Dapagliflozin and Metformin Tablets: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and Precautions

GLIDAPAFLOZIN M is a prescription fixed-dose combination of two diabetes medicines, dapagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride. It comes in two strengths:

• GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/500: dapagliflozin 5 mg + metformin 500 mg
• GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/1000: dapagliflozin 5 mg + metformin 1000 mg

It is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, along with diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control. If you searched for “dapagliflozin 5mg metformin 500mg” or “dapagliflozin 5mg metformin 1000mg”, the difference is the metformin dose. Your doctor chooses the strength based on your current blood sugar, kidney function, tolerance and the medicines you already take.

Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor. It acts on the kidneys, which normally reabsorb filtered glucose back into the blood. Dapagliflozin blocks this step, so the extra glucose leaves the body in urine. Its action does not depend on insulin.

Metformin is a biguanide and the most widely used first-line oral medicine for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the amount of glucose released by the liver and improves how muscle and fat tissue respond to insulin.

Together they lower blood sugar through two separate routes, the kidney and the liver, which is why this pairing is common in clinical practice. Combination tablets of dapagliflozin and metformin are often supplied as extended-release (ER/XR) tablets. The exact release type of GLIDAPAFLOZIN M should be confirmed from the product label.

This is a Schedule H medicine. Start, adjust or stop it only on the advice of a registered doctor.

Why Is This Combination Important?

India has one of the largest populations of people with type 2 diabetes. For many patients, one medicine stops being enough after some time, because diabetes tends to progress. Adding a second medicine with a different action is a standard way to reach the HbA1c target.

• Two complementary mechanisms. Metformin reduces sugar production in the liver. Dapagliflozin removes extra sugar through urine. Each covers what the other does not.
• Works independently of insulin. Dapagliflozin’s action does not rely on how much insulin the pancreas still makes, so it remains useful as diabetes progresses.
• Fewer tablets. A single tablet can simplify the daily routine and may help patients stay on treatment, and consistency is a major factor in long-term control.
• Low hypoglycaemia risk. Neither medicine usually causes dangerously low blood sugar by itself. The risk rises when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Helpful effects beyond sugar. Dapagliflozin is associated with modest weight loss and small reductions in blood pressure, both relevant to people with diabetes who are overweight or hypertensive.
• Dapagliflozin has heart and kidney evidence. Large trials of dapagliflozin as a single medicine show benefits in heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These are covered in the clinical evidence section below.

Key Benefits of GLIDAPAFLOZIN M

• Lowers fasting and post-meal blood sugar and helps reduce HbA1c
• Combines a kidney-acting and a liver-acting mechanism in one tablet
• Dapagliflozin’s action is independent of insulin secretion
• Associated with a modest reduction in body weight
• May produce a small reduction in blood pressure
• Low risk of hypoglycaemia when not combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
• Two strengths (500 mg and 1000 mg metformin) allow the doctor to tailor the dose
• One tablet instead of two can simplify the regimen
• Both ingredients are well studied, with years of clinical use behind them
• Can be used with other antidiabetic medicines as prescribed

Indications

GLIDAPAFLOZIN M (dapagliflozin and metformin) is indicated for:

1. Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control.
2. Patients inadequately controlled on metformin alone, where dapagliflozin is added.
3. Patients inadequately controlled on dapagliflozin alone, where metformin is added.
4. Patients already taking dapagliflozin and metformin as separate tablets, who can be switched to the combination for convenience, as decided by the doctor.

It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Dapagliflozin has separate approvals as a single medicine for heart failure and chronic kidney disease, but the combination tablet is intended for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Efficacy and Clinical Evidence

The evidence below comes from published studies of dapagliflozin and metformin. These are class and ingredient-level findings. They describe the medicines, not a head-to-head study of any specific brand. Results vary from patient to patient.

Blood sugar control with metformin

• In a 24-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial in patients inadequately controlled on metformin, adding dapagliflozin lowered HbA1c by roughly 0.8% from baseline, compared with about 0.3% for placebo added to metformin. Patients on dapagliflozin also lost about 2 kg more than those on placebo.
• In a trial of newly diagnosed patients starting treatment with dapagliflozin plus metformin XR together, the combination produced a larger HbA1c reduction than either medicine alone, and a larger fraction of patients reached an HbA1c below 7%.

Metformin’s long-term record

• Metformin has decades of use and, in the UKPDS long-term study, was associated with reduced diabetes-related complications in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. It remains a first-line treatment in major diabetes guidelines.

What this means for patients: The combination lowers blood sugar well, with added weight and blood pressure effects. The heart and kidney trials were done on dapagliflozin as a standalone medicine. Your doctor decides whether those benefits are relevant to your case.

How to Take GLIDAPAFLOZIN M

Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. In general:

• Swallow the tablet with water. If the tablet is extended-release, swallow it whole.
• Take it with a meal to reduce stomach upset.
• Take it at the same time each day.
• Stay well hydrated unless your doctor has restricted fluids.
• Do not double the dose if you miss one.

