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Istamet XR 500 Tablet


Product introduction

Istamet XR 500 Tablet is a combination of two medicines that control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This helps prevent serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage and blindness and may reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Istamet XR 500 Tablet may be prescribed alone or along with other diabetes medications. It works best when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Your dose will depend on your condition, blood sugar levels, and other medicines you are taking. Taking it with meals helps to reduce the chances of developing an upset stomach.

To get the most benefit, you should take it regularly, at the same time each day, and you should not stop unless your doctor recommends it. It is important to stay on the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor while taking this medicine. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes.

The most common side effects of taking Istamet XR 500 Tablet include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) is a possible side effect if you are also taking other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylurea. Hence, you need to know how to recognize and deal with it.

This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart disease, problems with your pancreas, or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Some other medicines may affect Istamet XR 500 Tablet, so tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking to ensure you are safe. You should try to avoid drinking alcohol as it lowers blood glucose. Your doctor will check your kidney function and blood sugar levels before and during treatment.


Uses of Istamet Tablet ER

Benefits of Istamet Tablet ER

In Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Istamet XR 500 Tablet is a combination of two medicines that work together in different ways to lower your blood glucose levels. Lowering blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If you can control your blood glucose level, your risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs, is also lowered. Additionally, proper control of diabetes can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking this medicine regularly, along with appropriate diet and exercise, will help you live an everyday, healthy life. You should keep using this medicine for as long as prescribed because it protects your future health.

Side effects of Istamet Tablet ER

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Istamet

  • Diarrhea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Headache

How to use Istamet Tablet ER

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Istamet XR 500 Tablet is to be taken with food.

How Istamet Tablet ER works

Istamet XR 500 Tablet is a combination of two medicines: sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin helps your pancreas produce more insulin, facilitates effective use of insulin by the body, and reduces excess sugar that your liver makes. Metformin is a biguanide that lowers glucose production in the liver, delays glucose absorption from the intestines, and increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. Together, they provide better control of blood sugar.

Safety advice

Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Istamet XR 500 Tablet.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Istamet XR 500 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Istamet XR 500 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Istamet XR 500 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Istamet XR 500 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Istamet XR 500 Tablet is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
UNSAFE
Istamet XR 500 Tablet is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Istamet Tablet ER?

If you miss a dose of Istamet XR 500 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Istamet XR 500 Tablet
₹12.5/Tablet ER
₹16.39/tablet er
31% costlier
Sitaglyn M 100/500 Tablet ER
Zydus Healthcare Limited
₹19.2/tablet er
54% costlier
₹11.99/tablet er
4% cheaper
Stalix M XR 100+500 Tablet
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹15.2/tablet er
22% costlier
Sitara-M 100/500 Tablet ER
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹17.4/tablet er
39% costlier

Quick tips

  • You have been prescribed this combination medicine as it can control blood sugar better than metformin alone.
  • Take it with food to lower your chance of having an upset stomach.
  • Take it in addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet to lower blood sugar levels.
  • The chances of weight gain and low blood sugar are lower than other diabetes medicines.
  • Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine. 
  • Inform your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have surgery under a general anesthetic.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, as Istamet XR 500 Tablet may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.

Fact Box

Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI DIABETIC

Patient concerns

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I am a type 2 diabetic patient. Dr. has prescsribed to take Istamet/Jalra 50/500. Can I take Zita met 50/500 inplace of Istamet/Jalra 50/500?
Dr. Sanjay Bhatt
Physician
Can take only after consult with your doctor as he knows your complete medical history and sugar level variations
Diabetes mellitus type 2 ,thirst
Dr. Sanjay Bhatt
Physician
A person can control his or her sugar levels by doing regular exercise and walk or regular aerobic exercises at least 30 to 45 minutes per day.MEDICAL NUTRITIONAL THERAPY THAT IS TO MAINTAIN CALORIES INTAKE AS PER BMI .TAKE HELP OF DIABETIC EDUCATOR. VISIT YOUR DOCTOR AND FOLLOW ALL WHAT DOCTOR SUGGESTED.IN TIME ALL ROUTINE INVESTIGATIONS SHOULD BE DONE.you should not treat it as disease but a start of a healthy life.Uncontrolled sugar levels for long time leads to lower limb weakness which is neuropathy and which is followed by foot ulcers and other complications like kidney or heart problems .online prescription is not allowed without seeing pt.so contact doctor nearby for any change or dose adjustment or visit my clinic at gurgaon sector 52 RdCity snergy multi speciality clinic near SRS MARKET
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FAQs

What is Istamet XR 500 Tablet?

Istamet XR 500 Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Sitagliptin and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It improves blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Metformin lowers glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Sitagliptin inhibits the enzyme DPP4 and increases insulin release from the pancreas. This combination is not indicated for the patients below 18 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of Istamet XR 500 Tablet?

The use of Istamet XR 500 Tablet is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effects like lactic acidosis. On long-term use, it can also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Are there any specific conditions in which Istamet XR 500 Tablet should not be taken?

The use of Istamet XR 500 Tablet should be avoided in patients with known allergies to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. The use of this medicine should be avoided in patients with severe kidney impairment, liver impairment, congestive heart failure, lactic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Is it safe to take alcohol while I am taking Istamet XR 500 Tablet?

No, it is not safe to consume alcohol along with Istamet XR 500 Tablet, as it can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.

Can the use of Istamet XR 500 Tablet lead to lactic acidosis?

Yes, the use of Istamet XR 500 Tablet can lead to lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency caused by the increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. It is also known as MALA (Metformin-associated lactic acidosis). It is a rare side effect associated with the use of metformin. Therefore, it is avoided in patients with underlying kidney disease, old age patients, or who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Sitagliptin + Metformin and immediately consult your doctor.

Can the use of Istamet XR 500 Tablet lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes, using Istamet XR 500 Tablet can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency in the long term. It interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems, as a result of which the patient can feel a tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status, and difficulty maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.

What are the instructions for storage and disposal of Istamet XR 500 Tablet?

Keep this medicine tightly closed in the container or pack it came in. Store it according to the instructions on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, or other people.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Sitagliptin/metformin hydrochloride. Haarlem, The Netherlands: Merck Sharp & Dohme BV; 2018. [Accessed 08 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  2. Sitagliptin / metformin hydrochloride. London, UK: European Medicine Agency; 2013. [Accessed 08 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  3. Mayo Clinic. Sitagliptin and Metformin. [Accessed 08 Apr. 2019 ] (online) Available from:External Link
  4. Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride. [Accessed 08 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  5. Sitagliptin and Metformin hydrochloride [Product Monograph]. Kirkland, Canada: Merck Canada Inc.; 2021. [Accessed 20 Oct. 2021] (online) Available from:External Link
  6. Sitagliptin and Metformin hydrochloride [Product Monograph]. Kirkland, Canada: Merck Canada Inc.; 2017. [Accessed 20 Oct. 2021] (online) Available from:External Link
  7. Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride [Prescribing Information]. Rahway, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC; 2023. [Accessed 28th Sept. 2023] (online) Available from: External Link

Marketer details

Name: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
Address: Plot no 107/108,Namli block , Ranipool, East Sikkim 737135
Country of origin: India
Expires on or after: April, 2026

A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Istamet XR 500 Tablet. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.

In case of any issues, contact us

Email ID: [email protected]
Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India

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