Formin Pg 2

FORMIN PG 2 by ALKEM LABORATORIES LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: Formin PG 2 Tablet

Composition

FORMIN PG 2 Tablet contains a combination of three active ingredients:

• Glimepiride (2 mg)
• Metformin (500 mg)
• Pioglitazone (15 mg)

Uses

FORMIN PG 2 Tablet is primarily used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is prescribed when blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone, or when single-agent or dual therapies are insufficient. This medicine helps control blood sugar levels by:

• Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin.
• Reducing glucose production in the liver.
• Delaying sugar absorption from the intestines.
• Increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.

It also helps in lowering both fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels and may prevent or delay serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, nerve problems, eye problems (blindness), and cardiovascular disease.

Dosage and Administration

FORMIN PG 2 Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It is typically taken with food to avoid stomach upset. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not chewed, crushed, or broken. Do not exceed the recommended dose or change the dosage without consulting your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for the next dose; do not double the dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects of FORMIN PG 2 Tablet may include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
• Headache, dizziness
• Metallic taste
• Weight gain
• Upper respiratory tract infections, sinus infection
• Bone fracture

Serious side effects, though less common, require immediate medical attention:

• Signs of lactic acidosis (e.g., cold hands or feet, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, severe tiredness, stomach pains, irregular heartbeat).
• Symptoms of heart failure (e.g., unusual shortness of breath, rapid weight increase, swelling in ankles or legs).

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: FORMIN PG 2 is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is also advised to avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine as it may be excreted in human milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis.
• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function tests may be advisable. It is not recommended for severe kidney or liver failure.
• Heart Failure: Use with caution, especially in patients with congestive heart failure, as pioglitazone can worsen fluid retention.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Glimepiride, Metformin, Pioglitazone, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Children: Not recommended for children.
• Other Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking, as interactions can occur. For example, thyroid products, calcium-channel blockers, and certain cationic medicines may interact. Grapefruit juice should be avoided.
• Driving: Be cautious while driving or operating machinery as the medicine can cause hypoglycemia, affecting alertness.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of metformin in FORMIN PG 2 may lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Sun Sensitivity: May make the skin more sensitive to the sun; use sunscreen.

Storage

Store FORMIN PG 2 Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of reach and sight of children and pets. Store at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Ensure the product is in its original packaging. Always check the expiry date before use.

FORMIN PG 2 by Alkem Laboratories Ltd.

What is FORMIN PG 2 used for?

FORMIN PG 2 is primarily used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is prescribed when diet, exercise, and single-agent therapy are not sufficient to adequately control blood sugar levels. This medicine helps in lowering both fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels, thereby preventing or delaying serious complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and blindness.

How does FORMIN PG 2 work?

FORMIN PG 2 is a combination medication containing three active ingredients: Glimepiride (2 mg), Metformin (500 mg), and Pioglitazone (15 mg). Each component works through a different mechanism to control blood sugar levels. Glimepiride stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver, delays glucose absorption from the intestines, and increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. Pioglitazone also enhances insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue, further improving the body's response to insulin.

What is the usual dosage of FORMIN PG 2?

The dosage of FORMIN PG 2 is determined by your doctor based on the severity of your condition and your response to the medicine. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily with food to avoid stomach upset. It is important not to change the dose without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of FORMIN PG 2?

Common side effects of FORMIN PG 2 can include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, and respiratory tract infections. Other possible side effects may include dizziness, vomiting, weakness, anemia, weight gain, and oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). If side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is FORMIN PG 2 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FORMIN PG 2 is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is also probably unsafe to use while breastfeeding, as Metformin, one of the active ingredients, can be excreted in breast milk. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

Can FORMIN PG 2 be taken with other medications?

FORMIN PG 2 can interact with several other medications. For example, taking it with insulin or other anti-diabetic medications might increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, and certain antibiotics or antifungals can also interact. Always inform your doctor about all prescribed and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Before taking FORMIN PG 2, inform your doctor if you have any history of kidney, liver, or heart problems, including congestive heart failure. Caution is advised for patients with severe kidney impairment, liver disease, or heart failure. It is also advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while on this medication, as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. Formin PG 2 can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so using sunscreen is recommended.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of FORMIN PG 2, 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 double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

How should it be stored?

FORMIN PG 2 should be stored at room temperature, typically below 30°C. Keep the medicine in its original pack, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Ensure it is kept out of the reach of children and pets, and always use it before its expiry date.