Siaglide M 500

Composition of Siaglide M 500

Siaglide M 500 contains Metformin + Sitagliptin. It belongs to the Biguanide and DPP-4 inhibitor class of medicines.

Uses of Siaglide M 500

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 Siaglide M 500 works

This medicine combines 2 active ingredients: Metformin and Sitagliptin. 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. 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.

How to take Siaglide M 500

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 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 Siaglide M 500

Most side effects of Siaglide 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 Siaglide M 500

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 Siaglide 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 Siaglide M 500

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

Expert advice for Siaglide M 500

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:

ABBOTT HEALTHCARE LIMITED

Therapeutic class:

Anti-diabetic

Drug class:

Biguanide and DPP-4 inhibitor