Sitagen-M XR 50/1000mg Tablets

Sitagliptin and metformin together lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside a healthy diet and exercise. It is not for type 1 diabetes.

• Sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) helps the body release more insulin when blood sugar is high.
• Metformin reduces the sugar the liver makes and helps the body use insulin better.

The two work in different ways, so they can control blood sugar better together, in one tablet.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take it with meals to lower the chance of stomach upset.
• Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses at once.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop without talking to your doctor.
• If you are being sick, have diarrhoea or a fever, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice, as you may become dehydrated.

Common side effects include:

• diarrhoea, feeling sick, tummy pain
• headache
• stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• low vitamin B12 over time

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• signs of lactic acidosis: vomiting, tummy pain, muscle cramps, trouble breathing, severe tiredness
• severe, lasting upper tummy pain that may spread to the back (possible pancreatitis)
• swelling of the face, lips or throat, a rash or hives
• blistering or peeling skin, or severe joint pain
• breathlessness, rapid weight gain or swollen ankles

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have kidney or liver problems, or heart failure
• have had pancreatitis, gallstones or high triglycerides
• drink a lot of alcohol
• have a severe infection or are dehydrated
• take insulin or a sulfonylurea, water tablets or NSAID painkillers
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are having surgery

Store tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), in the original closed container, and out of the reach of children.

Lactic acidosis: metformin can rarely cause a dangerous acid build-up, more likely with kidney problems, heavy drinking, dehydration or serious illness.

Low blood sugar: more likely if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. Learn the signs: shaking, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat.

Alcohol: avoid heavy drinking.