Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER

Product Introduction

Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER is a pharmaceutical formulation designed to manage specific medical conditions associated with metabolic disorders. The tablet combines two active ingredients, Sitagliptin and Metformin, which work synergistically to help control blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER falls under the category of oral hypoglycemic agents and is utilized to enhance glycemic control as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.

Sitagliptin is a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that increases insulin production and decreases glucose production in the liver. Metformin, a biguanide class medication, works by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing glucose production in the liver. The combination of these two drugs in Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER offers a dual mechanism of action, making it a valuable option for patients who have not achieved adequate control of their blood glucose levels with other treatments.

This extended-release (ER) formulation allows for a sustained release of the medication over time, promoting consistent blood glucose control with fewer dosing intervals. The ER formulation can help improve patient compliance and provide more stable glycemic control compared to immediate-release formulations.

Uses of Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER

Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER is primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This condition is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body’s ineffective use of insulin or inadequate insulin production. The tablet is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adult patients. Its dual-action mechanism helps to:

• Improve Glycemic Control: By combining Sitagliptin and Metformin, Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER effectively lowers blood sugar levels. Sitagliptin helps stimulate insulin release in response to meals, while Metformin enhances the body’s response to insulin and reduces glucose production by the liver.
• Reduce HbA1c Levels: The tablet helps in reducing Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, a marker of long-term glucose control, which is essential for reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
• Manage Postprandial Glucose Levels: Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER is effective in controlling postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose spikes, which can help in maintaining overall glycemic stability throughout the day.
• Assist in Weight Management: Metformin, one of the components of Sitara-M, is associated with a neutral or modestly beneficial effect on body weight, which can be advantageous for diabetic patients who are overweight or obese.

Benefits of Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER

• Enhanced Glycemic Control: The primary benefit of Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER is its ability to provide effective blood glucose control. The extended-release formulation ensures that the medication is released gradually, leading to more stable blood glucose levels and reducing the need for multiple doses throughout the day.
• Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia: Compared to some other diabetes medications, Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER has a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar levels), especially when used alone. This is partly due to the actions of Sitagliptin, which works in a glucose-dependent manner.
• Convenience and Compliance: The ER formulation requires fewer doses compared to immediate-release forms, which can improve patient adherence to the treatment regimen. This convenience is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy lifestyles or those who have difficulty managing multiple daily medications.
• Support for Weight Management: Metformin is known for its potential benefits in weight management. While not a weight-loss medication, it is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other diabetes treatments, and in some cases, it may help with modest weight reduction.

Side Effects of Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER

While Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects. Some common and serious side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: The most common side effects are related to the gastrointestinal tract. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms often improve with time or dose adjustment.
• Risk of Lactic Acidosis: A rare but serious side effect associated with Metformin is lactic acidosis, a condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood, potentially leading to serious health complications. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, and feeling cold.
• Hypoglycemia: Although less common with Sitara-M 50/500 Tablet ER compared to some other diabetes medications, hypoglycemia can still occur, particularly if the tablet is used in combination with other glucose-lowering agents. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, shaking, confusion, and dizziness.
• Pancreatitis: Sitagliptin, one of the components of Sitara-M, has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, patients may experience allergic reactions, including rash, itching, and swelling. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis are extremely rare but require immediate medical attention.