Glyciphage-P-15

Composition of Glyciphage-P-15

Glyciphage-P-15 contains Pioglitazone + Metformin. It belongs to the Oral anti-diabetic and Biguanide class of medicines.

Uses of Glyciphage-P-15

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

Key benefits

• Targets the after-meal sugar rise
• Can be combined with other diabetes medicines
• First-choice medicine for type 2 diabetes
• Does not usually cause weight gain
• Low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone

How Glyciphage-P-15 works

This medicine combines 2 active ingredients: Pioglitazone and Metformin. Pioglitazone helps control blood sugar, particularly the rise that follows a meal. Metformin lowers blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose your liver releases and by helping your muscles respond better to your own insulin. It does not force your pancreas to make more insulin, which is why it rarely causes low blood sugar on its own.

How to take Glyciphage-P-15

Use this medicine as your doctor has directed. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

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 may cause low blood sugar and marked stomach upset. It can cause a dangerous build-up of acid in the blood, with vomiting, severe weakness and laboured breathing. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Glyciphage-P-15

Most side effects of Glyciphage-P-15 are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Flatulence
• Loose motions
• Stomach discomfort
• Swelling of the ankles and feet
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Metallic taste
• Loss of appetite

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 Glyciphage-P-15

Warnings and precautions

If you feel shaky, sweaty, confused or unusually hungry, take sugar, glucose or a sweet drink at once and tell your doctor — these are signs your blood sugar has fallen too low. If a low-sugar episode happens while on an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor such as voglibose or acarbose, use glucose — ordinary sugar and sweets work more slowly. Tell your doctor about any new swelling of the ankles, breathlessness or sudden weight gain. 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.

Do not take Glyciphage-P-15 if

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

Interactions with other medicines

Low blood sugar is more likely when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. 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.

How to store Glyciphage-P-15

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

Expert advice for Glyciphage-P-15

Take it with the first mouthful of your meal so it can act on that meal. Expect some wind in the first weeks; it usually settles. 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.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

FRANCO-INDIAN PHARMACEUTICALS

Therapeutic class:

Anti-diabetic

Drug class:

Oral anti-diabetic and Biguanide