Valera M 5 Mg/500 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET

Name: Valera M 5 MG/500 MG Tablet (Brand name: Valera M 500 Tablet SR or Valera M 500 Tablet). Common names for its active ingredients are Evogliptin and Metformin.

Composition: Each tablet contains Evogliptin 5 mg and Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg.

Uses: VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, particularly when blood sugar levels are not well-controlled with either evogliptin or metformin alone, or when transitioning from separate tablets of these medications. This medicine helps control blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver.

Dosage and Administration: This medicine should be taken orally as advised by your doctor. It is generally recommended to take the tablet with meals to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it. For optimal effectiveness, maintain a consistent schedule and take it at the same time each day. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain, headache, nasopharyngitis, indigestion, common cold, itching, loss of appetite, and changes in taste (including a metallic taste) are frequently reported.
• Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of lactic acidosis (such as dizziness, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, trouble breathing, or severe weakness), a serious allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing), or signs of liver problems (nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Precautions: VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET is not recommended for individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney impairment, heart failure, bladder cancer, type 1 diabetes, severe uncontrollable diabetes, lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, dehydration, systemic infection, or shock. Caution is advised for patients with liver disease. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. The medication is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; consult your doctor. Long-term use of metformin may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Always inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions and all other medications you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Avoid prolonged fasting, as this may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Storage: Store VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET below 30°C. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

What is VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET used for?

VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET is primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps control high blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient, or when blood sugar is not adequately controlled by either evogliptin or metformin alone. This medication can also be used for convenience if a patient is transitioning from taking separate evogliptin and metformin tablets. By controlling blood sugar, it aims to prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, vision impairment, nerve problems, heart attacks, and strokes.

How does VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET work?

VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET contains two active ingredients: Evogliptin (5 mg) and Metformin (500 mg). Evogliptin is a selective DPP-4 inhibitor that works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones in the bloodstream, which in turn enhances insulin release from the pancreas and reduces the production of hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Metformin, a biguanide, reduces glucose production in the liver, limits glucose absorption from the intestines, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing cells to use glucose more effectively. The combined action of these two components helps reduce both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.

What is the usual dosage for VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET?

The dosage of VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your individual condition, blood sugar levels, and response to treatment. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and duration exactly as advised by your healthcare provider. Do not change or exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. It can generally be taken with or without food, but taking it with meals may help minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

What are the possible side effects of VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain, headache, indigestion, and nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms). A serious but rare side effect is lactic acidosis, which is an accumulation of lactic acid in the blood. The risk of lactic acidosis is higher for individuals with kidney or liver problems, or those who consume excessive alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include dizziness, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, trouble breathing, or severe weakness. If you experience any persistent or severe side effects, or signs of lactic acidosis, seek immediate medical attention.

Is VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution is advised, and you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Can VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET can interact with certain other medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Particular caution is needed with:

• Other antidiabetic medications (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas): This combination can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, zonisamide): These may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Renal Clearance Reducers (e.g., ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, cimetidine): These can interfere with metformin clearance, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Certain blood pressure medications (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs): May interact with Valera M.
• Steroids, oral contraceptives, thyroid products, nicotinic acid: These may affect blood sugar levels.

What precautions should be taken while taking VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET?

Several precautions should be observed while taking VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET:

• Kidney and Liver Function: This medicine is not recommended for individuals with severe kidney impairment, and caution is advised for those with liver problems due to an increased risk of lactic acidosis. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function may be advised by your doctor.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.
• Hypoxic States: If you have conditions with low oxygen levels (e.g., heart failure, acute myocardial infarction), you should stop taking this medication as it can heighten the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Diet and Exercise: This medicine works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
• Missed Meals/Fasting: Avoid fasting for prolonged periods as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of metformin can decrease vitamin B12 levels, which may need monitoring.
• Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been reported with DPP-4 inhibitors. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain.

What happens if a dose of VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET, 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 the missed one.

How should VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET be stored?

VALERA M 5 MG/500 MG TABLET should be stored below 30°C. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.