Alsita M 50 Tablet

Composition of Alsita M 50 Tablet

Alsita M 50 Tablet contains Metformin (500mg) + Sitagliptin (50mg). It belongs to the Biguanide and DPP-4 inhibitor class of medicines.

Uses of Alsita M 50 Tablet

This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Key benefits

• First-choice medicine for type 2 diabetes
• Does not usually cause weight gain
• Low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone
• Weight neutral
• Usually taken once a day

How Alsita M 50 Tablet works

Alsita M 50 Tablet is a combination of two medicines: sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin help your pancreas produce more insulin, facilitate effective use of insulin by the body, and reduce excess sugar that your liver makes. Metformin is a biguanide which lowers glucose production in the liver, delays glucose absorption from intestines and increases the bodys sensitivity to insulin. Together, they provide better control of blood sugar.

How to take Alsita M 50 Tablet

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. Alsita M 50 Tablet is to be taken with food.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause a dangerous build-up of acid in the blood, with vomiting, severe weakness and laboured breathing. It may cause low blood sugar, particularly if you also take other diabetes medicines. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Alsita M 50 Tablet

Most side effects of Alsita M are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• Loose motions
• Stomach pain
• Metallic taste
• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blocked or runny nose

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Alsita M 50 Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Stomach upset is common in the first two weeks and usually settles; taking it with food helps. Tell your doctor before any surgery or a scan that uses contrast dye — this medicine is usually stopped for a short time around them. Stop and seek urgent care if you develop deep rapid breathing, severe weakness, muscle pain or vomiting with cold clammy skin. This is rare but serious. Long-term use can lower vitamin B12, so your doctor may check it from time to time. Stop and see a doctor urgently if you get severe, persistent abdominal pain that spreads to your back, with or without vomiting. Tell your doctor if you develop severe or disabling joint pain. Blisters or peeling of the skin should be reported promptly.

Do not take Alsita M if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, or an acute illness causing dehydration. Not for people who have had diabetic ketoacidosis. Not for type 1 diabetes or for diabetic ketoacidosis.

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about water tablets, steroids, and any contrast dye scan. Alcohol increases the risk of the rare acid build-up and should be limited. Low blood sugar is more likely when this is combined with a sulfonylurea or insulin; your doctor may lower that dose.

How to store Alsita M 50 Tablet

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Alsita M 50 Tablet

Take it with or just after food to reduce stomach upset. Keep taking it even when your sugar readings look normal — that is the medicine working. Continue your diet and physical activity; this medicine works alongside them, not instead of them. It can be taken with or without food, at the same time each day. Keep up your diet and activity — this medicine supports them.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

ALKEM LAB

Therapeutic class:

Anti-diabetic

Drug class:

Biguanide and DPP-4 inhibitor