Flaxseed - ActoPlus Met (pioglitazone, metformin) Interaction
Herbal: Flaxseed
Also Known As: Linum usitatissimum, Alasi, Aliviraaii, Brown Flaxseed, Brown-Seeded Flax, Common Flax, Echter Lein, Flachs, Flachssamen, Flax, Flax Hull, Flax Lignans, Flax Meal, Flax Seed, Gemeiner Flachs, Golden Flax, Graine de Lin, Kattan, Keten, Leinsamen, Lignanes de Lin, Lignans, Lin
Drug: pioglitazone, metformin
Brand names:
ActoPlus Met
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
pioglitazone, metformin is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, flaxseed might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk for hypoglycemia.
Some clinical research suggests that flaxseed can lower blood glucose levels.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Cunnane SC, Ganguli S, Menard C, et al. High alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): some nutritional properties in humans. Br J Nutr 1993;69:443-53.
- Lemay A, Dodin S, Kadri N, et al. Flaxseed dietary supplement versus hormone replacement therapy in hypercholesterolemic menopausal women. Obstet Gynecol 2002;100:495-504..
- Mani UV, Mani I, Biswas M, Kumar SN. An open-label study on the effect of flax seed powder (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation in the management of diabetes mellitus. J Diet Suppl 2011;8:257-65.
- Rhee Y, Brunt A. Flaxseed supplementation improved insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people: a randomized crossover design. Nutr J 2011;10:44.
- Villarreal-Renteria AI, Herrera-Echauri DD, Rodríguez-Rocha NP, et al. Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomi
Flaxseed Overview
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a type of seed that is rich in nutrients and other compounds. It is a good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals. Flaxseed is often ground and used as a supplement in the form of flaxseed meal or oil.
Flaxseed has a number of potential health benefits. It is high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Flaxseed is also a rich source of lignans, plant compounds that have been shown to have estrogen-like effects.
Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are popular dietary supplements and share many of the same purported health benefits. However, one of the main differences between the two is the amount of fiber they contain. Flaxseed is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, while flaxseed oil does not contain any fiber. This means that flaxseed can help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels, while flaxseed oil does not have these effects.
Flaxseed - More Interactions
Flaxseed interacts with 589 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
Return to the main supplement interaction checker page
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
Ask A Pharmacist