Voglikem-m 0.2 Forte

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE

Name

Brand Name: VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE (also referred to as VogliKEM-M 0.2 Forte Tablet SR) Manufacturer: ALKEM LAB-DIABETOLOGY DIVISION (Alkem Laboratories Ltd.)

Composition

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE is a combination medication containing two active ingredients:

• Voglibose: 0.2 mg
• Metformin: 1000 mg

Uses

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps manage high blood sugar levels when diet, exercise, and a single diabetes medicine are not sufficient. Its actions include:

• Lowering sugar production in the liver.
• Increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby preventing post-meal blood sugar spikes.
• Reducing the risk of long-term diabetes complications such as kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision issues.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by a doctor. It is typically taken with food to help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. Taking it regularly at the same time each day is recommended for optimal benefit.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in taste
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flatulence
• General weakness

Serious Side Effects (Rare but require immediate medical attention):

• Lactic Acidosis: Symptoms include deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, decreased heartbeat, muscle cramps, severe tiredness, or reduced body temperature.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This can occur, especially when used with other antidiabetic medicines or if meals are delayed or missed. Symptoms include cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, anxious feeling, dizziness, and shaking.
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to Voglibose, Metformin, or any of its components.
• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Not recommended for patients with severe kidney problems or liver disease. Caution is advised for kidney disease, with regular monitoring of kidney function.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of safety data and potential for severe side effects. Consult a doctor.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Other Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have acute metabolic acidosis, heart failure, severe infections, trauma, gastrointestinal obstruction, or are due to undergo surgery. Also, caution is advised for heart conditions and Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Driving: May cause hypoglycemia, which can affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be aware of hypoglycemia symptoms before driving.
• Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of sight and reach of children. It should be stored at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE is a combination medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It contains two active ingredients: Voglibose and Metformin, which work together to help control blood sugar levels.

Here are some frequently asked questions about VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE:

1. What is VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE used for?

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, particularly when diet, exercise, and a single diabetes medication are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels. It helps manage high blood sugar, improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, delays carbohydrate absorption, and can reduce the risk of diabetes complications like kidney or nerve damage.

2. How does VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE work?

This medicine combines two anti-diabetic drugs:

• Voglibose (0.2mg): An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that works by delaying the digestion and absorption of complex carbohydrates in the intestine. This action prevents a sudden rise in blood glucose levels immediately after meals.
• Metformin (1000mg, or sometimes 500mg as per some sources): A biguanide that reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing for better use of the insulin the body already produces.

3. What is the usual dosage for VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE?

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE should be taken with food, typically 1 tablet, 3 times daily with meals. It is crucial to follow your doctor's prescribed dose and duration. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken.

4. What are the possible side effects of VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, flatulence, headache, and dizziness. Most of these usually resolve over time. More serious, but rare, side effects can include lactic acidosis (symptoms like deep/rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when taken with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol, or if meals are missed.

5. Is VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests it may be unsafe during pregnancy, with animal studies showing potential harmful effects on the developing baby. During breastfeeding, it is probably unsafe as the drug may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

6. Can VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE be taken with other medications?

This medication can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Interactions can occur with medicines used for pain and swelling (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib), asthma (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline), diuretics (e.g., furosemide), and certain cationic medicines (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, morphine). Combining it with other antidiabetic medicines can also increase the risk of low blood sugar.

7. What precautions should be taken while using VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have severe kidney problems, liver disease, heart failure, serious infections, alcoholism, acute metabolic acidosis, diabetic pre-coma, or if you are scheduled for surgery. Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important, and you should carry a sugary snack or fruit juice to counteract unexpected low blood sugar. It is not recommended for children under 18 years of age and should be used with caution in elderly patients.

8. What happens if a dose of VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

9. How should VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE be stored?

Store VOGLIKEM-M 0.2 FORTE in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The usual storage temperature is between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.