Empacip M 12.5/500mg Tab

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG Tablet

Name

Brand Name: EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG Tablet Common Name: Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets

Composition

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG Tablet is a combination medicine containing two active ingredients:

• Empagliflozin: 12.5 mg
• Metformin: 500 mg

Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, which helps remove excess sugar from the body through urine. Metformin is a biguanide that reduces glucose production in the liver and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Uses

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG Tablet is primarily used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It helps lower blood glucose more effectively and prevents serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. It may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease.

Dosage and Administration

This medication should be taken orally, typically once daily in the morning, as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with meals may help reduce stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush, or break it. It is crucial to take the medicine at the same time each day for optimal benefits. Do not stop taking it abruptly without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Frequent urination
• Mild skin rash or itchy skin
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Stomach ache, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, indigestion
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Female genital mycotic infections

Serious side effects are less common but can include lactic acidosis, especially if alcohol is consumed or if there is kidney impairment. Consult your doctor if side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to empagliflozin, metformin, or any other components.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
• Kidney/Liver Disease: Use with caution, and it is generally not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver impairment.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
• Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, as the medicine may cause increased urination.
• Driving: May cause dizziness or drowsiness due to blood sugar fluctuations; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products being taken to avoid possible interactions.
• Type 1 Diabetes: Not for use in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. The medicine should be stored at 10°C to 25°C or below 30°C.

Here are frequently asked questions about EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB by CIPLA LTD, along with concise answers:

1. What is EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB used for?

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB is primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alongside diet and exercise. It also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in type 2 diabetes patients who have established cardiovascular disease, and may lower the risk of worsening kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and hospitalization in patients with chronic kidney disease.

2. How does EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients: Empagliflozin and Metformin. Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, works by blocking SGLT2 in the kidneys, leading to increased removal of glucose through urine and thus lowering blood sugar levels. Metformin, a biguanide, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin, helping the body use glucose more effectively, and decreases glucose absorption from the intestines.

3. What is the usual dosage for EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB?

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be swallowed whole with water, with or without food, preferably in the morning. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablet. It is important to take this medicine at the same time every day for optimal benefits.

4. What are the possible side effects of EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB?

Common side effects include urinary tract infections, female genital mycotic (yeast) infections, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, and frequent urination. More serious, but less common, side effects can include lactic acidosis (symptoms like severe stomach discomfort, muscle pain, difficulty breathing), ketoacidosis, dehydration, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with other diabetes medications. There is also a rare risk of Fournier's gangrene and, in some cases, lower leg, foot, or toe amputations.

5. Is EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy as its safety has not been established and animal studies suggest potential harm to the developing fetus. Similarly, it is not recommended during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and could harm the baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

6. Can EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB be taken with other medications?

This medicine can interact with other medications. Diuretics (water pills) may increase the risk of dehydration and volume depletion. Taking it with insulin or insulin secretagogues (like sulfonylureas) can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Corticosteroids and sympathomimetic agents may decrease glucose control. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid possible interactions.

7. What precautions should be taken while using EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB?

This medication is not suitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes. It should not be used if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia. Patients should stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. Due to potential dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Long-term use of metformin may lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without medical advice, as this can lead to increased blood sugar levels and potential complications.

8. What happens if a dose of EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG 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 one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. It is important not to miss doses of blood sugar medicines as it can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

9. How should EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB be stored?

EMPACIP M 12.5/500MG TAB should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. It is typically recommended to store it below 30°C.