Glicad 25mg/5mg Tablet

Glicad Tablet helps manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It works by helping your body use insulin more efficiently, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. You can take it with or without food at any time of day, but for best results, try to take it at the same time every day.

Your doctor will determine the specific dosage for you. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can cause your blood sugar to spike, leading to serious complications like kidney damage or blindness. Common side effects of Glicad Tablet include urinary tract infections, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, a urinary tract infection, or if you're taking diuretics (water pills). If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss use with your doctor. It's best to limit alcohol while on this medication, as it might increase specific side effects.

Remember to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly throughout your treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

You should never miss your blood sugar medicines as it may lead to high blood sugar and symptoms associated with it. However, if you missed any dose of the medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Empagliflozin blocks a certain protein in the kidneys called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) and prevents the reabsorption of glucose (sugar) by the kidneys. This causes the removal of blood sugar through the urine.
• Linagliptin acts by blocking another protein called dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4). This causes the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high, like after a meal. As a result, Glicad lowers your blood sugar levels and keeps it adequately controlled.

Directions for Use

• Take this medicine as a whole with sufficient water.
• Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not consume more than the prescribed dose.
• Do not discontinue the medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Glicad Tablet during pregnancy?

There is limited information about the effect of Glicad Tablet in pregnant women. However, it is advised to avoid the use of Glicad Tablet during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Glicad Tablet while breastfeeding?

There is limited information about the effect of Glicad Tablet in breastfeeding women. However, it is advised to avoid the use of Glicad Tablet during breastfeeding an infant.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Glicad Tablet?

Glicad Tablet may influence on your ability to drive. If you feel dizzy, shaky, sweaty, or unable to see clearly, it is suggested that you avoid driving or be cautious.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Glicad Tablet?

You should avoid the consumption of alcohol with Glicad Tablets as alcohol may lead to fluctuations in your blood sugar level.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have type 1 diabetes (where your body does not produce any insulin). This medicine should not be taken in such cases.
• You have diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes) or develop symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis like rapid weight loss, nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, difficulty in breathing, unusual sleepiness, tiredness, sweet smell to your breath, sweet or metallic taste to your mouth or a different smell or colour of your urine.
• You have a fever, diarrhoea or if you are not able to eat or drink.
• You are taking any other anti-diabetic medication that belongs to the class of sulfonylurea (glyburide, glimepiride, glipizide, tolazamide, chlorpropamide) or insulin.
• You have kidney disease or liver disease.
• You have or had a history of disease of the pancreas.
• You take medicines called diuretics or medicines that lower blood pressure. If you are not sure what these medicines are, confirm with your doctor.
• You are older than 75 years of age.
• You develop symptoms of acute pancreatitis, like continuous, severe stomach pain.
• You have a serious infection of the kidney or the urinary tract along with fever.
• You develop disorders of the skin like blisters and ulcers.
• You develop symptoms of pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genitals or the area between the genitals and anus with fever.
• You develop any kind of infection of the feet.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to empagliflozin, linagliptin or any other ingredient of Glicad Tablets.
• If you are allergic to any other sodium-glucose-cotransporter 2/SGLT2 (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, remogliflozin, tofogliflozin) or dipeptidyl-peptidase-4/DPP4 (sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, alogliptin) inhibitor.
• If you are not sure what these medicines are, please confirm with your doctor.

Side effects

• Cough
• Rash
• Itching
• Frequent urination
• Low blood sugar level
• Urinary tract infection

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Glicad Tablet works or Glicad Tablet itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Glicad when coadministered with insulin or sulphonylureas (glyburide, glimepiride, glipizide, tolazamide, chlorpropamide) may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels).
• Glicad may cause dehydration and low blood pressure when taken along with diuretics like thiazides (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, metolazone, indapamide) and loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, torasemide, ethacrynic acid).

Storage and disposal

• Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Glicad Tablet and how does it function?

Glicad Tablet is a combination medication containing empagliflozin and linagliptin. It's designed to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Empagliflozin works by increasing the amount of glucose your kidneys remove through urine, while linagliptin helps your body produce more insulin and reduces glucose production by blocking a specific enzyme called DPP-4.

What's the best way to take Glicad Tablet?

Take Glicad Tablet exactly as your doctor instructs, with or without food. Consistency is key, so try to take it around the same time each day. It's crucial not to stop taking this medication without first speaking to your doctor.

Is Glicad Tablet appropriate for type 1 diabetes?

No, Glicad Tablet is specifically for type 2 diabetes and is not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes or a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Can Glicad Tablet lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

When taken on its own, Glicad Tablet is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia. However, the risk of hypoglycemia can increase if you're also taking other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Always monitor your blood sugar levels closely and follow your healthcare provider's advice to prevent hypoglycemia.

Should I take Glicad Tablet if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Glicad Tablet is generally not advised during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or currently breastfeeding, please discuss alternative diabetes treatments with your doctor.

Are there any specific things I should avoid while on Glicad Tablet?

It's recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Glicad Tablet, as it can heighten the risk of low blood sugar or dehydration. Additionally, ensure you stay well-hydrated, especially during physical activity or in hot weather, to prevent fluid loss.

How should Glicad Tablet be stored?

Store your Glicad Tablet at room temperature, away from moisture, excessive heat, and direct light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the medication past its expiration date.

What action should I take if I suspect an overdose?

In the event of a suspected overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately. Signs of an overdose might include severe dizziness, fainting, or symptoms of low blood sugar such as confusion, sweating, or a rapid heartbeat.

Is it safe to use Glicad Tablet with other diabetes medications?

Yes, Glicad Tablet can be used in conjunction with other diabetes medications if your doctor prescribes it. However, it's crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels, as combining multiple medications can increase the potential for hypoglycemia or other adverse effects.