Empagliflozin and Metformin are combined together in this medicine.
Empagliflozin + Metformin is used 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.
Empagliflozin + Metformin 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 Empagliflozin + Metformin 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.
This medicine should be taken with food to decrease upset stomach. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking an extended-release type of tablet (usually labeled as “XR”), swallow it whole. Do not crush, cut or chew the tablet.
Empagliflozin + Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue to take 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:
- moderate to severe kidney disease
- acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (excessive acid production in the body e.g. lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis)
as Empagliflozin + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g.heart failure
- liver disease
- stress related states e.g. fever, trauma, infection, surgery
This medicine is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (your body does not produce any insulin) or diabetes ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an elderly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Empagliflozin + Metformin.
If you are going for diagnostic tests (e.g. urine tests, imaging procedures), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
If you are taking Empagliflozin + Metformin 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 hypoglycemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking – these signs are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.
It is important to recognize 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 or 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.
Empagliflozin + Metformin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, joint pain, rash, and frequent urination.
This medicine may cause you to be more prone to genital infections. Signs and symptoms include genital irritation or itching and an unusual discharge or odour. Maintain good hygiene to reduce the chance of this effect.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following: severe diarrhoea and vomiting, severe joint or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and very low body temperature.
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, glipizide, glimepiride, glibenclamide
- medicines for water retention or “water pills” e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide
- stomach medicines e.g. cimetidine
- medicine used for lung infection known as tuberculosis e.g. rifampicin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Empagliflozin + Metformin.
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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