ISTamet XR 500 Tablet

Uses and Benefits of ISTamet XR 500 Tablet (Sitagliptin 100mg + Metformin 500mg)

This combination medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, along with a healthy diet and exercise.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes
• Used when diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood sugar
• Sometimes used along with other diabetes medicines as advised by the doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Sitagliptin increases the body's own insulin release after meals by working on gut hormones
• Metformin reduces the amount of sugar made by the liver
• Metformin also helps the body use insulin more effectively
• Together they help lower blood sugar more effectively than either alone

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for type 1 diabetes
• Not used for diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency
• Not a substitute for insulin in patients who need it
• Not used for weight loss on its own

Side Effects of ISTamet XR 500 Tablet (Sitagliptin 100mg + Metformin 500mg)

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or loose motions
• Stomach upset or discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in mouth

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Mild skin rash
• Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
• Joint pain

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Signs of low blood sugar such as sweating, shakiness, confusion, especially with other diabetes medicines
• Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, which may indicate pancreatitis
• Unusual tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, or feeling very cold, which may indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
• Blistering or peeling skin

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Use ISTamet XR 500 Tablet (Sitagliptin 100mg + Metformin 500mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with meals to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Take it at the same time(s) each day to maintain steady blood sugar control
• Continue diet and exercise advice given by your doctor
• Do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight
• Keep in a dry place away from moisture
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Safety Information and Precautions for ISTamet XR 500 Tablet (Sitagliptin 100mg + Metformin 500mg)

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to sitagliptin, metformin, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe kidney disease
• Have diabetic ketoacidosis or severe uncontrolled diabetes
• Have severe liver disease
• Have a history of lactic acidosis
• Are undergoing a procedure with contrast dye involving injections, unless advised by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of pancreatitis
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Have heart failure or severe infection
• Are scheduled for surgery or any imaging test with contrast dye

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other diabetes medicines including insulin, which may increase risk of low blood sugar
• Diuretics (water tablets)
• Steroids like prednisolone
• Certain contrast dyes used in imaging tests
• Alcohol, which increases risk of lactic acidosis

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol as it increases the risk of low blood sugar and a rare condition called lactic acidosis.

Will this medicine cause weight gain?

Unlike some other diabetes medicines, this combination generally does not cause weight gain and metformin may help with modest weight loss.

Can I stop the medicine once my sugar is normal?

• No, do not stop without consulting your doctor as diabetes needs ongoing management even when sugar levels appear controlled.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.