Empagreat M 500mg Tab

EMPAGREAT M 500MG Tablet

EMPAGREAT M 500MG Tablet is a combination medication manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd., primarily used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Name

• Brand Name: EMPAGREAT M 500MG Tablet
• Common Names: Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets

Composition Each tablet contains a combination of two active antidiabetic medicines:

• Empagliflozin (12.5 mg)
• Metformin (500 mg)

Uses EMPAGREAT M 500MG Tablet is prescribed for:

• Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: It helps to control high blood glucose levels in adults, especially when metformin alone or other medicines are not sufficient, and as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: It offers cardiovascular benefits by reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease.
• Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS): It may also be used off-label for insulin resistance in PCOS.

Dosage and Administration

• Take EMPAGREAT M 500MG Tablet orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning.
• It is recommended to take it at the same time each day to help remember.
• The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose as it may lead to lactic acidosis. Do not discontinue the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects Common Side Effects:

• Frequent urination
• Mild skin rash or itchy skin
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Genital fungal infections
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain
• Taste changes

Serious Side Effects (less common):

• Lactic acidosis (symptoms include trouble breathing, unusual muscle pain, weakness, irregular heartbeats)
• Dehydration
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines or alcohol, or if meals are delayed/missed.
• Kidney problems

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to empagliflozin, metformin, or any other ingredients.
• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease. Use with caution in patients with liver impairment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended during pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters) or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar levels.
• Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all current medications, supplements, or herbal products to avoid interactions, especially with diuretics, insulin, insulin secretagogues, corticosteroids, and sympathomimetic agents.
• Elderly Patients: Not recommended for anyone aged 85 years or older.
• Type 1 Diabetes: This medicine is not for Type 1 diabetes.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis/Pre-coma: Contraindicated in metabolic acidosis like lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis, or diabetic pre-coma.
• Surgery/Procedures: Inform your doctor if you need to undergo an examination with iodination contrast agents.

Storage

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

EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB is a medication containing a combination of empagliflozin and metformin, used to manage type 2 diabetes. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB used for?

EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to help control high blood sugar levels, along with a proper diet and exercise. It is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart or blood vessel disease. Additionally, it helps lower the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and the worsening of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.

How does EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB work?

This medicine combines two active ingredients: empagliflozin and metformin. Empagliflozin works by blocking a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2, which leads to increased removal of glucose (blood sugar) through the urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Metformin, on the other hand, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, decreases the absorption of sugar from the stomach, and enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to use sugar more effectively.

What is the usual dosage for EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB?

For adults, the typical starting dose is one tablet taken twice a day with food. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your needs and how you tolerate the medicine. However, the total daily dose should generally not exceed 25 mg of empagliflozin and 2000 mg of metformin. It should be taken with meals to help minimize stomach-related side effects. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB?

Common side effects can include urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections (genital in women, penile in men), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, headache, and frequent urination. Serious, though rare, side effects that require immediate medical attention include lactic acidosis (symptoms like confusion, rapid breathing, muscle pain, unusual tiredness, severe stomach discomfort, feeling cold), diabetic ketoacidosis (increased thirst/urination, dry mouth, fruity breath, stomach pain), severe UTIs, dehydration, and a rare but serious infection around the genitals and rectum called Fournier's gangrene. There is also an increased risk of lower limb amputation in some patients.

Is EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it could potentially harm the unborn baby. It may also increase the chance of pregnancy in women who do not have regular monthly periods. During breastfeeding, this medicine is also typically not recommended. While metformin appears to have no shown effects in breastfed infants, there is theoretical concern about empagliflozin affecting the infant's developing kidneys. It is crucial to discuss these risks and benefits with your doctor.

Can EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB be taken with other medications?

EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB can interact with several other medications. Taking it with diuretics (water pills) may increase the risk of volume depletion (dehydration). When taken with insulin or other insulin-stimulating medications, there is an increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Certain medications like corticosteroids and sympathomimetic agents may decrease the blood sugar-controlling effects of Empagreat M. You should inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

What precautions should be taken while taking EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB?

It is important not to take EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB if you are allergic to its ingredients, have certain metabolic acidosis conditions, kidney failure, liver problems, severe infections, or are severely dehydrated. You should avoid excessive alcohol intake, as it can increase the risk of a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Staying well-hydrated is also important, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood sugar levels, and vitamin B12 levels may be necessary. If you are scheduled for an imaging procedure involving iodinated contrast, your doctor may advise temporarily stopping metformin.

What happens if a dose of EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose, 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 make up for a missed one.

How should EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB be stored?

EMPAGREAT M 500MG TAB should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It should not be frozen. Always keep this medicine out of the reach of children.