Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER belongs to a category of medicines known as anti-diabetic drugs. It is a combination of medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER should be taken with food. Take it regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit. Your doctor will decide what dose is best for you and this may change from time to time according to how it is working according to your blood sugar levels.
Keep taking this medicine, even if you feel well or your blood sugar levels are controlled. If you stop it without consulting your doctor, your blood sugar levels could rise and put you at risk of kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems and loss of limbs. Remember that it is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes.
The most common side effect of Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER is low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Make sure you recognize the signs of having low blood glucose levels, such as sweating, dizziness, headache, and shaking and know how to deal with it. To prevent this, it's important to have regular meals and always carry a fast-acting source of glucose such as sugary food or fruit juice with you. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of low blood sugar levels and should be avoided. Other side effects that may be seen on taking this medicine include taste changes, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, edema (swelling), blurred vision, bone fracture, and upper respiratory tract infection. Some people may find that they put on weight with this medicine.
You should not take it if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus, if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of acid in your blood), or if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease. It may not be suitable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Your blood sugar levels should be checked regularly and your doctor may also advise blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function.
USES OF VOGLISTAR GM TABLET ER
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
SIDE EFFECTS OF VOGLISTAR GM TABLET ER
Common
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
Nausea
Diarrhea
Taste change
Flatulence
Stomach pain
Headache
Skin rash
Respiratory tract infection
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Nausea
You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop from feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Diarrhea
Keep up your intake of fluids and electrolytes (sugars and salts) to avoid getting dehydrated. Eat less fiber (avoid raw fruits, fruit juice and vegetables). Talk to your doctor about possible medication to manage diarrhea. Ask about reducing the dosage of your drug or other suitable treatments.
Coping with Taste change
Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with saltwater or mouthwash after each snack or meal. Use plastic or glass utensils if the food tastes like metal. Avoid very hot or very cold foods. Chewing mints or gums may also help in improving the taste. Increase your fluid intake and choose foods that have strong flavors. Try adding garlic, lemon juice, herbs, spices and pickles or chutneys. Avoid cigarette smoking.
Coping with Flatulence
Try eating small and frequent meals. Drink and chew your food slowly. Exercise regularly to improve how your body digests food. Try not to swallow too much air. This can happen when you talk and eat at the same time. Avoid drinking with a straw, chewing gum and smoking as these can also make you swallow air. Try to limit foods that are hard to digest or produce gas (such as fried and fatty foods, cheese, beans, cabbage, onion, whole grains and many others). Avoid drinking alcohol, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices. If you wear dentures, make sure they fit properly. Some over-the-counter medicines can help. Talk to your doctor about possible medication if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Stomach pain
Try?to get plenty of rest and relax. Putting?a?heat pad or covered hot?water bottle on your?stomach?may relieve the stomach pain. It may help if you eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse. If you are in a lot?of pain, speak?to your doctor about possible medication. Your doctor may be able to prescribe some over-the-counter medicines to help reduce the pain.
Coping with Headache
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Do not sleep more than you normally would. Do not strain your eyes (for example by looking at a screen). Do not drink alcohol. Headaches are usually temporary and usually go away with time. But, if they last longer or get worse, ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.
Coping with Skin rash
There are many treatments for a wide range of skin problems. Avoid hot showers or baths because hot water can irritate the skin. Make sure to pat dry your skin after a bath or shower. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Leave the skin exposed to the air as much as possible. Do not use perfumed soaps or deodorants. Water containing chlorine can make most skin problems worse, so avoid swimming. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco smoke and caffeine as it may also make itching worse. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Always use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Moisturizers can be used regularly to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better within a week, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
HOW TO USE VOGLISTAR GM TABLET ER
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER is to be taken with food.
HOW VOGLISTAR GM TABLET ER WORKS
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER is a combination of three antidiabetic medicines: Glimepiride, metformin and voglibose. They work by different mechanisms to provide better control of blood sugar when single or dual therapy is not effective. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea which works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas to lower the blood glucose. Metformin is a biguanide which lowers glucose production in the liver, delays glucose absorption from intestines and increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor which prevents breakdown of complex sugars into simple sugars such as glucose. This prevents the blood glucose levels from rising to very high levels after meals.
SAFETY ADVICE
warnings
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER.
warnings
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Breastfeeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
warnings
Driving
CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
warnings
Kidney
CAUTION
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
warnings
Liver
CAUTION
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Voglistar GM2 Tablet ER is generally started with low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and its use is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
