Empagliflozin/Metformin Tablets 5/500 mg

Adult dose

1 tablet once, twice a day. The maximum daily doses are 25 mg of empagliflozin and 2000 mg of metformin. Patients who are currently taking metformin may combine it with empagliflozin 5 mg twice a day (total 10 mg) or increase empagliflozin to 10 mg or 25 mg if there is good tolerance. This medication is taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects related to metformin.

This medication helps in controlling blood sugar levels, acting through its two active ingredients used for diabetes treatment. It can cause a rare but very serious condition called lactic acidosis, so it should not be used by patients with impaired kidney function, severe infections, dehydration, or heart problems. Additionally, when used with insulin or other antihyperglycemic agents, there is a risk of hypoglycemia, so caution is advised. Patients with reduced kidney function, elderly patients, or those in a dehydrated state should consult with a physician before using this medication and undergo regular kidney function tests. During treatment, gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur, and there is also a risk of urinary or genital infections, so any symptoms that arise should be reported immediately to healthcare professionals. It is advisable for pregnant women or those who may become pregnant and nursing mothers to avoid using this medication. Patients scheduled for surgery should stop taking this medication 48 hours before the procedure and can resume it after confirming normal kidney function post-surgery. This medication can lead to fluid loss; hence, patients with low blood pressure or dehydration symptoms should use it cautiously, and those aged 75 and older should be particularly careful. Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided during treatment as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and kidney function is recommended while on this medication, as well as monitoring vitamin B12 levels. If severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, severe fatigue, or altered consciousness occurs after taking this medication, the patient must immediately visit a healthcare facility. This medication can interact with other drugs, so patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist of any other medications they are taking. Lastly, this medication is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years of age, and it should always be taken as directed by a physician.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, urosepsis, necrotizing perineal infection, severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, asthma attacks, liver abnormalities (jaundice), severe neurological symptoms (stroke, headache, confusion, paralysis, etc.), severe edema, urination abnormalities, acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, acute cholecystitis, autoimmune hepatitis, gallstones, sepsis, severe infections

Mild side effects

• Hypoglycemia
• urinary tract infections
• genital infections
• increased urination
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• constipation

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air or moisture ingress, and the temperature should be maintained between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature. Proper storage will help maintain the drug's effectiveness and prevent deterioration.

Appearance

Orange-yellow, biconvex, oval film-coated tablets

Package unit

10 tablets/box [10 tablets/PTP*1], 60 tablets/box [10 tablets/PTP*6], 60 tablets/bottle