K Gem Strip Of 15 Tablets

K Gem tablet is a combination of metformin and gliclazide used to treat diabetes mellitus; the medication effectively reduces high blood sugar levels and is generally used in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Common side effects include dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia and tremors. If you observe any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately or rush to the nearest hospital.

Store the medication in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Before starting the treatment give a detailed account of your medical history and your current medications.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdosing can result in severe hypoglycemia, which requires close monitoring and treatment by the doctor. If overdosing occurs, consult your doctor immediately. Convulsions and loss of consciousness can be seen with overdose.

Missed a Dose

If the dose is missed, the medication should be taken as soon as possible. Make sure you keep the proper time interval between two doses. If the time interval is near the second dose, skip the previous dose and follow the regular schedule.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Gliclazide mainly works by decreasing blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion and improving the peripheral resistance of insulin. It also increases insulin sensitivity and glucose clearance to lower blood sugar levels. In addition, metformin is given as an anti-hyperglycemic that acts by improving insulin's binding and peripheral tissue sensitivity.

Directions for Use

• Take the medication in the dose and for the duration advised by your doctor
• Do not chew, crush or break the tablet in half
• Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water
• Do not stop the medication treatment if your symptoms decrease

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can K Gem tablet be taken during pregnancy?

This medication is contraindicated in pregnancy as it can show adverse effects on the developing baby. Instead, consult your doctor to control your blood sugar levels in pregnancy, which can be done through insulin.

Breast Feeding

Can we take K Gem tablet during breastfeeding?

The medication should be used cautiously in the breastfeeding stage, as it can cross the breast milk, consult your doctor for an appropriate treatment during the breastfeeding stage.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken a K Gem tablet?

The medication can cause dizziness; hence do not drive after taking this medication.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol after taking the K Gem tablet?

The medication is strictly contraindicated with alcohol as it can cause extreme drowsiness and induce severe hypoglycemia.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are allergic to the active ingredient or any other excipient
• You have coronary heart disease
• You have a history of alcohol consumption
• You are suffering from liver or kidney impairment
• You have a history of asthma or COPD
• You are taking other prescription, non-prescription medications, vitamins or minerals

Contraindications

• Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
• Patients with renal or hepatic failure
• Alcoholism
• Coronary heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma

Side effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Rash
• Flushing
• Hypoglycemia

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• K Gem tablet can interact with insulin and other anti-diabetic medication, resulting in a severe drop in blood sugar levels
• This medication should not be prescribed with beta-blockers, antihistamines, or pain killers that can decrease the absorption of the K Gem tablet
• When used with metformin, NSAIDs increase the risk of lactic acidosis
• Verapamil and other OCT1 inhibitors may impair metformin effectiveness
• Inducers of OCT1 such as rifampicin enhance gastrointestinal absorption and metformin efficacy
• Miconazole improves the hypoglycemic impact of this tablet
• Concomitant use of K gem tablet with fluoroquinolones may increase the risk of dysglycaemia
• Salicylates, sulphonamides, etc,. may potentiate the hypoglycaemic effect of gliclazide
• Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, can sometimes affect glucose tolerance

Interactions with food items

The absorption and action are better when taken before or during your meals.

Storage and disposal

• Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place
• Keep the medication away from moisture and direct sunlight
• Keep away from children and pets
• Do not flush the unused tablets or discard them in household waste
• Talk to your pharmacist about a safe way of discarding the unused or expired medications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to take the K Gem tablet?

The course of treatment of this medication can be lifelong, as diabetes mellitus is a lifestyle disease it requires constant monitoring and dietary changes for better management. Consult your doctor about the duration and frequency of taking this medication.

What are the precautions to be taken when I am taking the K Gem tablet?

This medication is used to treat high sugar levels in your body. However, it can also cause severe hypoglycemia, resulting in significant complications. You may start feeling lightheadedness, hungry, and drowsiness due to low sugar levels; hence monitor your sugar levels regularly and keep track of your diet. It is advisable to keep some sugar intake with you in emergencies.

Can we use the K Gem tablet in geriatric?

This medication is generally not advisable in geriatrics due to decreased kidney functioning; the drug can cause adverse effects in renal patients. Hence, the doctor can adjust the dosage or use different therapies to treat your high blood sugar levels.