Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet

Uses of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

How does Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet work?

Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet is a combination of Metformin and Sitagliptin. Metformin works by increasing the action of insulin (a hormone that keeps the blood sugar at an appropriate level) in the body, decreasing the absorption of sugar from the intestine, and decreasing the production of sugar in the liver. Sitagliptin works by increasing the production of a hormone known as insulin, which further helps in decreasing the excessive sugar level in the blood.

Side Effects of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• Sore throat
• Respiratory tract infection
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea

Quick Suggestions:

• Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet, is an anti-diabetic medicine. It is used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It contains a combination of Sitagliptin and metformin as the active ingredient.
• Take this medicine in the exact dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not change the dosage or frequency of use without consulting your doctor.
• Along with taking Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet, it is essential that you do certain lifestyle modifications like exercising for 30 minutes daily, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and drinking alcohol.
• It is also advised to have a balanced diet with adequate fruits and vegetables for good control of your blood sugar levels.
• Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and report any changes.
• Before starting Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding and about your detailed medical history.
• It is important to take this tablet at the same time every day and not to skip doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
• Headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting may occur in some individuals with the use of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet. Inform your doctor if these effects bother you or do not go away.
• Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease.

Indication of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet

Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet is a combination of Metformin and Sitagliptin. It is used to treat type II diabetes in adults (the inability of a hormone known as insulin to reduce the abnormally increased blood sugar levels). It works by increasing the amounts of a hormone known as insulin, which helps in decreasing the excessive sugar level in the blood. It also reduces sugar production in the liver.

Pharmacology

This medication is a combination of two antihyperglycemic drugs that work together to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The two active ingredients are Metformin HCl, a biguanide, and Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.

Sitagliptin acts by reducing the inactivation of incretin hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones are released by the intestine in response to meals and stimulate insulin production and release from pancreatic beta cells. GLP-1 also inhibits the secretion of glucagon from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to decreased hepatic glucose synthesis. By enhancing insulin release and reducing glucagon levels, Sitagliptin helps maintain glucose levels in a glucose-dependent manner.

Metformin HCl, on the other hand, works differently from other oral antihyperglycemic drugs. It inhibits the synthesis of glucose in the liver, reducing the amount of glucose released into the bloodstream.

By combining Sitagliptin and Metformin HCl, this medication addresses multiple aspects of glucose regulation in the body. Sitagliptin enhances insulin release, reduces glucagon levels, and promotes glucose-dependent responses, while Metformin HCl limits glucose production in the liver. This complementary mode of action helps patients with type 2 diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels and improve overall glycemic control.

Dosage & Administration of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet

The recommended adult dose of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus is as follows:

For patients not currently treated with Metformin:

• Initially, take 50 mg Sitagliptin and 500 mg Metformin hydrochloride twice daily (bd).

For patients already treated with Metformin:

• Take Sitagliptin 50 mg twice daily (100 mg total daily dose) along with the dose of Metformin you are already taking.

For patients taking Metformin 850 mg twice daily:

• The recommended starting dose of this combination is Sitagliptin 50 mg/Metformin 1000 mg twice daily.

The dosing may be adjusted based on effectiveness and tolerability, but the maximum daily dose should not exceed Sitagliptin 100 mg and Metformin 2000 mg.

If you are using the extended-release tablet:

• You can start with Sitagliptin 50 mg or 100 mg combined with Metformin extended-release 500 mg or 1000 mg once daily with a meal, preferably in the evening. The dose may be escalated twice daily if needed, but the maximum daily dose should not exceed Sitagliptin 100 mg and Metformin extended-release 2000 mg.

It is essential to consider any hepatic impairment, as this combination should not be administered to patients with hepatic impairment.

• For children under 18 years of age, the safety and efficacy of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet have not been established, so its use in this age group is not recommended.
• For patients with renal impairment, it is crucial to assess the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before starting metformin. The use of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet is contraindicated for patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m² and not recommended to initiate treatment for those with an eGFR between 30 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m². Monitoring of eGFR should occur at least annually or more frequently for those at risk for renal impairment. If eGFR falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m² while taking metformin, the risks and benefits of continuing therapy should be evaluated, and if eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73 m², metformin should be discontinued.

Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop taking Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet without consulting your physician. Take the medicine with a glass of water and avoid crushing or chewing the tablet.

Interaction

Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride can interact with several other drugs, potentially affecting their efficacy or causing adverse effects. Some of these interactions include:

1. Anti-depressant (bupropion)
2. Drugs used to treat glaucoma
3. Antibiotics (cephalexin, ciprofloxacin)
4. Anti-acidity drugs (cimetidine)
5. Heart condition drugs (digoxin)
6. Anti-HIV drugs (dolutegravir)
7. Ethanol (alcohol)
8. Saliva-reducing drugs (glycopyrrolate)
9. Iodinated X-ray contrast agents
10. Anti-epileptic drugs (topiramate, lamotrigine)
11. Heart-related chest medicine (ranolazine)
12. Sex hormones (androgens)
13. Anti-oxidant (alpha-lipoic acid)
14. Painkillers (aspirin)
15. Anti-TB drugs (prothionamide)
16. Growth hormones (pegvisomant)
17. Other antidiabetic medicines

Consuming excessive alcoholic beverages while taking Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride may increase the risk of a serious condition called Lactic Acidosis, so it's essential to avoid alcohol.

There are specific drug-disease interactions to consider as well. People with heart diseases such as congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction, those with Vitamin B12 deficiency, and individuals with alcoholism should avoid taking Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride.

Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, to ensure safe and effective treatment. Additionally, follow your doctor's advice and adhere to prescribed dosages to manage your condition effectively.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to sitagliptin, metformin, or any other ingredients of Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet.
• If you have severe kidney or liver disease.
• If your diabetes is not under control and you also have high blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, loose motions, rapid loss of weight, pain in the stomach, breathing difficulty, sleepiness, etc.
• If you have dehydration or you have the presence of severe infection.
• If you have to go to do an x-ray or scan and dye is injected in your blood before doing the x-ray or scan.
• If you have a recent history of a heart attack.
• If you are a heavy alcohol drinker.
• If you are a lactating mother.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The pregnancy classification for Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride is Category B. This indicates that no adequate and well-controlled trials have been conducted with Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate INN/Metformin Hydrochloride BP in pregnant women. Therefore, the safety of this medication during pregnancy is not fully known.

The use of Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride during pregnancy should only be considered if absolutely necessary, and the potential benefits must outweigh the potential risks. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss the use of this medication with your doctor. They can assess your individual situation and provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment options to manage your condition safely during pregnancy.

Precautions & Warnings

• Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride is not suitable for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. There is a rare but serious risk of developing lactic acidosis, a condition where excessive lactic acid accumulates in the blood, potentially damaging the liver and kidneys function. Before starting this medication, inform your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis, kidney disease, or low vitamin B12 levels.
• When using Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride in combination with insulin, it may lower blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the doses of insulin or Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride.
• Long-term use of Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride may lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, so it is advisable to have annual check-ups of TSH.
• In rare instances, you might experience a serious skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid, which requires immediate medical attention.
• If you are scheduled for a diagnostic test involving the injection of dye or X-ray contrast agent, you should inform your doctor. It may be necessary to temporarily discontinue Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride before the procedure to avoid potential complications.

Always follow your doctor's advice, inform them of your medical history, and report any unusual symptoms or reactions while taking Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride. This will help ensure safe and effective management of your diabetes and overall health.

Storage Conditions

Store Taglimet 50/500mg Tablet at a temperature not above 30°C in a cool and dry place. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.