Xigduo XR is a combination medicine used to control blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine combines two active components: 5 mg of dapagliflozin and 1000 mg of metformin.
Composition of the drug Xigduo XR
Dapagliflozin: The key component in the composition of Xigduo, which belongs to a class of medicines known as SGLT2 inhibitors. It helps reduce blood glucose levels by blocking its re-absorption in the kidneys. As a result of this blockage, excess glucose is excreted from the body through the urine, which helps lower its blood levels.
Metformin: The second active ingredient in Xigduo XR. It belongs to a class of medications called biguanides. Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose your liver produces and releases. It also increases your body's sensitivity to insulin, thereby improving glucose utilization by body cells. In addition, metformin helps reduce the amount of glucose your body absorbs from food, which also helps control blood sugar levels.
Additional ingredients: In Xigduo 5/1000, there are also excipients that help in the formation of the tablet, its solubility, and the absorption of the active ingredients. These substances include fillers and stabilizers, as well as substances that provide prolonged release of active ingredients, which allows maintaining their concentration in the blood throughout the day.
Benefits of the combination: Combining dapagliflozin and metformin in one tablet is convenient for patients because it reduces the amount of medication that needs to be taken daily. It can also help improve treatment adherence, which is crucial for diabetes control.
Usage and dosage
When Xigduo XR 5 mg/1000 mg is prescribed
Insufficient effectiveness of a single drug: Xigduo XR is most often prescribed when a single treatment, such as metformin alone, does not provide adequate blood glucose control.
Need for treatment intensification: If a patient is already taking metformin, but their glucose levels are still above target, the addition of dapagliflozin can improve control.
Integrated approach: For patients who need simultaneous effects on different aspects of glucose metabolism - reducing glucose production in the liver, improving its utilization by tissues, and increasing glucose excretion in the urine.
Dosage
The dosage of Xigduo 5/1000 may vary depending on the patient's individual needs, previous experience with diabetes and renal function. However, there are general guidelines:
Starting Dose: Treatment is usually started with the lowest possible dose to assess tolerability and efficacy. The starting dose may be 5 mg of dapagliflozin and 500 mg of metformin.
Maintenance dose: The dose may be increased depending on the patient's needs and response to treatment, with the maximum daily dose not exceeding 10 mg dapagliflozin and 2000 mg metformin.
The higher dose of dapagliflozin in Xigduo 10 mg/1000 mg is usually reserved for patients who require intensive blood glucose lowering and can be administered after the patient has successfully tolerated the initial dose and if blood sugar levels are still not within the target range. It is suitable for patients who show less response to a lower dose or when more aggressive correction of glucose levels is required.
How to take: Xigduo XR medication, is taken once daily, preferably during the morning meal, to minimize the gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin.
Contraindications
Renal insufficiency or impaired renal function: Metformin, one of the components of Xigduo, is excreted by the kidneys, and its use with impaired kidney function may cause the drug to accumulate in the body, which is dangerous.
Severe infectious diseases or conditions that cause dehydration: Such conditions may increase the effects of dapagliflozin on the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney failure.
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis: Metformin may increase acidosis, which is dangerous to your health.
Severe liver disease: Impaired liver function can alter the metabolism of medications, which affects their effectiveness and safety.
Heart failure: Metformin may be contraindicated in patients with serious heart problems, as there may be a risk of lactoacidosis.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding period: There is insufficient data on the safety of Xigduo XR use during these periods.
Side effects
Gastrointestinal disturbances: Metformin often causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating, especially at the beginning of treatment.
Genitourinary infections: Dapagliflozin increases urinary glucose excretion, which may contribute to urinary tract infections and genital infections.
Dehydration and decreased blood pressure: Because dapagliflozin increases fluid excretion from the body, it may lead to dehydration and a drop in blood pressure, especially in elderly patients.
Lactoacidosis: A very rare but dangerous complication of taking metformin, symptoms include weakness, increased breathing, abdominal pain, and malaise.
Hypoglycemia: The combination of medicines in Xigduo XR can sometimes cause blood sugar levels to drop, especially when used together with other sugar-lowering medicines.
Increased cholesterol levels: Increased cholesterol levels have been observed in patients taking dapagliflozin.
Interaction of Xigduo XR with other medicines
Diuretics: Drugs that increase urine output may increase the diuretic effect of dapagliflozin, which increases the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure. It is important to monitor the body's hydration status and blood pressure when taking these drugs at the same time.
Insulin and other blood sugar-lowering drugs: Xigduo may increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and other sugar-lowering drugs, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). An adjustment in the dose of insulin or other drugs may be necessary.
Drugs affecting kidney function: Some drugs, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or aminoglycoside antibiotics, may impair kidney function, which is especially critical with Xigduo 5/1000 due to the metformin content.
Iodinated contrast agents: For certain diagnostic procedures involving contrast, it may be necessary to temporarily discontinue Xigduo XR due to the risk of renal failure or lactoacidosis.
Alcohol: Alcohol consumption during treatment with Xigduo XR may increase the risk of lactoacidosis, especially in the presence of risk factors such as hepatic or renal impairment.
Beta-blockers: These drugs can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it difficult to control blood sugar levels.
How long does it take for Xigduo XR to begin to take effect?
The onset of action time of the main active ingredients of the drug Xigduo 5 mg/1000 mg, may vary slightly depending on each person's individual body, metabolism and comorbidities. Here are general guidelines for the time of onset of action for each of the components of the drug:
Dapagliflozin: This component begins to take effect relatively quickly. Typically, dapagliflozin begins to increase urinary glucose excretion within the first few hours of taking it. The maximum effect is usually seen within the first day of administration.
Metformin: The action of metformin develops more slowly. Usually, the initial effect of metformin on blood sugar levels can be noticed within the first 48 hours, but the full therapeutic effect may not become apparent until several weeks of regular use.
Total time of onset of action of Xigduo XR
As a combination drug, Xigduo begins to exert its effect on blood glucose levels within the first few hours of taking it, thanks to the action of dapagliflozin. However, it may take up to several weeks for metformin to achieve its full effect and stabilize blood sugar levels. It is important to take the medication regularly as directed by your doctor and not skip doses to achieve the best effect.
Cost
Before buying, check the availability of the drug at the nearest pharmacies. Xigduo XR 5 mg/1000 mg price, may vary, so it is recommended to do a price comparison in several pharmacies.
Online shopping can be a convenient option, especially if you are looking for a better deal. Many online pharmacies offer discounts or free shipping, which can also lower the overall cost of Xigduo XR.
Generic forms of Xigduo can be found at Mexican online pharmacies, which can be a favorable option for many patients. These forms contain the same active ingredients as the original drug but usually cost less. The price of generic Xigduo at Mexican online pharmacies is often lower than the cost of the original drug in other countries. Before buying, it is worth comparing prices on different websites to find the best deal. It's also important to make sure the pharmacy is licensed and has good customer reviews.
Although Xigduo XR is considered to be effective in managing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, it is important to strictly follow your doctor's recommendations and undergo regular testing to ensure the best treatment results and minimize possible risks.
$10.56
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