Empaglyde M 1000mg Tab

EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB by MANKIND PHARMA LTD.

• Name: Empaglyde M 1000 Tablet. It is a combination medication containing Empagliflozin and Metformin.
• Composition: Each tablet contains Empagliflozin (12.5 mg) and Metformin (1000 mg).
• Uses: Empaglyde M 1000 Tablet is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alongside diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control. It helps reduce high blood glucose levels by removing excess glucose through urine and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Additionally, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, heart failure, and the worsening of kidney disease in diabetic patients.
• Dosage and Administration: This medicine should be taken orally, typically once daily, with food to minimize stomach upset. It is important to take it at the same time each day, as advised by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. The dosage is determined by a doctor and should not be stopped without consultation.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include urinary tract infections, genital fungal infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, and taste changes. Less common but serious side effects can include lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, dehydration, and kidney problems.
• Precautions: Consult your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart failure, a history of urinary tract infections, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Alcohol consumption should be limited due to an increased risk of lactic acidosis. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines.
• Storage: Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.

Here are frequently asked questions about EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB, containing empagliflozin and metformin:

What is EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB used for?

EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB is a combination medication containing empagliflozin and metformin. It is used with diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar levels in adults (and some children aged 10 years and older) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, it is prescribed to lower the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and worsening kidney disease in certain patients with chronic kidney disease.

How does EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB work?

This medicine combines two active ingredients with different mechanisms. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, which works in the kidneys to prevent the reabsorption of glucose, causing excess sugar to be removed from the body through urine. Metformin, a biguanide, reduces glucose production in the liver, decreases the absorption of sugar from the stomach, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, helping it use sugar more effectively.

What is the usual dosage for EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB?

EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB typically contains 12.5 mg of empagliflozin and 1000 mg of metformin. The usual dose is often one tablet taken twice a day with food. Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose and may adjust it as needed, but the total daily dose usually does not exceed 25 mg of empagliflozin and 2000 mg of metformin. Taking it with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin.

What are the possible side effects of EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB?

Common side effects can include urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital yeast infections (in women and men), increased urination, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach discomfort, and weakness.

Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

• Lactic acidosis: A serious build-up of lactic acid in the blood, which can be fatal. Symptoms include stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, fast breathing, muscle pain, and unusual sleepiness.
• Ketoacidosis: High levels of ketones and acid in the blood.
• Dehydration: Due to increased urination.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially when taken with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Serious urinary tract or genital infections.
• Increased risk of lower limb amputations (e.g., toe and foot).
• Allergic reactions: Such as rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

Is EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it could harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss birth control options and alternative diabetes treatments with your doctor.

During breastfeeding, use is generally not recommended. While empagliflozin is unlikely to pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts, there's a theoretical risk to the infant's developing kidney. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against the risks and may suggest an alternative medication, particularly for newborns or premature infants.

Can EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB be taken with other medications?

EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB can interact with other medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Key interactions to be aware of include:

• Diuretics (water pills): May increase the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure.
• Insulin and sulfonylureas: Concomitant use can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and a lower dose of these medications may be needed.
• Iodinated contrast agents (used in some imaging tests): Metformin should be temporarily discontinued before or at the time of these procedures due to the risk of kidney problems and lactic acidosis.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and may lower blood sugar levels.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin): May affect blood sugar levels.

What precautions should be taken while using EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Kidney and Liver Function: Your doctor should check your kidney and liver function before starting and during treatment, as impairment in these organs can increase the risk of serious side effects like lactic acidosis. The medicine is contraindicated in severe kidney disease.
• Dehydration: Stay well-hydrated, especially during exercise, in hot weather, or if experiencing severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Alcohol Intake: Limit or avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Surgery/Procedures: You may need to stop this medicine several days before major surgery or diagnostic tests involving contrast dyes.
• Infections: Be vigilant for symptoms of urinary tract or genital yeast infections, especially if you have a history of them.
• Type 1 Diabetes: This medicine is not for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is only a few hours until your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

How should EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB be stored?

Store EMPAGLYDE M 1000MG TAB in a closed container at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it from freezing and out of reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.