About Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is a combination of two medicines that control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This helps prevent serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage and blindness and may reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR may be prescribed alone or along with other diabetes medications. It works best when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Your dose will depend on your condition, blood sugar levels, and other medicines you are taking. Taking it with meals helps to reduce the chances of developing an upset stomach. To get the most benefit, you should take it regularly, at the same time each day, and you should not stop unless your doctor recommends it. It is important to stay on the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor while taking this medicine. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes. The most common side effects of taking Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) is a possible side effect if you are also taking other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylurea. Hence, you need to know how to recognize and deal with it. This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart disease, problems with your pancreas, or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Some other medicines may affect Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR, so tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking to ensure you are safe. You should try to avoid drinking alcohol as it lowers blood glucose. Your doctor will check your kidney function and blood sugar levels before and during treatment.
Uses of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR
- Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is a combination of two medicines that work together in different ways to lower your blood glucose levels. Lowering blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If you can control your blood glucose level, your risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs, is also lowered. Additionally, proper control of diabetes can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking this medicine regularly, along with appropriate diet and exercise, will help you live an everyday, healthy life. You should keep using this medicine for as long as prescribed because it protects your future health.
How to use Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR
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. Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR should be taken with or after food.
How Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR works
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is a combination of two medicines: sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin helps your pancreas produce more insulin, facilitates effective use of insulin by the body, and reduces excess sugar that your liver makes. Metformin is a biguanide that lowers glucose production in the liver, delays glucose absorption from the intestines, and increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. Together, they provide better control of blood sugar.
Side effects of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR
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:
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR, 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 Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is highly unsafe during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including birth defects and pregnancy loss. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
It is not known whether Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Please consult your doctor.
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Use of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR?
Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is a combination of two medicines: sitagliptin and metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It improves blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with a proper diet and regular exercise. Metformin lowers glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Sitagliptin inhibits the enzyme DPP4 and increases insulin release from the pancreas. This combination is not indicated for patients below 18 years of age.
What are the possible side effects of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR?
The use of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR is associated with common side effects like diarrhea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection. 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.
Are there any specific conditions in which Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR should not be taken?
The use of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR should be avoided in patients with known allergies to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. The use of this medicine should be avoided in patients with severe kidney impairment, liver impairment, congestive heart failure, lactic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Is it safe to take alcohol while I am taking Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR?
No, it is not safe to consume alcohol along with Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR, as it can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.
Can the use of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR lead to lactic acidosis?
Yes, the use of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR can lead to lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency caused by the 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. Therefore, it is avoided in patients with underlying kidney disease, elderly patients, or those who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, a feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or a slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking sitagliptin + metformin and immediately consult your doctor.
Can the use of Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR lead to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, using Sitamet 50/1000 Tablet SR can cause vitamin B12 deficiency in the long term. It interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems, as a result of which the patient can feel a tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, a change in mental status, and difficulty maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.
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.
