About Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR belongs to a category of medicines known as anti-diabetic drugs. It is a combination of two medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR should be taken with food. Take it regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit. Your doctor will decide what dose is best for you and this may change from time to time according to how it is working according to your blood sugar levels. Keep taking this medicine, even if you feel well or your blood sugar levels are controlled. If you stop it without consulting your doctor, your blood sugar levels could rise and put you at risk of kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Remember that it is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes. The most common side effect of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Make sure you recognize the signs of having low blood glucose levels, such as sweating, dizziness, headache, and shaking, and know how to deal with it. To prevent this, it's important to have regular meals and always carry a fast-acting source of glucose such as sugary food or fruit juice with you. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of low blood sugar levels and should be avoided. Other side effects that may be seen on taking this medicine include taste changes, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection. Some people may find that they put on weight with this medicine. You should not take it if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of acid in your blood), or if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease. It may not be suitable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Your blood sugar levels should be checked regularly and your doctor may also advise blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function.
Uses of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR
- Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is a combination medicine that increases the amount of insulin your body produces (in the pancreas). The insulin then works to lower your blood glucose level. It is usually taken once a day. You should keep taking it for as long as it is prescribed. Lowering blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If you can control the level you will reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Taking this medicine regularly along with proper diet and exercise will help you live a normal, healthy life.
How to use Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR
Use it as advised by your doctor or check the label for directions before use. Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is to be taken with food.
How Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR works
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is a combination of two antidiabetic medicines: Glimepiride and Metformin. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea which works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose. Metformin is a biguanide which works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying glucose absorption from intestines and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
Side effects of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR
Most side effects do not need medical attention and go away as your body adjusts. Talk to your doctor if they persist or worry you. Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Keep out of the reach of children. How to store medicines at home.
Safety advice
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR.
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is generally started with low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and its use is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Frequently asked questions
What are the recommended storage conditions for Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Can the use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR lead to lactic acidosis?
Yes, the use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR can lead to lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency which is caused by increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. It is also known as MALA (Metformin-associated lactic acidosis). It is a rare side effect associated with the use of metformin and therefore, it is considered to be harmful for patients with underlying kidney disease, old age patients or who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR and consult your doctor immediately.
What is Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR?
Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is a combination of two medicines: Glimepiride and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It improves blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Glimepiride lowers the blood glucose levels by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. This combination is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 DM.
What are the possible side effects of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR?
The use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and headache. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effects like lactic acidosis. On long-term use it can also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Can the use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, the use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR 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 and the patient can experience 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.
Can the use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR cause hypoglycemia?
Yes, the use of Glycomet-GP 0.5 Tablet PR can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always keep a quick source of sugar like glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.
This information is for reference only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without medical advice. Details come from the product’s listing and may differ from the pack you receive; always read the label.
