Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet

GIBTULIO MET 12.5/500 TABLET

Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet is a prescription medication manufactured by Lupin Ltd., used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.

• Composition: Each tablet contains Empagliflozin 12.5 mg and Metformin (as hydrochloride) 500 mg.

  • Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose from the body through urine.
  • Metformin is a biguanide that reduces glucose production in the liver, decreases intestinal glucose absorption, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin.

• Uses: This medicine is primarily used, in conjunction with diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

• Dosage and Administration: Gibtulio Met is typically taken orally, once or twice daily, with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The exact dosage is determined by a doctor based on individual patient needs, existing medical conditions, and response to treatment. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, cut, or chewed. Consistent timing of doses is recommended.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include frequent urination, urinary tract infections, genital fungal infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Serious side effects can include lactic acidosis, particularly with overdose.

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor about any kidney or liver issues, urinary tract infections, or if you are taking diuretics.
  • Not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus, severe kidney or liver disease, or metabolic acidosis.
  • Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; consult a doctor.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of side effects like lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

What is Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet used for?

Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, in conjunction with diet and exercise. It is prescribed when metformin alone, or metformin combined with other medications, is not sufficient to control blood sugar levels. Beyond blood sugar control, this medication also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it can lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and slow the progression of kidney disease in certain patients.

How does Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet work?

Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet contains two active ingredients: Empagliflozin (12.5 mg) and Metformin (500 mg).

• Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which reduces the reabsorption of glucose back into the bloodstream. This leads to increased excretion of glucose through urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
• Metformin is a biguanide that acts by decreasing the production of glucose in the liver, reducing the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Together, these two components work synergistically to achieve more effective blood glucose control.

What is the usual dosage of Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet?

The dosage of Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken once or twice daily, preferably with meals to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The precise dosage may vary depending on individual patient needs, existing medical conditions, and how well you respond to the treatment. You should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and not crush, cut, or chew it. Taking the medication at the same time(s) each day is important for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose prescribed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet?

Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, genital yeast or fungal infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, joint pain, taste changes, flatulence, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), stomach ache, loss of appetite, and a metallic taste in the mouth. More serious, though less common, side effects can include lactic acidosis (associated with metformin) and dehydration or volume depletion (associated with empagliflozin). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also occur, especially when taken with other antidiabetic medicines or alcohol, or if meals are delayed or missed. To help prevent dehydration, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of genital fungal infections.

Is Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet is generally not recommended and may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. For breastfeeding women, it is likely unsafe, as the drug components may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. It is crucial to consult your doctor for safer alternative treatments if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet be taken with other medications?

Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet can interact with various other medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take to avoid potential interactions. Some notable interactions include:

• Diuretics (water pills): May increase the risk of lactic acidosis and dehydration.
• Insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., glipizide, glyburide): Can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May impair kidney function and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Cationic medicines (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, morphine, ranitidine): Can interact with metformin and elevate the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Lithium: Gibtulio Met may lower lithium levels in the blood.
• Steroid tablets (e.g., prednisolone), chest pain medications (e.g., nitrates), muscle relaxants (baclofen): May also interact.

What precautions should be taken while taking Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet?

Several precautions should be observed when taking Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet:

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to empagliflozin, metformin, or any of its other ingredients.
• It is not suitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
• Avoid use if you have metabolic acidosis (like lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis), a history of diabetic pre-coma, severe kidney failure, liver problems, or conditions that can affect your kidneys (e.g., severe infection, dehydration, shock).
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as it significantly increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential.
• Inform your doctor about any history of kidney or liver issues, urinary tract infections, or if you are taking diuretics.
• Exercise caution in elderly patients (over 75 years old), as they may be more susceptible to side effects and have pre-existing kidney or liver conditions.
• The safety and effectiveness in children under 18 years of age have not been established; therefore, it is generally not recommended for this age group unless specifically prescribed.
• If you are scheduled for surgery or medical tests, inform your doctor, as the medication may need to be temporarily discontinued.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and potential complications.

What happens if a dose of Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet, 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 a missed one.

How should Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet be stored?

Gibtulio Met 12.5/500 Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. The recommended storage temperature is below 30°C or between 10°C and 25°C (room temperature). It should also be protected from moisture and light.