Empahope M 500mg Tab

EMPAHOPE M 500MG Tablet

Name

• Common Name: Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets
• Brand Name: EMPAHOPE M 500MG Tablet (manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)

Composition

EMPAHOPE M 500MG Tablet contains a combination of two active antidiabetic medicines:

• Empagliflozin: 12.5 mg
• Metformin Hydrochloride: 500 mg

Uses

EMPAHOPE M 500MG Tablet is primarily used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control.

• It helps control high blood glucose levels by removing excess glucose from the body through urine.
• It aids in the proper utilization of insulin and lowers blood glucose levels.
• It may reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
• It can be used in patients whose diabetes is not adequately controlled by metformin alone or metformin with other diabetes medicines, or in those already treated with both empagliflozin and metformin as separate medications.

Dosage and Administration

• EMPAHOPE M 500MG Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
• It is generally recommended to take this medicine with food to avoid stomach upset, preferably at the same time every day for optimal benefits.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to increased blood sugar levels and serious complications.
• This medicine is part of a comprehensive treatment program that should include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Genital fungal infection
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines or alcohol
• Joint pain
• Frequent urination
• Mild skin rash or itchy skin
• Taste changes
• Loss of appetite

Serious side effects can include:

• Lactic acidosis (due to metformin accumulation), characterized by symptoms like trouble breathing, unusual muscle pain, weakness, and irregular heartbeats.
• Dehydration.

Precautions

• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Empahope M 500MG Tablet is probably unsafe for patients with kidney disease and should be avoided. It should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor about any kidney or liver problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It may be unsafe to use during pregnancy and is probably unsafe during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
• Alcohol Consumption: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.
• Driving: This medicine may decrease alertness, affect vision, or cause sleepiness and dizziness.
• Hypoglycemia: Monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Always carry sugary food or juice to counteract hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially during episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.
• Hygiene: Maintain good genital hygiene to help prevent fungal or urinary tract infections.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid possible interactions.
• Hypersensitivity: Do not take if allergic to empagliflozin, metformin, or any other ingredients.
• Other conditions: Not recommended for Type 1 diabetes, severe kidney or liver disease, metabolic acidosis, severe infections, or dehydration.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Typically stored at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

Here are some frequently asked questions about EMPAHOPE M 500MG TAB:

What is Empahope M 500mg Tablet used for?

Empahope M 500mg Tablet is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is prescribed along with diet and exercise to help control high blood sugar levels. This medicine is often used when diabetes is not adequately controlled by metformin alone, or in patients already taking both empagliflozin and metformin as separate medications. It also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart failure, and the worsening of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and related conditions.

How does Empahope M 500mg Tablet work?

Empahope M 500mg Tablet contains a combination of two active substances: Empagliflozin and Metformin.

• Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which helps remove excess glucose from the body through urine. This lowers blood sugar levels.
• Metformin belongs to the biguanide class of antidiabetic agents. It lowers blood sugar levels by reducing glucose production in the liver, delaying glucose absorption from the intestines, and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Together, these two components work more effectively to lower blood glucose.

What is the usual dosage of Empahope M 500mg Tablet?

Empahope M 500mg Tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose will be decided based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually taken once daily, preferably with meals to minimize stomach upset, and at the same time each day for optimal benefits. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet, and do not exceed the prescribed dose. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Empahope M 500mg Tablet?

Common side effects include urinary tract infections, genital fungal infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages). Some people may also experience joint pain or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines or if meals are delayed. Serious but rare side effects can include lactic acidosis (with Metformin) and dehydration. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, or symptoms like rapid weight loss, confusion, or unusual tiredness, contact your doctor.

Is Empahope M 500mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There is limited information on the effect of Empahope M Tablet during pregnancy. It may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. This medicine is generally not recommended during pregnancy and should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor after weighing the benefits and potential risks. Empahope M Tablet may pass into human breast milk and is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding, as studies suggest it can harm the infant. Therefore, it should not be used while breastfeeding.

Can Empahope M 500mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Yes, but caution is advised. Empahope M 500mg Tablet can interact with other medicines, affecting how they work or reducing their effectiveness. For example, it may lower the levels of lithium in the blood. Using it with diuretics (water pills) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of dehydration and lower blood pressure. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using Empahope M 500mg Tablet?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Kidney or Liver Disorders: Inform your doctor if you have kidney failure, liver problems, or any condition that may affect your kidneys. The medicine is generally unsafe for patients with kidney disease and should be used with caution in liver disease.
• Dehydration: This medicine can cause your body to lose too much fluid, leading to dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated, especially if you experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced fluid intake.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol intake as it can increase the risk of side effects like lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.
• Hypoglycemia: Be aware of symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., cold sweats, pale skin, tremor). Carry sugary food or fruit juice to treat hypoglycemia quickly.
• Infections: Practice good genital hygiene to prevent yeast or urinary tract infections, which are common side effects.
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have uncontrolled diabetes, a serious infection, type 1 diabetes, a history of metabolic acidosis, or if you are undergoing fasting or certain medical examinations.

What happens if a dose of Empahope M 500mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Empahope M 500mg Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. Never miss your blood sugar medicines, as this can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

How should Empahope M 500mg Tablet be stored?

Empahope M 500mg Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is generally between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.