Istamet XR Tablet

Istamet XR Tablet is a prescription diabetes medicine that combines sitagliptin and metformin in one extended-release tablet. Each Istamet XR Tablet contains sitagliptin 50 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg, a combination from the DPP-4 inhibitor and biguanide drug classes. It is used along with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This tablet is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

How it works: Sitagliptin helps your body release more insulin after meals and lowers the amount of sugar made by the liver by supporting the natural incretin system. Metformin reduces sugar production in the liver and helps your body use insulin better, and the XR tablet form is made to release the medicine slowly over time.

Istamet XR Tablet is the 50 mg/500 mg strength, which is a commonly used combination dose for people who need both medicines in one tablet. Compared with lower-strength options such as Istamet XR 500 Tablet, this version provides the added sitagliptin component, so a doctor may choose it when metformin alone is not enough or when a combination XR tablet is appropriate. Because it is the extended-release tablet, it is designed to release medicine gradually rather than all at once.

• Type 2 diabetes blood sugar control
• Used with diet and exercise
• May be added when one medicine is not enough
• Helps lower fasting and after-meal glucose

• Take Istamet XR Tablet exactly as prescribed, usually with food to help reduce stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, split, or chew the extended-release tablet.
• Take it at the same time each day to keep blood sugar control steady.
• If your doctor tells you to take it once daily, do not take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
• Avoid crushing the tablet, because that can change how the medicine is released.
• Check your blood sugar as directed by your doctor while using this tablet.

Each Istamet XR Tablet contains sitagliptin 50 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg. Depending on your blood sugar readings and prior treatment, your doctor may prescribe it once daily or adjust the schedule as part of a larger treatment plan. Do not take more than the maximum daily dose your prescriber gives you; the right dose for this strength is individualized and should not be changed on your own.

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 or abdominal pain
• Gas or bloating
• Headache
• Upper respiratory symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat
• Low appetite

• This is a higher-strength combination tablet than metformin-only XR products, so it should be used only if your doctor has reviewed your diabetes regimen.
• Do not use it for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, because metformin-containing products may not be appropriate at low kidney function.
• Avoid heavy alcohol use, which can raise the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Use caution if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems.
• Watch for low blood sugar if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, especially when starting or changing doses.
• If you get dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhea, or poor fluid intake, contact your doctor promptly.

• Alcohol
• Insulin and sulfonylureas
• Iodinated contrast dye used for some imaging tests
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate or acetazolamide
• Certain strong medicines that can affect metformin handling, depending on your full medication list

Store Istamet XR Tablet at room temperature in its original strip or box, away from moisture and excess heat.