Empagliflozin/Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet 5/500 mg

Adult dose

The recommended dosage of this medication is 1 tablet once, twice daily. For patients who cannot adequately control blood sugar with metformin alone or in combination with other medications such as insulin, the recommended dosage is 5 mg of empagliflozin twice a day (total daily dose of 10 mg) and the existing dosage of metformin. If excellent tolerability to 10 mg of empagliflozin (total daily dose) is observed and additional blood sugar control is needed, the dosage can be increased to 25 mg (total daily dose).

This medication assists in controlling blood sugar. However, a rare side effect known as severe lactic acidosis may occur, so it is essential to be aware of this symptom. Lactic acidosis is a condition in which lactic acid accumulates in the body, manifesting symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately. Additionally, caution is needed as using this medication in combination with other diabetes treatments can lead to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may result in symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. This medication is not administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Poor renal function may accumulate the drug in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Regular kidney function tests are therefore necessary. This medication should be discontinued during acute illnesses such as acute infections, dehydration, heart attack, and sepsis. Moreover, it should be paused for a certain period before and after tests involving iodinated radiocontrast agents, and can only be resumed once kidney function has returned to normal. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as well as nursing mothers, should avoid using this medication due to potential effects on the fetus or newborn. While taking this medication, urinary tract infections or genital infections may occur, so any related symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately. Increased urination may also be observed, so it is essential to monitor fluid status carefully. Long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is advisable to check vitamin B12 levels through blood tests for prolonged treatment. Taking this medication with alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, hence alcohol consumption should be avoided. Moreover, caution should be exercised for the elderly or patients at risk of fluid loss, who may face dehydration and blood pressure reduction while taking this medication, requiring frequent monitoring of renal function. Overdosing may lead to serious side effects, such as lactic acidosis. Therefore, strict adherence to the dosage is essential, and immediate medical attention is necessary in case of overdose. Finally, while taking this medication, interactions with other drugs may occur. Hence, if you are taking other medications, you must inform healthcare professionals. Especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylurea medications, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase, and dosage adjustments may be needed.

Serious side effects

Hives, angioedema, perineal necrosis, ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, severe edema, acute kidney injury, acute cholecystitis, autoimmune hepatitis, gallstones, acute pyelonephritis, urosepsis, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, deep vein thrombosis, headache, thunderclap headache, seizures, confusion, vision abnormalities, paralysis, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, respiratory changes accompanied by cough and fever, skin or eye jaundice

Mild side effects

Hypoglycemia, urinary tract infection, genital infection, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis, altered taste, itching, rash, increased serum creatinine, reduced fluid volume, decreased and deficient vitamin B12 levels, headache, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, chest discomfort, chest pain, weakness, fever, joint pain, musculoskeletal pain, back pain, glaucoma, cough, difficulty breathing

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture. It is important to maintain a storage temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius to preserve the efficacy of the medication safely.

Appearance

Orange-yellow, biconvex, oval film-coated tablet

Package unit

10 tablets/box [(10 tablets/PTP x 1)], 60 tablets/box [(10 tablets/PTP x 6)], 60 tablets/bottle