Taglimet 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 chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Taglimet can be prescribed alone or together with other diabetes medications. All diabetes medicines work best when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The dose you are given will depend on your condition, blood sugar levels and what other medicines you are taking. Taking it with meals helps to reduce the chances of developing an upset stomach. You should take it regularly, at the same time each day, to get the most benefit and you should not stop unless your doctor recommends it. It is controlling your blood sugar levels and helping to prevent serious complications in the future. 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 this medicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache, and sore throat. Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) is a possible side effect if you are also taking other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylurea, so 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 can affect this one so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure 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.

Combination Oral hypoglycemic preparations

Sitagliptin: The DPP-4 inhibitors are a class of agents that act as incretin enhancers. By inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, Sitagliptin increases the levels of two known active incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The incretins are part of an endogenous system involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis. When blood glucose concentrations are normal or elevated, GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to reduced hepatic glucose production. This mechanism is unlike the mechanism seen with sulfonylureas; sulfonylureas cause insulin release even when glucose levels are low, which can lead to sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia in patients with type ll diabetes and in normal subjects. Sitagliptin demonstrates high selectivity for DPP-4 and does not inhibit closely-related enzymes DPP-8 or DPP-9 at therapeutic concentrations.Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and stimulates intracellular glycogen synthesis by acting on glycogen synthase. In muscle, it increases insulin sensitivity, improving peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Metformin also delays intestinal glucose absorption. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin does not produce hypoglycemia in either patients with type 2 diabetes or normal subjects and does not cause hyperinsulinemia. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and daylong plasma insulin response may actually decrease.

The dosage of Sitagliptin & Metformin should be individualized on the basis of the patient's current regimen, effectiveness, and tolerability while not exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of 100 mg sitagliptin and 2000 mg metformin. Initial combination therapy or maintenance of combination therapy should be individualized and left to the discretion of the health care provider.Sitagliptin & Metformin should generally be given twice daily with meals, with gradual dose escalation, to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects due to metformin. The starting dose of Sitagliptin & Metformin should be based on the patient's current regimen. The recommended starting dose in patients NOT currently treated with metformin is 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin hydrochloride twice daily, with gradual dose escalation recommended to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin.The starting dose in patients already treated with metformin should provide sitagliptin dosed as 50 mg twice daily (100 mg total daily dose) and the dose of metformin already being taken. For patients taking metformin 850 mg twice daily, the recommended starting dose of Sitagliptin & Metformin is 50 mg sitagliptin/1000 mg metformin hydrochloride twice daily. Co-administration of Sitagliptin & Metformin with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may require lower doses of the insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. No studies have been performed specifically examining the safety and efficacy of Sitagliptin & Metformin in patientspreviously treated with other oral antihyperglycemic agents and switched to Sitagliptin & Metformin. Any change in therapy of type 2 diabetes should be undertaken with care and appropriate monitoring as changes in glycemic control can occur

Cationic Drugs: Cationic drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion: Use with caution.Phenprocoumon: Metformin may decrease the anticoagulant effect of phenprocoumon. Therefore, close monitoring of the INR is recommended.Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine can reduce the hypoglycemic effect of metformin. Monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended, especially when thyroid hormone therapy is initiated or stopped, and the dosage of metformin must be adjusted if necessary.

This tablet is contraindicated in patients with: Renal disease or renal dysfunction, e.g., as suggested by serum creatinine levels ≥1.5 mg/dL [males], ≥1.4 mg/dL [females] or abnormal creatinine clearance which may also result from conditions such as cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute myocardial infarction, and septicemia Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to this tablet or sitagliptin, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema. This tablet should be temporarily discontinued in patients undergoing radiologic studies involving intravascular administration of iodinated contrast materials, because use of such products may result in acute alteration of renal function.

The most common adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients simultaneously started on sitagliptin and metformin and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo were diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache.Adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients treated with sitagliptin in combination with sulfonylurea and metformin and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo in combination with sulfonylurea and metformin were hypoglycemia and headache.Hypoglycemia was the only adverse reaction reported in ≥5% of patients treated with sitagliptin in combination with insulin and metformin and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo in combination with insulin and metformin.Nasopharyngitis was the only adverse reaction reported in ≥5% of patients treated with sitagliptin monotherapy and more commonly than in patients given placebo.The most common (>5%) adverse reactions due to initiation of metformin therapy are diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, fatulence, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, asthenia, and headache.

Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women with the combination of Metformin/ Sitagliptin or its individual components; therefore, the safety of the combination in pregnant women is not known. The combination of Sitagliptin & Metformin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Lactation: It is not known whether Sitagliptin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this combination is administered to a nursing woman.

Lactic Acidosis- Lactic acidosis can occur due to metformin accumulation. The risk increases with conditions such as sepsis, dehydration, excess alcohol intake, hepatic insufciency, renal impairment, and acute congestive heart failure. Symptoms include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and nonspecifc abdominal distress. Laboratory abnormalities include low pH, increased anion gap and elevated blood lactate. If acidosis is suspected, discontinue this tablet and hospitalize the patient immediately. Regular monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels is recommended in patients with hypothyroidism. Long-term treatment with metformin has been associated with a decrease in vitamin B12 serum levels which may cause peripheral neuropathy. Monitoring of the vitamin B12 level is recommended. Others- Do not use this tablet in patients with hepatic disease. There have been postmarketing reports of acute renal failure, sometimes requiring dialysis. Before initiating this tablet and at least annually thereafter, assess renal function and verify as normal. There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue this tablet. Measure hematologic parameters annually. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake. May need to discontinue this tablet and temporarily use insulin during periods of stress and decreased intake of fluids and food as may occur with fever, trauma, infection or surgery. Promptly evaluate patients previously controlled on this tablet who develop laboratory abnormalities or clinical illness for evidence of ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis. When used with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or with insulin, a lower dose of the insulin secretagogue or insulin may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. There have been postmarketing reports of serious allergic and hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with sitagliptin (one of the components of this tablet ), such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In such cases, promptly stop this tablet, assess for other potential causes, and institute appropriate monitoring and treatment, and initiate alternative treatment for diabetes. There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate INN/Metformin Hydrochloride BP or any other anti-diabetic drug.

Sitagliptin: In the event of an overdose, it is reasonable to employ the usual supportive measures, e.g., remove unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, employ clinical monitoring (including obtaining an electrocardiogram), and institute supportive therapy as indicated by the patient's clinical status. Sitagliptin is modestly dialyzable. Prolonged hemodialysis may be considered if clinically appropriate. It is not known if sitagliptin is dialyzable by peritoneal dialysis.Metformin hydrochloride: Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected. Pancreatitis may occur in the context of a metformin overdose.

Store below 25°C in a dry place away from light. Keep the medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Do not use later than the date of expiry. To be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician.

Combination Oral hypoglycemic preparations

This tablet combines two antihyperglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and Metformin HCl, a member of the biguanide class. Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day, and levels are increased in response to a meal. These hormones are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme, DPP-4. The incretins are part of an endogenous system involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis. When blood glucose concentrations are normal or elevated then GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells by intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclic AMP. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to reduced hepatic glucose production. By increasing and prolonging active incretin levels, Sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner. The pharmacologic mechanism of action of Metformin HCl is different from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin HCl decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose and increases peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women with Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate INN/Metformin Hydrochloride BP or its individual components; therefore, the safety of Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate INN/Metformin Hydrochloride BP in pregnant women is not known. This tablet should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.It is not known whether sitagliptin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this tablet is administered to a nursing woman.