Glucreta M 5+500 Tab

GLUCRETA M 5+500 Tablet

GLUCRETA M 5+500 Tablet is a prescription medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., primarily used in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is often referred to as Glucreta M 5/500 Tablet ER due to its extended-release formulation.

Composition Each tablet contains two active ingredients:

• Dapagliflozin (5 mg): This belongs to a class of medicines called Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
• Metformin (500 mg): This is a biguanide, often in the form of Metformin Hydrochloride.

Uses GLUCRETA M 5+500 Tablet is prescribed for adults to:

• Control high blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, typically when diet and exercise alone are insufficient.
• Reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, eye problems, nerve issues, limb loss, and heart disease.
• Improve glycemic control and can be used in combination with insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Dosage and Administration

• Take GLUCRETA M 5+500 Tablet as advised by your physician, usually once daily with food, at the same time each day to ensure consistency.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment based on your age, weight, and medical condition.
• Do not discontinue the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to increased blood sugar levels and serious complications.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Sore throat (nasopharyngitis), nasal congestion, headache, runny nose
• Urinary tract infection, increased urination, genital fungal infection
• Dizziness, changes in taste, back pain, fatigue or weakness, flatulence, skin rash

Serious side effects, though rare, require immediate medical attention:

• Lactic Acidosis: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, muscle cramps, severe tiredness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, light-headedness, reduced body temperature, slow heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, difficulty breathing).
• Dehydration or low blood pressure.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol, or if meals are delayed or missed.

Precautions

• Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, especially kidney or liver problems, heart disease, urinary tract infections, or if you are taking diuretics.
• Not recommended for individuals with Type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney or liver impairment, or those undergoing dialysis.
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while on this medication, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before using this medication, as it is generally not recommended during pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters) or breastfeeding.
• Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Use with caution in elderly patients (65 years and above); not recommended for those 85 years or older.
• Be aware of potential drug interactions with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, medicines reducing metformin clearance (e.g., ranolazine, cimetidine), diuretics, insulin, sulfonylureas, beta-blockers, certain heart medicines, birth control pills, and iodinated contrast agents for X-rays.
• Maintain regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, stay hydrated, and practice good hygiene to help prevent fungal infections.
• This medicine is part of a comprehensive treatment program that should include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management as advised by your doctor.

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

GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is a medication used to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Below are some frequently asked questions about this medicine.

What is GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB used for?

GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is used to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It helps to control high blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient. This medicine can also be used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonists. By effectively controlling blood sugar, it helps reduce the risk of serious complications associated with diabetes, including kidney damage, eye problems, and heart disease.

How does GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB work?

GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is a combination of two active ingredients: Dapagliflozin (5mg) and Metformin (500mg). Dapagliflozin works by blocking a protein in the kidneys called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2), which helps remove excess sugar from the body through urine. Metformin works by decreasing the production of glucose in the liver, reducing its absorption from the intestines, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Together, these actions help to lower blood glucose levels effectively.

What is the usual dosage for GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB?

Typically, GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is taken orally once a day with food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment based on your age, body weight, and specific medical condition. It's important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor to maintain consistent blood sugar control.

What are the possible side effects of GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB?

Common side effects may include diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, genital infections (e.g., itching, unusual discharge), urinary tract infections (UTIs), back pain, and changes in taste. Less common side effects can include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. In rare cases, serious side effects like lactic acidosis (symptoms include severe tiredness, difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting) or severe allergic reactions can occur. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and potential risks to the unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. Similarly, it is not advised during breastfeeding as dapagliflozin may affect infant kidney development, and it is unknown if the components pass into breast milk. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor for alternative treatment options.

Can GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB be taken with other medications?

Yes, GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB can interact with several other medications. For example, taking it with other antidiabetic medicines (like insulin or sulfonylureas) can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Diuretics (water pills) may increase the risk of dehydration and lactic acidosis. Certain heart medicines, gastric medicines (like cimetidine), and iodinated contrast agents (used for X-rays) can also interact. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB?

GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is not suitable for individuals with Type 1 diabetes, severe kidney or liver disease, heart failure, or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it significantly increases the risk of lactic acidosis. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial. Maintain good hydration to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of genital and urinary tract infections. Use with caution in elderly patients. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to increased blood sugar levels and serious complications.

What happens if a dose of GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one, as this can lead to adverse effects. Missing doses can result in uncontrolled high blood sugar.

How should GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB be stored?

GLUCRETA M 5+500 TAB should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The medication should be stored at temperatures below 30ºC. Do not use the medicine past its expiry date.