Istamet Xr 100/1000mg Tab

ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG Tablet

Name

• Common Name: Istamet XR Tablet
• Brand Name: ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG Tablet (manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)

Composition ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG Tablet contains a combination of two active ingredients:

• Sitagliptin 100 mg
• Metformin 1000 mg (as Metformin Hydrochloride, often in a sustained-release form)

Uses ISTAMET XR Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It helps to control high blood sugar levels by working through multiple mechanisms:

• Sitagliptin enhances the body's natural substances that increase insulin production from the pancreas and reduce glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) levels when blood sugar is high.
• Metformin reduces glucose production in the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. This combination helps to regulate blood sugar, especially after meals, and is used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent serious diabetic complications such as kidney damage, eyesight loss, nerve damage, heart attack, and stroke. It is not indicated for Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Dosage and Administration

• Take ISTAMET XR Tablet exactly as instructed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• It should generally be taken with food, typically with breakfast or the first main meal of the day, to minimize stomach upset.
• For best results, take the medicine at the same time each day.
• Do not alter the dose or discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to increased blood sugar levels and potential complications.
• This medicine is generally not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), characterized by dizziness, sweating, hunger pangs, dry mouth, or palpitations.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, abdominal bloating.
• Headache, upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, changes in taste, flatulence.

Serious or rare side effects can include:

• Lactic acidosis (a rare but serious condition indicated by symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or a slow heart rate).
• Acute pancreatitis.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Swelling of the face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands, and feet.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Do not take if you are allergic to sitagliptin, metformin, or any other ingredients. It is also contraindicated in severe kidney or liver disease, acute/chronic metabolic acidosis, acute alcohol intoxication, Type 1 diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol intake while on this medication, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, kidney problems, liver problems, pancreatitis, or low vitamin B12 levels.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. This medication is generally not recommended during pregnancy and should be used with caution during breastfeeding.
• Surgery: Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or any procedures requiring general anesthesia.
• Drug Interactions: ISTAMET XR can interact with other medications, including insulin, sulfonylureas (which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia), cationic medications like cimetidine, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and iodinated contrast media. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and kidney function is advisable.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine in its tightly closed container or packaging.
• Ensure it is kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
• Store below 25°C or not above 30°C.

ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG Tablet is a combination medication containing Sitagliptin (100mg) and Metformin (1000mg) in an extended-release formulation. It is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What is ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB used for?

ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB is used to control high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise to improve blood sugar control and help prevent serious diabetes complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, heart attack, and stroke. It is not indicated for the management of type 1 diabetes.

How does ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB work?

This medication combines two active ingredients:

• Sitagliptin: This component is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of natural substances called incretins in your body. Incretins help to increase insulin synthesis and release from your pancreas when blood glucose levels are high, and they also decrease glucagon secretion, which contributes to lower blood sugar levels.
• Metformin: This component belongs to the biguanide class. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and improving your body's sensitivity to insulin, thereby increasing the uptake and utilization of glucose by your cells.

What is the usual dosage for ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB?

ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken once daily, preferably with the evening meal. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and should not be cut, crushed, or chewed. Taking it with food can help minimize stomach upset.

What are the possible side effects of ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB?

Common side effects may include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, vomiting, nasopharyngitis, metallic taste, sore throat, and joint pain. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur, especially if taken with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.

Rare but serious side effects can include lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, symptoms include unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, feeling cold, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea/vomiting, unusual tiredness), bullous pemphigoid (large skin blisters), pancreatitis, and vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use.

Is ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Caution is advised regarding the use of ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB during pregnancy. It is generally not recommended for use by breastfeeding women, as limited data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and could potentially harm the baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

• Increased risk of low blood sugar: If taken with insulin or insulin secretagogues (like sulfonylureas), the risk of hypoglycemia increases, and dosage adjustments of these medications may be necessary.
• Increased metformin levels: Medications like cimetidine, certain renal function-impairing drugs (e.g., ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir), and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can increase metformin accumulation, raising the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Other interactions: Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose, potentially requiring adjustments to your diabetes medication.

What precautions should be taken while using ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB?

• Kidney and Liver Health: ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB is not recommended for individuals with severe kidney or liver impairment. Caution is advised with moderate impairment, and regular monitoring of kidney function may be necessary.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol intake, as it can significantly increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect associated with metformin.
• Dehydration: Inform your doctor if you experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or significantly reduced fluid intake, as dehydration can affect the safety of this medication.
• Medical Procedures: Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or imaging scans involving contrast dye, as you may need to temporarily stop taking this medication.
• Vitamin B12: Long-term use of metformin can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your B12 levels and potentially suggest supplementation.
• Allergies: Do not take this medication if you have a known allergy to sitagliptin, metformin, or any of its ingredients.

What happens if a dose of ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose, 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 a missed one.

How should ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB be stored?

Store ISTAMET XR 100/1000MG TAB in its original, tightly closed container in a cool and dry place, typically below 30°C (or below 25°C), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep this medication out of the sight and reach of children and pets.