Oxra S 5/50

OXRA S 5/50

OXRA S 5/50 is a fixed-dose combination medication prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps improve blood sugar control in adults when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient.

Composition

OXRA S 5/50 contains two active ingredients:

• Dapagliflozin (5 mg): A sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that works by causing the kidneys to remove more glucose from the bloodstream through urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
• Sitagliptin (50 mg): A dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that increases the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Uses

OXRA S 5/50 is primarily used for:

• Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.
• Lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin production and utilization, and managing diabetes complications.
• Reducing the risk of certain cardiovascular events like heart attack and heart failure.
• Treating chronic kidney disease in adults with reduced kidney function and helping to protect kidney function.

Dosage and Administration

Take OXRA S 5/50 orally as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken once daily and can be consumed with or without food. It is advisable to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent medication levels. Do not exceed the recommended dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to increased blood sugar levels and potential complications. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember; however, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Nasal congestion, sore throat, upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
• Increased urination
• Female genital mycotic infections (yeast infections)

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include inflamed pancreas (severe and persistent stomach pain with or without nausea and vomiting) or a serious allergic reaction (rash, hives, blisters, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, and throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing).

Precautions

• Allergy: Do not take if you are allergic to dapagliflozin, sitagliptin, or any other components of the medicine.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and prescribed by a doctor. It is not recommended while breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and other side effects.
• Kidney and Liver Issues: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver problems. It is not recommended for severe kidney disease or those on dialysis.
• Elderly: Dosage adjustments or special precautions may be needed for elderly patients.
• Children: This medication is not indicated for use in children.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: As dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent potential drug interactions.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, high triglyceride levels, heart failure, low blood pressure, or stomach/intestine illness. Maintain good hygiene to prevent genital fungal infections and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. This medicine is not for type 1 diabetes.

Storage

Store OXRA S 5/50 at room temperature (20-25°C), away from moisture and heat, and in its original packaging to protect it from light. Keep the medication out of reach of children. Ensure to use it before its expiry date.

Here are frequently asked questions about OXRA S 5/50:

What is OXRA S 5/50 used for?

OXRA S 5/50 is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is typically prescribed when blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled by metformin alone, or in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise routine. This medicine helps improve blood sugar control and can also help reduce the risk of serious complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and cardiovascular events like heart attack and heart failure.

How does OXRA S 5/50 work?

OXRA S 5/50 contains two active ingredients: Dapagliflozin (5 mg) and Sitagliptin (50 mg). Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that works by blocking a protein in the kidneys responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the blood. This leads to increased glucose excretion through urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that increases the levels of natural substances called incretins in the body. Incretins help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release, especially after meals, and decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

What is the usual dosage for OXRA S 5/50?

The dosage of OXRA S 5/50 is determined by your doctor and may vary based on your condition and response to the medicine. It is typically taken once daily, with or without food. It is important to take it at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent medication levels and not to stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of OXRA S 5/50?

Common side effects of OXRA S 5/50 can include urinary tract infections, fungal infections in the genital area, nasal congestion, sore throat (nasopharyngitis), upper respiratory tract infections, headache, back pain, increased urination, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues like flatulence, constipation, stomach pain, or diarrhea. More serious but less common side effects can include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or severe allergic reactions. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration.

Is OXRA S 5/50 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

OXRA S 5/50 is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited information on its effects in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Similarly, it is not recommended during breastfeeding as it is unknown if the medicine passes into human breast milk.

Can OXRA S 5/50 be taken with other medications?

Yes, OXRA S 5/50 can interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines, herbal products, and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Particular care should be taken if you are taking insulin or insulin secretagogues (like sulphonylureas), as this combination may increase the risk of very low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Other medications that may interact include certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), antibacterials (e.g., clarithromycin), antivirals (e.g., ritonavir), diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), and digoxin.

What precautions should be taken with OXRA S 5/50?

Before taking OXRA S 5/50, inform your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney or liver problems, heart failure, a history of pancreatitis, urinary tract infections, or if you are on dialysis. Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided as it can increase the risk of complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia. If you experience dizziness or sleepiness, avoid driving or operating machinery.

What happens if a dose of OXRA S 5/50 is missed?

If you miss a dose of OXRA S 5/50, 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 compensate for the missed one.

How should OXRA S 5/50 be stored?

OXRA S 5/50 should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from moisture and heat. It should be kept in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children and pets. The ideal storage temperature is typically between 20°C and 25°C, or below 30°C. Ensure to use the medicine before its expiry date.