice daily.

If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.

Swallow one tablet whole with a glass of water.

Competact can be taken with or just after food.

How long do I need to take Competact for?

Usually, you will need to continue to take treatment for diabetes for the rest of your life.

You should not stop taking Competact without first speaking to your doctor.

Side effects and cautions

All medicines can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. It's important to be aware of the risks associated with your treatment so that you can identify any side effects and inform your doctor. Before you buy Competact online, it's important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet online.

Side effects of Competact may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects associated with this medicine. Further information regarding the safety of this medicine can be found in the patient information leaflet.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lethargy (feeling unwell)
• Muscle cramps
• Reduces body temperature
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain)
• Vomiting

Allergic reaction

Do not take Competact if you are allergic to pioglitazone, metformin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Competact if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Do not take Competact while breastfeeding.

If you become pregnant while taking Competact, inform your doctor immediately.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Competact online.

Do not take Competact past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

Always keep Competact out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share a medicine that has been prescribed to you with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I forget to take Competact when I should?

If you forget to take Competact when you should, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Just skip the missed dose and take your normal dose of Competact the next day.

What should I do if I take too much Competact?

If you take too many Competact tablets, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Competact?

Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Competact.

Will Competact impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Competact should not affect your ability to drive or use machines however, be careful if you experience any abnormal vision.

Does Competact cause weight gain?

Weight gain is listed as a common side effect of Competact.

If you do notice a change in your weight, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Does Competact cause heart failure?

Competact may increase the risk of heart failure. This risk is increased in people over the age of 65.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the risks associated with Competact.

Do I need to avoid any foods while taking Competact?

While being treated for type 2 diabetes with Competact, you should avoid foods with added sugar.

Cut down on sugary drinks, biscuits, sweets, chocolate, and juice drinks. These can raise your blood sugar levels and make your diabetes harder to control.

Can I buy Competact safely online?

Yes, you can safely buy Competact online from Prescription Doctor. All our products are dispatched from our UK-based GPhC-registered pharmacy.

Our online prescribers are on hand to issue a prescription for Competact today.