Velvog M 0.2mg Tablet

Velvog M tablet is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a combination of metformin and voglibose, which helps lower elevated blood sugar levels. It is important to take this medication as prescribed by your doctor for the specified duration.

Velvog M tablet should ideally be taken with food to help prevent nausea and abdominal discomfort. To maximize its effectiveness, take it consistently at the same time each day. Do not stop using the medication unless your doctor advises you to do so.

Common side effects of Velvog M tablet may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas, weakness, indigestion, abdominal pain, headaches, and decreased appetite. Some individuals might also experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taking this medication in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, consuming alcohol, or missing meals. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medication.

Before starting this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Please ensure that you discuss all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as well as any existing health conditions or illnesses you may have. Managing diabetes is heavily affected by your lifestyle; therefore, it is vital to follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by your healthcare provider while using this medication.

Dosage

Overdose

An excess of Velvog M tablet may lead to lactic acidosis, causing symptoms such as vomiting, stomachache, muscle cramps, and difficulty breathing. You must seek immediate emergency medical care if you suspect an overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of Velvog M tablet, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Metformin works by reducing glucose production in the liver, slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Voglibose works by delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, thereby preventing a spike in blood glucose levels that occurs after a meal.

Directions for Use

• Velvog M tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• It should be taken with or after a meal to reduce its side effects.
• It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results, and you should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Velvog M tablet during pregnancy?

Consult your doctor before taking Velvog M tablet during pregnancy, as limited information is available about its safety in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Velvog M tablet while breastfeeding?

Velvog M tablet is known to pass into breast milk. However, the amount is significantly low to cause any side effects. So, Velvog M tablet could be taken by a breastfeeding mother only if prescribed by her doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Velvog M tablet?

If you are taking the Velvog M tablet along with other antidiabetic medications, there is a chance that your blood sugar may drop. You may experience dizziness, increased sweating, weakness, and difficulty concentrating, which can impair your ability to drive safely. Therefore, you should exercise extra caution when driving. Always keep sugar, juice or a bar of chocolate in your car while driving. If you experience any of the symptoms, stop driving immediately and have sugar or juice. Do not consume sugar-free items during such episodes.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Velvog M tablet?

Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol while taking Velvog M tablet. Alcohol lowers blood sugar, which can be dangerous, and also increases the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are suffering from continuous diarrhoea, vomiting, and loss of body fluids.
• You experience signs of low blood glucose, such as dizziness, weakness, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. Metformin does not usually cause sudden low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If Velvog M tablet is prescribed with other anti-diabetic medications, low blood sugar may occur.
• You experience muscle pain, stomach pain, vomiting, breathing difficulty, and low body temperature. This could be a serious condition known as lactic acidosis.
• You have severe vomiting or diarrhoea, stop taking Velvog M tablet for a short time.
• You are stressed, have an injury, or an infection, as it can lead to loss of blood sugar control.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to metformin, voglibose or any other ingredients of Velvog M tablet.
• If you have problems with your liver or kidneys.
• If you are an alcoholic (you daily consume alcohol in excess).
• If you have uncontrolled diabetes.
• If you have any heart problems or if you have recently had a heart attack.
• If you have a severe infection of the lung or kidney. Infections can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• If you have a severe infection or are undergoing surgery.
• If you recently had severe trauma or injury.
• If you have a blockage in any part of your digestive system.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Taste disturbance
• Loss of appetite

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Velvog M tablet may interact with other medicines. Discuss all the medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking with your doctor. Additionally, please inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Medicines used to reduce pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen and Celecoxib.
• Medicines used to treat asthma, such as salbutamol or terbutaline.
• Medicines like furosemide (diuretics).
• If you need to receive an injection of iodine-containing contrast medium into your bloodstream for an X-ray or scan, your doctor will ask you to stop taking Velvog M tablet before or at the time of the injection.
• If you are on medicines that are used to treat pain and inflammation (NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and celecoxib) for the long term, these can damage your kidneys. The use of such medicines in diabetes should be avoided.

Interactions with food items

• The absorption of vitamin B12 appears to be reduced during long-term Velvog M tablet therapy, and annual screening of serum vitamin B12 levels and red blood cell parameters is recommended.
• It is advisable to have a diabetic diet as advised by your doctor or dietician. This medicine works best along with a good diet and exercise. Exercise is known to decrease insulin resistance.

Storage and disposal

• Store Velvog M tablet in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to take Velvog M tablet?

You can take Velvog M tablet at any time of the day, as advised by the doctor. However, it's best to take this medicine with a meal to minimise side effects.

What food items should I include in my diet?

• A diet should be high in fibre, low in fat, with adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
• A diet should include boiled, steamed, or baked foods.
• Ensure moderate use of edible oils (groundnut oil, olive oil).
• Maintain regular meal times and try to have 2-3 healthy snacks between meals, such as soups and salads.

Can Velvog M tablet be stopped if my blood sugar level comes under control?

No, you should never stop taking the Velvog M tablet without consulting the doctor. Abruptly stopping the medicine results in a sudden rise in blood glucose levels and causes further harm to the kidneys and other organs.