Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S

Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) - as an adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise: 

• As monotherapy (single drug treatment) 
• In combination with metformin or sulfonylurea, or pioglitazone (dual therapy) 
• In combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea (triple therapy)
• With insulin (with or without metformin)

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition resulting from a combination of insulin resistance, i.e, body cells failing to respond properly to the insulin produced, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive production of glucagon. Progression of the disease may lead to insulin deficiency. This causes hyperglycemia. (high blood sugar levels)

This medicine is available in tablet form on prescription. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production by the pancreas along with decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar levels. As a result, fasting and random blood glucose levels are decreased. 

Dosage of Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S depends on age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities.

The most common side effect of Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S is headaches.

 

Indications

Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.

It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) - as an adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise: 

• As monotherapy (single drug treatment) when metformin is not tolerated
• Dual therapy: in combination with either metformin or pioglitazone alone, or with a sulfonylurea when metformin is contraindicated in patients or when sulfonylureas are unable to adequately control blood glucose levels
• Triple therapy: in combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea or pioglitazone when condition is inadequately controlled by dual therapy 
• With insulin (with or without metformin) when insulin alone fails to control blood sugar levels adequately.

 

How does Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S work?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively. Besides this it also plays a role in decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar levels

 

How to use Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S?

Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S can be taken with or without meals, any time of the day as long as it's around the same time everyday. 

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. 

 

Dosage 

• Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S comes as 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
• Usual dose is 1 tablet per day.
• Recommended daily dose is 100mg, unless you have a kidney problem, in that case the dose may be lowered to 25mg or 50mg per day.
  
  
  

Pregnancy use and lactation

Use of Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (condition in which your body does not produce insulin) 
• Children below 18 years of age.
• Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to the product or other medicines in the past
• Any problem in the pancreas (pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas) 
• Presence of gallstones or high levels of triglycerides (type of fat)
• Kidney disease (history of or present condition)
• Alcoholism
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat into blood acids called ketones)
• Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding 

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S:

• Elderly 
• Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• History of kidney disease
• History of gallstones (stones in the gall bladder)
• History of heart failure 
• History of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Renal (kidney) impairment - kidney function needs to be monitored
• Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat into blood acids called ketones) - test level of ketone bodies if symptoms occur
• Stress in situations like (fever, infection, trauma, surgery)
• About to undergo surgery 

 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S:

• Insulin or any other anti-diabetic medicine
• Ketoconazole or itraconazole (medicines for fungal infections)
• Ritonavir (medicine used in treating HIV/AIDS
• Clarithromycin (antibiotic for treating pneumonia and ear infections)
• Digoxin (medicine for heart conditions, including heart failure)

Make sure to inform your doctor that you are taking Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S before you start or stop any other medicine.

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Headaches 

Serious:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) manifested as dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache and sweating
• Bullous pemphigoid 
• Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions including anaphylaxis indicated by itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives, or difficulty swallowing and stevens - johnsons syndrome.
• Pancreatitis (signs such as persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal/back pain).
• Heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).
• Kidney problems (such as change in amount of urine)
• Monotherapy: Osteoarthritis (characterised by joint pain) and upper respiratory tract infections 
• GI disturbances with metformin
• Flatulence and peripheral edema with pioglitazone 
• Influenza with insulin 
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of throat and nasal passages)

 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Headaches - Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Avoid drinking alcohol
• Hypoglycemia - Carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

 

Key facts about Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S

• Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (condition resulting in elevated levels of sugar in the blood) when diet and exercise are inadequate in controlling blood sugar levels as monotherapy (single drug treatment), in combination with metformin or sulfonylurea, or pioglitazone (dual therapy), in combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea (triple therapy) and with insulin (with or without metformin)
• It is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.
• It works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and by decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar level
• When using Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S with other medicines it can cause hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar) hence, carry something sweet in case that happens.
• Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S does not make you gain weight 
• It is available in tablet form and is usually taken once a day.
• It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, along with repeated tests to prevent you from any complications

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S DO?

It is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that works by lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production by the pancreas and decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar levels.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S TO START WORKING?

Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S starts working in a few hours and it is essential to take it consistently to stabilise your blood sugar levels

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S FOR?

Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S is usually prescribed for long term use, possibly life long. Your dosage and time period is decided by your doctor after knowing the severity of your condition.

4. CAN I STOP TAKING Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S?

This medicine largely controls your blood sugar levels, but does not cure your condition. Hence, do not just stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, otherwise your condition could possibly get worse.

5. WHAT IF Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S STOPS WORKING?

If it stops working, then your doctor will either give it to you with a combination of other medicines or recommend a different treatment to you by switching it with other anti-diabetics.

6. WILL Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S AFFECT MY KIDNEYS?

It does not affect those with normal kidney function and hence, is safe to use for them. However, if you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor as you might need to alter your daily dose.

7. DOES Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN OR WEIGHT LOSS?

It does not cause weight gain by itself. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight in order to manage diabetes effectively.

8. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S?

An overdose of Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, feeling confused and having problems concentrating. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs or experience stomach pain, nausea/vomiting and dizziness.

9. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose.

10. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S?

Drinking alcohol in moderation is not harmful. However, alcohol intake increases the risk of hypoglycemia especially when you drink it on an empty stomach.

11. CAN I TAKE Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S BEFORE SURGERY ?

Inform your doctor that you are using Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S before surgery as he/she might ask you to stop taking the medicine before your operation. 

12. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S?

Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S alone might not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike, but when given in combination with other medicines, it could result in low blood sugar levels resulting in loss of concentration vision impairment (your eyesight is affected). To be on the safe side, always carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

13. HOW SHOULD Sitaglu 50mg Tablet 7 'S BE STORED?

Keep this medicine tightly closed in the container or the pack it came in. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine.