Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

Composition of Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

Istamet 50 mg/500 mg contains Sitagliptin + Metformin. It belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor and Biguanide class of medicines.

Uses of Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

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

Key benefits

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

How Istamet 50 mg/500 mg works

This medicine combines 2 active ingredients: Sitagliptin and Metformin. Sitagliptin lowers blood sugar by protecting the natural gut hormones that tell your pancreas to release insulin after a meal, so the effect is strongest when your sugar is highest. 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 Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

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, particularly if you also take other diabetes medicines. 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 Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

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

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

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 Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

Warnings and precautions

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. 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 Istamet 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 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 this is combined with a sulfonylurea or insulin; your doctor may lower that dose. 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 Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

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

Expert advice for Istamet 50 mg/500 mg

It can be taken with or without food, at the same time each day. Keep up your diet and activity — this medicine supports them. 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:

SUN PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Anti-diabetic

Drug class:

DPP-4 inhibitor and Biguanide