Empagliflozin 5mg + Metformin 500mg

Empagliflozin 5mg + Metformin 500mg — Uses and Benefits

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

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes
• Used when diet, exercise and single medicines do not control sugar levels well enough
• Sometimes used along with other diabetes medicines like insulin, as advised by the doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Empagliflozin blocks a protein in the kidney (SGLT2) that reabsorbs sugar, causing extra sugar to pass out in urine
• Metformin lowers sugar production by the liver and helps muscles use sugar better
• Together they lower blood sugar through two different actions, giving better overall control

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for type 1 diabetes
• Not used for diabetic ketoacidosis
• Not a treatment for weight loss on its own, though some weight loss may occur
• Not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular physical activity

How to Use Empagliflozin 5mg + 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
• Drink enough water during the day as this medicine can increase urination
• Continue to follow your diet and exercise plan while taking this medicine
• Get blood sugar and kidney function checked regularly as advised

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

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

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until it is time to take it
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Empagliflozin 5mg + Metformin 500mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Urinary tract infections
• Genital yeast infections
• Increased urination
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Skin rash or itching
• Increased thirst
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Mild weight loss

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Signs of ketoacidosis such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing (even with normal sugar levels)
• Signs of low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, if taken with other diabetes medicines
• Severe dehydration, low blood pressure, or fainting
• Signs of urinary or genital infection with fever, pain, or foul smell
• Signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual weakness, or feeling very cold
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat

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

Empagliflozin 5mg + Metformin 500mg — Safety Information and Precautions

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

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to empagliflozin, metformin, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe kidney disease or kidney failure
• Have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
• Have severe liver disease
• Have a serious infection, severe dehydration, or are having major surgery
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor advises otherwise

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of urinary tract or genital infections
• Are on a low-salt or low-carbohydrate diet
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Are scheduled for surgery or an X-ray test involving contrast dye
• Have heart failure or low blood pressure
• Are elderly, as risk of dehydration and kidney issues may be higher

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Insulin or other diabetes medicines (risk of low blood sugar)
• Diuretics (water pills), which can increase dehydration risk
• Contrast dye used in imaging tests
• Certain blood pressure medicines
• Steroids and some other medicines that affect blood sugar
• Alcohol, which can increase risk of low blood sugar or lactic acidosis

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop this medicine once my sugar is controlled?

No, do not stop without talking to your doctor, as diabetes needs long-term management even when sugar levels look normal.

Will this medicine cause weight gain?

No, this combination is generally weight-neutral or may cause mild weight loss, unlike some other diabetes medicines.

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

• It is best to avoid or limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar and a rare condition called lactic acidosis.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.