Jardiance Met 12.5/500 Tablet

JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET by BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM

Name:

• Brand Name: JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET
• Common Name: Empagliflozin/Metformin

Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains two active ingredients:

• Empagliflozin: 12.5 mg. This is a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.
• Metformin: 500 mg. This belongs to the biguanide class of medicines.

Uses: JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET is prescribed for adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus to improve blood sugar control, used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is beneficial when metformin alone is insufficient. This medication also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and hospitalization due to heart failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes and pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it helps prevent serious diabetes complications such as kidney damage, eye damage, and nerve problems.

Dosage and Administration: Typically, the recommended dose is one tablet twice daily. It should be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Dosage is individualized by a physician based on current regimen, effectiveness, and tolerability, not exceeding a maximum daily dose of 25 mg empagliflozin and 2000 mg metformin. Do not discontinue the medicine abruptly without consulting a doctor.

Side Effects:

• Common: Urinary tract infections, genital mycotic (fungal) infections, nasopharyngitis (common cold), headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), taste changes, joint pain, frequent urination, mild skin rash, itchy skin, stomach ache, and loss of appetite.
• Serious (less common): Lactic acidosis (with overdose), kidney problems, dehydration, and low blood pressure.

Precautions:

• Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, end-stage renal disease, dialysis, or Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
• Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women; consult a doctor.
• Caution is advised in patients with liver health issues.
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.
• Interactions may occur with insulin or insulin secretagogues (increased hypoglycemia risk), diuretics (increased risk of hypotension), and NSAIDs (increased risk of acute kidney injury).
• Not recommended for children under 18 years or individuals aged 85 years or older.
• Patients should maintain adequate hydration and good genital hygiene to prevent certain side effects.

Storage: Store JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The medicine should typically be stored at temperatures between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC.

JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET: Frequently Asked Questions

What is JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET used for?

JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps manage high blood sugar levels in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication is often prescribed when metformin alone isn't enough to control blood sugar or in combination with other antidiabetic medicines, including insulin. Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and hospitalization due to heart failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease, and may also offer renal protection.

How does JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET work?

JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET contains two active ingredients: Empagliflozin and Metformin. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor that works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to the removal of excess sugar from the body through urine. Metformin, a biguanide, lowers blood sugar 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 more effectively lower blood glucose levels.

What is the usual dosage for JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET?

The recommended dose is typically one tablet twice daily, taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The maximum recommended daily dose is 25 mg of empagliflozin and 2000 mg of metformin. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your current regimen, effectiveness, and tolerability. It's crucial not to exceed the prescribed dose.

What are the possible side effects of JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET?

Common side effects can include frequent urination, mild skin rash or itchy skin, diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital fungal infections, nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms), headache, and joint pain. In some cases, it may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with other antidiabetic medications, or dehydration. More serious, though rare, side effects like lactic acidosis can occur with an overdose of metformin.

Is JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits or consider alternative medications.

Can JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET be taken with other medications?

This medicine can interact with other medications. Taking it with insulin or insulin secretagogues (like sulfonylureas) can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), potentially requiring a dosage adjustment of insulin or the sulfonylurea. Combining it with diuretics (water pills) may increase the risk of low blood pressure and dehydration. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of acute kidney injury. Always inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking to avoid undesirable interactions.

What precautions should be taken with JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET?

Inform your doctor about any existing kidney or liver problems, heart conditions, or a history of urinary tract infections before starting this medication. Avoid excessive alcohol intake, as it can worsen side effects like lactic acidosis and increase the risk of low blood sugar. Stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration, especially if experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and kidney function is advised. JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET is not recommended for Type 1 diabetes, severe kidney or liver disease, or for individuals under 18 or over 85 years of age.

What happens if a dose of JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 TABLET be stored?

JARDIANCE MET 12.5/500 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 typical storage temperature is between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.