Voglistar Plus 0.3

VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3 Tablet

VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3 Tablet, manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd., is a combination medication used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Composition Each tablet contains:

• Metformin Hydrochloride: 500 mg
• Voglibose: 0.3 mg

Uses VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3 is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to control high blood sugar levels, especially when diet, exercise, and a single anti-diabetic medicine are not sufficient. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, reducing intestinal absorption of glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, and slowing down the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, thereby preventing post-meal blood sugar spikes. It may also be used in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Dosage and Administration VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3 is typically taken orally with meals to help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and prevent stomach upset. The usual dosage is one tablet taken three times a day, immediately before each main meal. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. The doctor will determine the precise dosage and duration based on individual needs, blood sugar levels, and response to treatment. It is important to take the medicine at the same time each day for consistent blood sugar control and not to stop without consulting a doctor.

Side Effects Common side effects can include:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain, stomach pain, indigestion, flatulence
• Headache
• Changes in taste, metallic taste in mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness

Serious but rare side effects include lactic acidosis, characterized by symptoms such as muscle pain, breathing difficulty, and weakness. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol, or if meals are delayed or missed.

Precautions

• Kidney and Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease. It is not recommended for those with severe kidney impairment or severe liver impairment. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be necessary.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before taking if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have acute metabolic acidosis, severe renal failure, alcoholism, heart problems (including heart failure), severe infections, trauma, gastrointestinal obstruction, or diabetic pre-coma.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, or planned surgeries/vaccinations, as they can interact with VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use may lead to or worsen vitamin B12 deficiency; annual screening is recommended.
• Hypoglycemia: Carry sugary food or fruit juice to manage symptoms of low blood sugar if at risk.

Storage Store VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3 at room temperature, below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep it out of the reach of children.

VOGLISTAR PLUS 0.3 is a medicine manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd.. It is a combination medication containing Voglibose (0.3 mg) and Metformin (500 mg). This medicine is primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.

What is Voglistar Plus 0.3 used for?

Voglistar Plus 0.3 is used to control high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially when diet, exercise, and a single diabetes medicine are not enough to achieve adequate blood sugar control. It helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels immediately after meals and reduces the risk of serious diabetes complications like kidney damage, nerve problems, and eye damage. It can also improve insulin sensitivity and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes who already have cardiovascular disease.

How does Voglistar Plus 0.3 work?

Voglistar Plus 0.3 contains two active components: Voglibose and Metformin.

• Voglibose (0.3 mg) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It works by inhibiting enzymes in the small intestine that break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose. This slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thereby reducing the rise in blood glucose levels after meals.
• Metformin (500 mg) is a biguanide antidiabetic medicine. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, reducing the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, which enhances glucose uptake and utilization.

What is the usual dosage of Voglistar Plus 0.3?

The exact dose and frequency of Voglistar Plus 0.3 will be prescribed by your doctor, as it can vary based on individual health conditions and response to the medicine. It is generally taken orally, usually with meals, two or three times daily, as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not crush, chew, or break it.

What are the possible side effects of Voglistar Plus 0.3?

Common side effects of Voglistar Plus 0.3 include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flatulence (gas)
• Headache
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Changes in taste
• Loss of appetite

Some individuals may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when this medication is used with other antidiabetic drugs, consumed with alcohol, or if meals are missed. In rare cases, a serious condition called lactic acidosis may occur, with symptoms such as muscle pain, breathing difficulty, and weakness. Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Is Voglistar Plus 0.3 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Voglistar Plus 0.3 is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may be unsafe, and caution is advised. For breastfeeding women, caution is also recommended as limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and could harm the baby. It is best to consult your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Voglistar Plus 0.3 be taken with other medications?

Voglistar Plus 0.3 can interact with certain medications. For example:

• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, zonisamide, acetazolamide) may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Anti-Angina Medicines like ranolazine can interact, potentially causing changes in blood glucose levels.
• Anti-Cancer Medications such as vandetanib may affect its effectiveness.
• Alcohol can interfere with its effectiveness and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Other antidiabetic medicines (like insulin or sulfonylureas) may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Certain pain and swelling reducing medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib) and diuretics (e.g., furosemide) may also interact.

Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

• Allergies: Do not take Voglistar Plus 0.3 if you have a known allergy to metformin, voglibose, or any of its ingredients.
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Use with caution if you have kidney disease, and it is generally not recommended for severe kidney or liver impairment. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advisable.
• Heart Conditions: Patients with heart failure may have a higher risk of lactic acidosis.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol intake as it can interfere with the medicine's effectiveness and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of Voglistar Plus 0.3 may lead to or worsen vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Driving: While it does not usually affect driving ability, be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia if used with other antidiabetic agents, which could affect your ability to drive.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you forget to take a dose of Voglistar Plus 0.3, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to compensate for a missed one without consulting your doctor.

How should it be stored?

Voglistar Plus 0.3 should be kept at room temperature, stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.