Volix M 0.3 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

VOLIX M 0.3 MG TABLET (10 TAB)

Volix M 0.3 Tablet, manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., is a combination medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Name

• Brand Name: Volix M 0.3 Tablet
• Common Name: Metformin + Voglibose (combination)

Composition Volix M 0.3 Tablet contains two active ingredients:

• Metformin: 500 mg
• Voglibose: 0.3 mg

Metformin is a biguanide that works by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing glucose absorption from the intestines, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that delays the breakdown and absorption of complex carbohydrates in the small intestine, thereby preventing a sharp rise in blood sugar levels after meals.

Uses Volix M 0.3 Tablet is primarily used for:

• The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.
• Controlling high blood sugar levels, especially when diet, exercise, and a single diabetes medicine are not sufficient.
• Improving glycemic control, including fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.
• Reducing the risk of diabetes complications such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and cardiovascular disease.

Dosage and Administration

• Volix M 0.3 Tablet should be taken orally with food.
• It is generally advised to take it regularly at the same time each day to maximize benefits.
• The dosage and frequency will be determined by a doctor based on individual needs, blood sugar levels, and response to treatment.
• Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain/Abdominal pain
• Flatulence (gas)
• Loss of appetite
• Taste change (metallic taste in the mouth)
• Headache
• Skin rash

Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

• Lactic acidosis (symptoms such as muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain).
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other antidiabetic medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas, or with alcohol, or if meals are delayed/missed.

Precautions

• Hypersensitivity: Do not take if allergic to metformin, voglibose, or any other ingredients.
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease. Use with caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment and regular monitoring may be necessary.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Consult a doctor.
• Heart Conditions: Not recommended for patients with certain heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack or failure).
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe infections, trauma, gastrointestinal obstruction, or alcoholism.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as they can interact with Volix M 0.3 Tablet. Thiazides, corticosteroids, and oral contraceptives may affect blood sugar levels.
• Driving: May cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be aware of hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Children and Elderly: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Use with caution in elderly patients, with frequent monitoring of kidney function.

Storage

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is Volix M 0.3 Tablet used for?

Volix M 0.3 Tablet is a combination medicine primarily used to control high blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is typically prescribed when diet, exercise, and a single diabetes medicine are not sufficient to manage blood sugar effectively. This medication helps prevent serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage, nerve problems, eye damage, and loss of limbs.

How does Volix M 0.3 Tablet work?

Volix M 0.3 Tablet contains two active ingredients: Voglibose (0.3 mg) and Metformin (500 mg).

• Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that works by delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. This prevents a sudden rise in blood sugar levels immediately after meals.
• Metformin belongs to the biguanide class. It reduces the production of glucose in the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing cells to use insulin more effectively. This helps lower both basal and post-meal blood glucose levels.

What is the usual dosage of Volix M 0.3 Tablet?

Volix M 0.3 Tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken with food, typically one tablet, two or three times a day, during or after meals, to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and frequency based on your blood sugar levels, age, weight, medical history, and response to treatment. It is important to take the medicine regularly at the same time each day for optimal benefit. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.

What are the possible side effects of Volix M 0.3 Tablet?

Common side effects of Volix M 0.3 Tablet include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, flatulence (gas), headache, and decreased appetite. A metallic taste in the mouth may also occur. These side effects are usually temporary and often resolve on their own.

In some cases, especially when taken with other antidiabetic medicines or alcohol, or if meals are missed, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur, with symptoms like cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, anxious feeling, dizziness, sweating, and shaking.

A rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, an excess of lactic acid in the blood, may also occur. Symptoms include deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, muscle pain, and low body temperature. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or symptoms of lactic acidosis or severe hypoglycemia, seek immediate medical attention.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Volix M 0.3 Tablet is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Pregnancy: It may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Pregnant women should only take it if considered necessary by their physician, who will weigh the benefits and potential risks.
• Breastfeeding: It is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding as limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and could harm the baby. It is advised to consult your doctor for alternative treatment options while breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Volix M 0.3 Tablet can interact with various medications, which may affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.

Some medications that may interact include:

• Antidiabetic agents: When used with other antidiabetic agents like sulfonylureas or insulin, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase.
• Thiazides and Corticosteroids: These medicines (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, prednisone) can increase blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Volix M 0.3 Tablet.
• Oral Contraceptives: Hormonal contraceptives can also elevate blood sugar levels, impacting the efficiency of this medicine.
• Anti-depressants and Anti-inflammatory drugs: Certain antidepressants (e.g., selegiline) and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., prednisolone) may interact.
• Medicines for fluid retention and high blood pressure: Diuretics (e.g., metolazone) and beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) can also interact.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken while using Volix M 0.3 Tablet:

• Alcohol Consumption: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Volix M 0.3 Tablet as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious side effect of Metformin.
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease, and it is not recommended for those with severe kidney or liver impairment. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advisable.
• Heart Disease: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease.
• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to metformin, voglibose, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Other Conditions: Individuals with severe infections, trauma, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute metabolic acidosis, gastrointestinal obstruction, heart failure, or alcoholism should avoid this medicine.
• Driving: Volix M 0.3 Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive. However, be cautious of hypoglycemia if taken with other antidiabetic agents, as it can cause dizziness or affect concentration.
• Diet and Exercise: This medication is part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that should include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Volix M 0.3 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember, preferably with food. 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 make up for the missed one. Missing several doses may reduce the medicine's effectiveness and increase the risk of high blood sugar levels.

How should it be stored?

Volix M 0.3 Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. Store below 30°C.