Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
This tablet combines two antihyperglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and Metformin HCl, a member of the biguanide class. Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day, and levels are increased in response to a meal. These hormones are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme, DPP-4. The incretins are part of an endogenous system involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis. When blood glucose concentrations are normal or elevated then GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells by intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclic AMP. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to reduced hepatic glucose production. By increasing and prolonging active incretin levels, Sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner. The pharmacologic mechanism of action of Metformin HCl is different from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin HCl decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose and increases peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.
Adults : Starting dose of Comet (Metformin Hydrochloride tablet) is 500 mg twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses. Starting dose of Comet XR (Metformin Hydrochloride extended release tablet) is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily with the evening meal. If glycemic control is not achieved on Comet XR 2000 mg once daily, a trial of Comet XR 1000 mg twice daily should be considered. Pediatrics : Starting dose of Comet is 500 mg twice a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses.
Cationic Drugs: Cationic drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion: Use with caution.
Phenprocoumon: Metformin may decrease the anticoagulant effect of phenprocoumon. Therefore, close monitoring of the INR is recommended.
Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine can reduce the hypoglycemic effect of metformin. Monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended, especially when thyroid hormone therapy is initiated or stopped, and the dosage of metformin must be adjusted if necessary.
Renal disease or renal dysfunction (e.g., as suggested by serum creatinine levels > 1.5 mg/ dL [males], > 1.4 mg/dL [females] or abnormal creatinine clearance), Congestive heart failure requiring pharmacologic treatment, Known hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride, Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. Pregnant mothers: Pregnancy Category B. Metformin should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Nursing mothers : Because the potential for hypoglycemia in nursing infants may exist, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, asthenia, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, headache etc.
While it does cross the placenta, metformin has not been associated with an increased risk of birth defects or complications. Therefore, if you're already taking metformin before you get pregnant, your doctor may encourage you to continue using the drug throughout your pregnancy. The very limited amounts of metformin observed in breast milk are highly unlikely to lead to substantial exposure in the breastfed baby. Metformin can be considered a safe medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in a breastfeeding mother.
Sitagliptin: In the event of an overdose, it is reasonable to employ the usual supportive measures, e.g., remove unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, employ clinical monitoring (including obtaining an electrocardiogram), and institute supportive therapy as indicated by the patient's clinical status. Sitagliptin is modestly dialyzable. Prolonged hemodialysis may be considered if clinically appropriate. It is not known if sitagliptin is dialyzable by peritoneal dialysis.
Metformin hydrochloride: Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected. Pancreatitis may occur in the context of a metformin overdose.
Store below 25°C in a dry place away from light. Keep the medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Do not use later than the date of expiry. To be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician.