Metformin+canagliflozin
About Metformin+canagliflozin
Metformin+canagliflozin belongs to the class of antidiabetic drugs, primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus with a proper diet and exercise. Metformin+canagliflozin also lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure in type 2 diabetic patients with heart diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produce little or no insulin at all. Metformin+canagliflozin is not indicated for use in type 1 diabetes.
Metformin+canagliflozin is composed of two antidiabetic medicines, namely: Metformin and Canagliflozin. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides, which reduce increased blood glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. Canagliflozin belongs to the class of gliflozins. It works by reducing blood sugar levels by eliminating excess sugars from the body through urine.
Use Metformin+canagliflozin as advised by your doctor. Some common side effects of Metformin+canagliflozin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, gas, headache, weakness, frequent urination and indigestion. Sometimes, Metformin+canagliflozin can cause side effects like lactic acidosis (a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation) and diabetic ketoacidosis (excess production of blood acids (ketones)). These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Metformin+canagliflozin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), hence it advised to take healthy food with enough calories and avoid heavy exercises. Do not take or stop this medicine, if the doctor did not advise you to do so. Before starting Metformin+canagliflozin, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of heart, kidney or liver diseases, breathing problems, blood disorders, dehydration, alcohol use, low blood pressure and yeast infection of genitals. It is advised to avoid your alcohol intake while using Metformin+canagliflozin to decrease lactic acidosis risk. Metformin+canagliflozin is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Uses of Metformin+canagliflozin
Medicinal Benefits
Metformin+canagliflozin treats type 2 diabetes mellitus and contains Metformin and Canagliflozin. Metformin is a biguanide and manages blood sugar levels. It exhibits a nonpancreatic effect to reduce blood glucose levels without increasing the insulin secretion. It is also known as insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. Metformin is considered a unique antidiabetic drug since it does not cause hypoglycemia (lowered blood sugar levels). Canagliflozin belongs to the class of gliflozins. It works by reducing blood sugar levels by eliminating excess sugars from the body through urine. Canagliflozin reduces the risk of end-stage kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients with renal impairment. Metformin+canagliflozin also reduces the risk of serious heart diseases, such as heart attack or stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Metformin+canagliflozin may be advised with or without other medications along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metformin+canagliflozin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Headache
- Weakness
- Frequent urination
- Indigestion
- Lactic acidosis (rare)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (rare)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetes mellitus 2, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is a type 2 diabetes and occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produce little or no insulin at all. This disease mostly occurs in people aged above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.
FAQs
Metformin+canagliflozin contains two antidiabetic medicines: Metformin and Canagliflozin. These drugs lower the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus by eliminating excess sugars through urine and increasing insulin activity. Metformin+canagliflozin also reduces the risk of death due to heart attack, stroke and end-stage kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients with heart/kidney diseases.
Metformin+canagliflozin may cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) and can make you hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. Hence, it is advised to take Metformin+canagliflozin with a meal. To immediately treat hypoglycaemia, it is advised to eat or drink fast-acting sugar sources like fruit juices, hard candy, raisins or non-diet soda. Consult your doctor immediately.
Your doctor may advise Metformin+canagliflozin with or without other medications to control your blood sugar levels. However, it is advised to maintain a proper diet and exercise to achieve the controlled blood sugar levels while using Metformin+canagliflozin with or without other antidiabetic drugs.
Metformin+canagliflozin should be used with caution in heart, kidney or liver diseases, breathing problems, blood disorders, dehydration, alcohol use, foot ulcers, nerve damage, low blood pressure and yeast infection of genitals. Metformin+canagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment and diabetic ketoacidosis.
While using Metformin+canagliflozin, if you experience vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, muscle cramps, sick feeling, severe tiredness, difficulty in breathing or reduced body temperature and heartbeat, it is important to seek immediate medical help since these are the symptoms of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a rare but a serious complication caused due to accumulation of metformin. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. Please consult your doctor for further information.
It is not recommended to use Metformin+canagliflozin along with water pills/diuretics. Simultaneous use of Metformin+canagliflozin and water pills causes dehydration and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Yes, long term use of metformin in Metformin+canagliflozin may cause a decrease in the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood, especially if you have had low vitamin B12 blood levels before. Consult your doctor for further advice.
