Xigduo XR

1 What is Xigduo XR?

Brand: Xigduo XR

Generic: Dapagliflozin and Metformin

Xigduo XR is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment usually includes a proper diet and regular exercise. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor that exerts its action in the kidney whereas dapagliflozin is a biguanide that decreases sugar absorption in the stomach.

Metformin also works by helping your body utilize sugar better and decreasing the release of stored sugar in the liver. The dapagliflozin and metformin combination should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes. You can only get this medication with a prescription and is sold as a regular or extended-release tablet.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Xigduo XR, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. You also need to consider the following factors. You should not take this medication if you have had allergies to dapagliflozin, metformin or any of their components.

Also, tell your doctor if you have other allergies. Studies on individuals younger than 18 years of age have not established this medication’s safety and efficacy.

Research has shown that the dapagliflozin and metformin combination works as expected in geriatric patients but consideration should be given to any age-related kidney problems. The effects of this medicine in pregnant women have not been studied adequately.

If you are pregnant, weigh the risks and benefits involved. There is also a lack of research regarding the effects of the dapagliflozin and metformin combination on nursing infants.

If you are a lactating mother, you need to choose between stopping breastfeeding and discontinuing the use of this medication.

You should not use this medicine concomitantly with the following:

  • Acetrizoic Acid
  • Diatrizoate
  • Ethiodized Oil
  • Iodamide
  • Iodoxamic Acid
  • Iopentol
  • Ioxaglate
  • Metrizamide
  • Metrizoic Acid
  • Tyropanoate Sodium

Using the following can increase your risk of developing certain side effects:

  • Acebutolol
  • Atenolol
  • Carteolol
  • Esmolol
  • Glucomannan
  • Isocarboxazid
  • Methylene Blue
  • Moclobemide
  • Nialamide
  • Phenelzine
  • Practolol
  • Psyllium
  • Rifampin
  • Selegiline
  • Tranylcypromine

You should use this medicine with caution if you have the following conditions:

  • Adrenal gland problems, history of alcohol abuse
  • Cardiovascular collapse
  • Congestive heart failure, severe dehydration, acute heart attack
  • Pancreatic insulin deficiency, underactive pituitary gland
  • Malnourishment
  • Sepsis

The dapagliflozin and metformin combination could cause side effects if use with the aforementioned diseases.

This medicine can also worsen the following:

The dapagliflozin and metformin combination should not be given to patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, moderate to severe kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic acidosis, dialysis therapy or type I diabetes.

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Xigduo XR requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. You shouldn’t change your dose, the timing, and treatment duration without consulting your physician.

For extended-release tablets, you should swallow them whole without chewing, cutting, or crushing them. The dapagliflozin and metformin combination must be taken with food to decrease side effects.

Follow the prescribed meal plan and exercise routine. The dosage of this medicine depends on your condition. But normally, adult diabetics should take dapagliflozin 10 mg and metformin 2000 mg in the morning daily. You physician may adjust your dosage as you progress. If you missed your dose, you can take it as soon as you remember.

However, you should skip it and resume normal timing if it’s almost time for the next one. Keep your medications in a secure container at room temperature and make sure children can’t access them. Don’t keep expired medications. Throw them away.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Xigduo XR, there are some precautions you must take. Keep your appointments with your treating physician so that your condition is closely monitored.

You also need to have regular laboratory exams done. You should also take precautions when using the dapagliflozin and metformin combination. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

You should not take nonprescription medications without first consulting your doctor. You should also wear a medical identification bracelet in case of emergencies. Watch out for signs of lactic acidosis which can be caused by metformin.

These include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, fast or shallow breathing, muscle pain or cramping, and unusual weakness. Get medical attention right away if you experience any of those.

Keep yourself hydrated since this medicine can increase fluid loss through urination. This medication can also cause hypoglycemia. Signs and symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Cold sweats
  • Difficulty with thinking, a fast heartbeat
  • Headaches that continue
  • Nausea
  • Shakiness, drowsiness, excessive hunger
  • Slurred speech
  • Unusual weakness

It can increase the risk of developing yeast infections in men and women especially those with a history of yeast infections. This combination can put you at risk of developing urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis or urosepsis, as well.

Since this medicine can cause drowsiness, you should avoid driving or engaging in activities that need concentration. Hyperglycemia can also occur if you do not follow the prescribed diet and exercise plan properly. Also, watch out for allergic reactions like skin rash and hives. See your doctor right away.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Xigduo XR. However, you may not experience all of them.

Consult your physician immediately if you have:

  • Bladder pain
  • Bloody or Cloudy urine, vaginal discharge
  • Painful urination, frequent urge to urinate
  • Side pain

Some side effects go away without treatment including:

Get in touch with your doctor if your condition worsens.

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