Istamet XR 500 Tablet

Istamet XR 500 Tablet is a prescription extended-release diabetes medicine that combines sitagliptin and metformin in each tablet. Each Istamet XR 500 Tablet contains sitagliptin 50 mg and metformin 500 mg, so it belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor and biguanide classes. It is used with diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. This tablet is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

How it works: Sitagliptin helps the body release more insulin after meals and lowers the amount of sugar made by the liver when blood sugar is high. Metformin reduces sugar production by the liver and helps the body use insulin better, and the tablet’s extended-release form releases the medicine slowly over time.

Istamet XR 500 Tablet is the 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin extended-release strength, so it is a lower metformin dose than some other XR combinations and may be chosen when a doctor wants a more gradual metformin exposure or a stepwise adjustment. Because it is an XR tablet, it is designed to release medicine slowly through the day rather than acting like an immediate-release tablet. The exact strength and schedule should match the patient’s kidney function, blood sugar goals, and prior metformin tolerance.

• Type 2 diabetes
• Blood sugar control with diet and exercise
• Adjunct to lifestyle changes
• Combination therapy when one medicine is not enough

• Swallow Istamet XR 500 Tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
• Take it with food, usually once daily unless your prescriber gives different instructions.
• Take it at the same time each day to help keep blood sugar steady.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up.
• Keep using diet, exercise, and home glucose checks as recommended by your doctor.

Each Istamet XR 500 Tablet provides sitagliptin 50 mg plus metformin 500 mg in one extended-release tablet. The usual schedule for XR metformin combinations is once daily with the evening meal, but your doctor may adjust how often you take it based on your blood sugar and kidney function. Do not exceed the maximum daily amount prescribed for you; your prescriber decides the right dose for this specific strength and may titrate upward or downward as needed.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Sitagliptin + Metformin may include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach upset
• gas or bloating
• headache
• upper respiratory symptoms
• low blood sugar when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea

• This is a higher-strength prescription diabetes tablet than single-ingredient options, so it should be used only under a clinician’s supervision.
• Do not use it for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or a history of pancreatitis.
• Avoid heavy alcohol use because it can raise the risk of lactic acidosis with metformin.
• Let your prescriber know before surgery, imaging studies with contrast dye, or if you are dehydrated or vomiting.
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery if you feel weak, dizzy, or have low blood sugar.
• Low blood sugar is more likely if Istamet XR 500 Tablet is taken with insulin or medicines that can also lower glucose.

• Insulin and sulfonylureas can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as topiramate, may increase acidosis risk with metformin.
• Iodinated contrast dye used in some CT scans can affect kidney function and metformin safety.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of metformin-related lactic acidosis.
• Certain medicines that affect kidney function or blood sugar may require monitoring or dose changes.

Store Istamet XR 500 Tablet at room temperature in the original strip/box of 10 tablets, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light.