Glyciphage P 15

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 Tablet SR

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 Tablet SR is a combination medication used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is manufactured by Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: GLYCIPHAGE P 15 Tablet SR
  • Common Name: Pioglitazone and Metformin extended-release tablets

• Composition:

  • Each sustained-release tablet contains:
    • Pioglitazone: 15 mg
    • Metformin: 500 mg

• Uses: GLYCIPHAGE P 15 is primarily prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve blood sugar control. It is used as a second-line therapy when diet, exercise, and treatment with other single antidiabetic agents do not achieve adequate glycemic control. The medication works by improving insulin sensitivity, promoting better glucose utilization in peripheral tissues, reducing glucose production by the liver, and controlling intestinal glucose absorption.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • GLYCIPHAGE P 15 mg/500 mg Tablet SR should be taken with food to minimize stomach upset.
  • It should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by a healthcare professional.
  • The tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken.
  • Do not double the dose if a dose is missed; skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Overdose may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and lactic acidosis.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain
  • Flatulence, metallic taste
  • Weight gain
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (cough, sore throat)
  • Arthralgia (joint pain)
  • Taste disturbance, numbness
  • Anemia, visual disturbance, erectile dysfunction, blood in urine (hematuria), hypoaesthesia (diminished sense of touch) Serious potential side effects include lactic acidosis, bladder cancer, heart failure, and bone fractures, particularly in elderly patients. Liver enzyme levels may increase.

• Precautions:

  • Alcohol: Unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine.
  • Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies show harmful effects on the developing baby. Consult a doctor.
  • Elderly Patients: Use with extreme caution in patients aged 65 years or older due to increased risk of bladder cancer, heart failure, bone fracture, fluid retention, and lactic acidosis.
  • Children and Adolescents: Not recommended for use in individuals under 18 years of age due to lack of safety data.
  • Contraindications: Avoid use in severe renal impairment, metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis), severe heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV), and severe liver disease.
  • Liver Function: Liver function should be periodically checked while on treatment, and the medicine should be stopped if liver enzymes increase significantly.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including insulin, other diabetes medicines (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride), cyclophosphamide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like celecoxib or ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, and rifampicin.
  • Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can raise sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes complications.

• Storage:

  • Store below 30°C or in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC.
  • Keep in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are some frequently asked questions about GLYCIPHAGE P 15:

What is GLYCIPHAGE P 15 used for?

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 is primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. This medication helps in reducing high blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucose production by the liver, and controlling intestinal glucose absorption. It is often prescribed when diet, exercise, and therapy with other single agents are not enough to control blood sugar levels.

How does GLYCIPHAGE P 15 work?

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 contains two active ingredients: Pioglitazone and Metformin. Pioglitazone works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing fat and muscle cells to better utilize glucose. Metformin primarily acts by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the uptake and utilization of glucose by cells. This combined action helps to lower blood sugar levels effectively.

What is the usual dosage of GLYCIPHAGE P 15?

The dosage of GLYCIPHAGE P 15 is determined by your doctor, based on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. It should be taken orally with food to minimize stomach upset, usually once or twice daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of GLYCIPHAGE P 15?

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, indigestion, metallic taste, and weight gain. Some people may also experience headaches or upper respiratory tract infections. More serious, but rare, side effects can include lactic acidosis, heart failure, and liver problems. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, or symptoms like severe vomiting, rapid breathing, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact your doctor immediately.

Is GLYCIPHAGE P 15 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, you should consult your doctor. Caution is also advised during breastfeeding as the active ingredients, pioglitazone and metformin, may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby.

Can GLYCIPHAGE P 15 be taken with other medications?

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 can interact with several medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Notable interactions include those with cationic medications (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, trimethoprim), CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil), CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin), insulin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids. Combining it with insulin may significantly lower blood sugar levels.

What precautions should be taken while taking GLYCIPHAGE P 15?

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 should not be used if you have severe kidney impairment, metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis), type 1 diabetes, or certain types of heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV). Use with caution if you have liver disease or a history of pancreatitis. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake during treatment as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar and lactic acidosis. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and kidney function is essential.

What happens if a dose of GLYCIPHAGE P 15 is missed?

If you miss a dose of GLYCIPHAGE P 15, 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, as this can increase the risk of complications like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

How should GLYCIPHAGE P 15 be stored?

GLYCIPHAGE P 15 should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally below 30°C. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children.