Istamet 50mg/500mg

Uses:

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet is to be taken with food.

Directions For Use:

• You have been prescribed this combination medicine as it can control blood sugar better than metformin alone.
• Take it with food to lower your chance of having an upset stomach.
• Take it in addition to regular exercise and healthy diet to lower levels of blood sugar.

Side Effects:

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Istamet 50mg/500mg

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal bloating
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Warning & Precautions:

• You have skin blister after taking this medicine.
• You have a fever, vomiting, loose motion, heat exposure, less fluid intake.
• You have vomiting, pain in the stomach, breathing difficulty, tiredness, muscle cramps, decrease body temperature, decrease heartbeat after taking this medicine.
• You have low blood sugar after taking other anti-diabetic medicines along with this medicine.

FAQs:

Q. What is Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet?
Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Sitagliptin and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It improves blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Sitagliptin inhibits the enzyme DPP4 and increases the release of insulin from the pancreas. This combination is not indicated for the patients below 18 years of age.

Q. Can the use of Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, the use of Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use. It interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems as a result of which the patient can feel tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.

Q. What are the possible side effects of Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet?
The use of Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effect like lactic acidosis. On long-term use it can also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.