Azulix Sm Ir 50/1/500

Name:

• Brand Name: AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 Tablet (by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd)

Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains:

• Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate I.P. equivalent to Sitagliptin 50 mg
• Glimepiride I.P. 1 mg
• Metformin Hydrochloride I.P. 500 mg
• Excipients: Colloidal Silicone Dioxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mannitol, Povidone K, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, and Instacoate Aqua. Colours include Ferric oxide Red, Ferric oxide Yellow, and Titanium Dioxide.

Uses: AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 is a combination anti-diabetic medicine used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is prescribed when diet, exercise, and other treatments do not adequately control blood sugar levels. It helps to:

• Control high blood sugar levels throughout the day, including after meals and during fasting periods.
• Improve glycemic control and support insulin sensitivity.
• Reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems, blindness, and heart conditions.

Dosage and Administration: AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician. The typical recommended dose is one tablet daily. It is generally advised to take the tablet with food to minimize stomach upset. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence.
• Headache.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can manifest as sweating, shakiness, confusion, and hunger.
• Upper respiratory tract infections and musculoskeletal pain.

Precautions:

• Allergy: Do not take if allergic to Sitagliptin, Metformin, Glimepiride, or any of its components.
• Kidney/Liver Disease: Not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease due to increased risk of lactic acidosis.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult a doctor.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart disease, acute metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis), recent heart attack, or severe infections.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, including herbs and supplements, as drug interactions can occur.
• Driving: May cause dizziness or sleepiness due to blood sugar fluctuations; exercise caution while driving or operating machinery.

Storage: Store AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature (10°C to 25°C or below 30°C).

Here are frequently asked questions about AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500:

What is AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 used for?

AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 is an antidiabetic medicine used to manage high blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is typically prescribed when diet and exercise alone, or other single-agent treatments, are not sufficient to control blood sugar. This medication helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and heart conditions.

How does AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 work?

This medicine is a combination of three active ingredients: Sitagliptin (50mg), Metformin (500mg), and Glimepiride (1mg), each working through different mechanisms to control blood sugar levels.

• Sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) increases the amounts of certain natural substances (incretins) that help the pancreas release more insulin and signal the liver to stop producing sugar when blood sugar is high.
• Metformin (a biguanide) reduces sugar production by cells in the liver, delays sugar absorption from the intestines, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Glimepiride (a sulfonylurea) stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to produce and release more insulin.

What is the usual dosage for AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500?

The dosage of AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose is typically one tablet daily, taken orally with food. It's crucial not to change your dose without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500?

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, and frequent urination. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is also a possible side effect, especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines or if meals are missed. Less common but serious side effects can include lactic acidosis, particularly with the Metformin component, and allergic reactions.

Is AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. It is also usually not recommended while breastfeeding because its components can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the breastfed baby. It is essential to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 be taken with other medications?

AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 can interact with several other medications. Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take. Specific interactions may occur with other antidiabetic medicines, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, kidney transport inhibitors, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, and certain antibiotics.

What precautions should be taken while using AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500?

Precautions include:

• Kidney and Liver Disease: This medicine is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis or medication accumulation.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis.
• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to Sitagliptin, Metformin, Glimepiride, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Heart Conditions: Use with caution if you have a history of heart disease, as it may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery if blood sugar levels are too low or too high.
• Children and Elderly: It is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects and may require careful medical supervision and possibly a lower dose.

What happens if a dose of AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's 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 AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 be stored?

AZULIX SM IR 50/1/500 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.