Precautions and Warnings

• Ketoacidosis. Dapagliflozin can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, sometimes with near-normal blood sugar (euglycaemic DKA). Seek urgent care for nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, fast breathing or fruity-smelling breath.
• Lactic acidosis. Metformin carries a rare but serious risk. Symptoms include severe weakness, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain and feeling very cold or sleepy.
• Kidney function. Kidney function is checked before and during treatment. Metformin is not suitable in severe kidney impairment, and dapagliflozin’s blood-sugar-lowering effect falls as kidney function declines.
• Genital and urinary infections. Genital yeast infections are common, and urinary tract infections can occur. Keep the genital area clean and dry and report symptoms early.
• Fournier’s gangrene. A very rare but serious infection of the genital or perineal area. Seek urgent help for pain, tenderness, redness or swelling in that area with fever.
• Dehydration and low blood pressure. Dapagliflozin has a mild diuretic effect. Be careful if you take diuretics, are elderly, or have vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Surgery and procedures. Tell your doctor before any planned surgery, as the medicine may need to be paused for a few days. Also inform your doctor before scans that use contrast dye.
• Alcohol. Avoid heavy or binge drinking.
• Low blood sugar with other medicines. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, the dose may need to be reduced.
• Liver disease, heart failure. Discuss with your doctor before use.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not recommended unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Children. The combination is intended for adults.
• Vitamin B12. Long-term metformin use can reduce B12, so levels may be checked.
• Foot care. Check your feet regularly and report any wound, ulcer or pain.
• Storage. Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and out of reach of children.

Side Effects

Common

• Genital yeast infection (in both men and women)
• Increased urination
• Urinary tract infection
• Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, gas
• Metallic taste
• Back pain
• Mild thirst

Less common

• Dizziness on standing (low blood pressure)
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Reduced vitamin B12 with long-term use

Buy GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/500 and M 5/1000 Online in India

Looking to buy dapagliflozin and metformin tablets in India? GLIDAPAFLOZIN M is a prescription medicine, so a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner is required.

Why choose Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.?

• A Jaipur-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, WHO-GMP and ISO certified
• Quality-controlled production with consistent batch standards
• Reliable supply to pharmacies, distributors and healthcare institutions across India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is dapagliflozin and metformin used for?
It is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

2. What is GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/500?
It is a Steris Healthcare tablet containing dapagliflozin 5 mg and metformin 500 mg.

3. What is the difference between GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/500 and 5/1000?
Both contain dapagliflozin 5 mg. The difference is the metformin content, 500 mg or 1000 mg. Your doctor chooses the strength.

4. How does dapagliflozin and metformin work?
Dapagliflozin makes the kidneys pass extra glucose out in urine. Metformin lowers sugar production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.

5. When should I take dapagliflozin and metformin?
It is usually taken with a meal, at the same time each day, as directed by your doctor.

6. Can I crush or split an extended-release tablet?
No. Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Check the label to see whether your tablet is extended-release.

7. What are the common side effects of dapagliflozin and metformin?
Genital yeast infections, increased urination, urinary tract infections, nausea, diarrhoea and stomach discomfort.

8. Does dapagliflozin and metformin cause weight loss?
Dapagliflozin is associated with modest weight loss, usually a couple of kilograms. It is not a weight-loss medicine.

9. Can it cause low blood sugar?
Rarely when used alone. The risk goes up if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea.

10. Is dapagliflozin and metformin safe for kidney patients?
Not in severe kidney impairment. Kidney function should be tested before and during treatment, and your doctor will decide if it is suitable.

11. What is euglycaemic ketoacidosis?
It is a rare but serious condition in which ketones build up in the blood even though blood sugar is not very high. Seek urgent care for vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing or severe tiredness.

12. Why does this medicine cause genital infections?
Sugar in the urine can encourage yeast growth. Good hygiene and early treatment help, and you should tell your doctor if symptoms appear.

13. Can I drink alcohol while taking dapagliflozin and metformin?
Avoid heavy or binge drinking, as it raises the risk of lactic acidosis.

14. Should I stop it before surgery?
Your doctor may ask you to stop it a few days before surgery or certain procedures. Always inform your surgeon and doctor that you take it.

15. What is the brand name of dapagliflozin and metformin?
Brand names vary by country and company. Xigduo XR is a well-known international brand, and GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/500 and 5/1000 are Steris Healthcare brands in India.

Conclusion

GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/500 and GLIDAPAFLOZIN M 5/1000 bring together dapagliflozin and metformin, two well-studied medicines that lower blood sugar through different routes. Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver, while dapagliflozin helps the kidneys remove excess glucose in urine. The combination is meant for adults with type 2 diabetes who need more than diet, exercise and one medicine. It may also help with modest weight loss and small blood pressure reductions.

Treatment works best when you take it consistently, stay hydrated, watch for genital and urinary symptoms, and keep up regular checks of HbA1c and kidney function. Always follow your doctor’s advice on dose and strength, and never start, change or stop the medicine on your own. To buy GLIDAPAFLOZIN M in India, ask your doctor for a prescription and choose a licensed pharmacy.

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