Glucreta L 5/10 Tab

GLUCRETA L 5/10 TAB by TORRENT PHARMA

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet is a prescription medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., designed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Composition

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet contains two active ingredients:

• Dapagliflozin (10 mg): A sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in the urine, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
• Linagliptin (5 mg): A dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It increases incretin hormone levels, which stimulate insulin release after meals and reduce glucose production by the liver.

Uses

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet is primarily used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also offers additional benefits such as:

• Improving glycemic control and lowering HbA1c levels.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with established heart disease.
• Treating chronic kidney disease in adults with reduced kidney function and helping to protect kidneys.
• Supporting modest weight loss and improving metabolic health in some patients.

Dosage and Administration

This medication is for oral administration.

• Typically taken once daily, preferably in the morning.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush, or split it.
• The exact dosage and duration of therapy are determined by a physician based on the patient's condition, response to treatment, and monitoring of blood glucose, kidney, and liver function.
• Do not alter the prescribed dosage or discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms)
• Diarrhoea, cough, skin rash or itching
• Dizziness, headache, light-headedness
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Vulvovaginitis, balanitis, and other genital infections
• Back pain

Serious but rare side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (symptoms like rapid weight loss, excessive thirst, confusion, sweet-smelling breath).
• Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's Gangrene).
• Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, angioedema, anaphylaxis).

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal kidney injury. It is not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of dehydration or hypoglycemia.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver problems, kidney disease, heart failure, or low blood pressure. It should be avoided in patients with a history of pancreatitis and used cautiously in those prone to ketoacidosis. Not for use in Type 1 diabetes.
• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to dapagliflozin, linagliptin, or any other components of the tablet.
• Driving and Machinery: May cause dizziness or drowsiness due to blood sugar fluctuations; exercise caution.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Particular caution is needed with insulin or sulfonylureas (due to increased hypoglycemia risk), diuretics, rifampin, digoxin, topiramate, or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and kidney function is crucial during treatment.

Storage

Store GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight. Ensure it is out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date mentioned on the pack. The recommended storage temperature is below 30°C or between 10°C to 25°C.

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet is a medication prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It combines two active ingredients, Dapagliflozin (10 mg) and Linagliptin (5 mg), to help control blood sugar levels.

Here are some frequently asked questions about GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet:

What is GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet used for?

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet is used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to help improve blood glucose control, especially when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient. It also offers benefits in reducing the risk of heart failure and kidney complications associated with diabetes, and may support weight management.

How does GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet work?

This medication works through the combined action of its two active ingredients. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, helps the kidneys remove excess sugar from the body through urine. Linagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, increases the levels of natural substances called incretins, which stimulate insulin release after meals and reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

What is the usual dosage of GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet?

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet is typically taken once daily, preferably in the morning, with or without food. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to the medication. It is crucial not to alter the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects of GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet?

Common side effects may include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital infections (such as vulvovaginitis or balanitis), dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, back pain, and frequent urination. More serious but rare side effects like diabetic ketoacidosis and a severe genital infection called Fournier's gangrene have been reported. Consult your doctor if any side effects worsen or persist.

Is GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters due to potential risks of fetal kidney injury. It is also not recommended for use by breastfeeding women as it is unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

Can GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet be taken with other medications?

It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking, as they may interact with GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet. Specific interactions can occur with insulin or other sulfonylureas (like glimepiride or glipizide), diuretics (e.g., furosemide), rifampin, digoxin, certain anticonvulsants (like topiramate, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, cimetidine, and corticosteroids. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of side effects.

What precautions should be taken while using GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet?

Exercise caution if you have liver disease, moderate kidney disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, or a history of pancreatitis. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Be aware of symptoms of genital fungal infections and diabetic skin lesions. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and kidney function is crucial during treatment. 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 GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet 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 GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet be stored?

Store GLUCRETA L 5/10 Tablet in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, at a temperature below 30°C. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.