Metformin and Sitagliptin are combined together in this medicine.
Metformin + Sitagliptin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (gradual loss of capacity of the pancreas to produce enough insulin). This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Metformin + Sitagliptin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take at meal times. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labeled as “XR”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and course of your treatment depending on your condition.
Metformin + Sitagliptin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- type 1 diabetes (a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin)
- excessive acid production in the body e.g. lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis
- heart disease,heart failure, recent heart attack, or stroke
- liver disease
- severe kidney disease
- consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker
as Metformin + Sitagliptin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stress related states e.g. fever, trauma, infection
- history of inflammation of the pancreas
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Metformin + Sitagliptin to an elderly person. The elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for diagnostic tests (e.g. x-ray procedures using iodinated contrast agent), or an operation, including minor surgery and dental works, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If you are taking Metformin + Sitagliptin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and problems speaking. These signs are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia could worsen and you might faint.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soft drinks, sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine tests (e.g. blood sugar, vitamin B12 blood concentration, liver and kidney function). Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Complications due to diabetes (e.g. metabolic acidosis, pancreas or heart problems) must also be monitored while you are being treated with this medicine.
Metformin + Sitagliptin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach wind, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, back pain, and joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe or persistent pain in the stomach
- severe or disabling joint pain
- signs of ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis e.g. nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, feeling sick, tiredness, difficulty breathing, slow or irregular heartbeat
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters / rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs of dehydration e.g. dry or sticky mouth, severe thirst, urinating less often or not at all
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicine for chest pain e.g. ranolazine
- medicine for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. propranolol,verapamil, captopril, enalapril- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- medicine to treat certain thyroid cancer e.g. vandetanib
- medicine for HIV infection e.g. dolutegravir
- acetazolamide (medicine for increased pressure in the eye, water pill)
- cimetidine (medicine for increased stomach acid)
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. celecoxib, ibuprofen
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metformin + Sitagliptin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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