Glipita M 50/1000 (Sitagliptin 50mg) and Metformin 500mg) tablets 30s

What Is GLIPITA M 50/500?

Glipita M 50/500 contains the same two active medicines, Sitagliptin and Metformin, but with a lower 500mg Metformin dose per tablet. This lower-strength formulation is designed for patients who are just starting combination therapy and need a gentle introduction to Metformin's dose, or for those who experience gastrointestinal side effects at higher Metformin doses and require a more tolerable, step-up approach to reaching their target dose.

What Is It Used For?

Glipita M 50/500 is used in adults with Type 2 Diabetes who need the combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin but benefit from a lower dose of Metformin, either because they are starting the combination for the first time, transitioning from lower-dose Metformin monotherapy, or have experienced stomach-related side effects at higher Metformin doses.

Patients typically take two tablets per day (giving 100mg Sitagliptin and 1000mg Metformin total), which can be increased to 50/1000 tablets as tolerated and as their blood sugar targets require.

Usual Dose

Typically, 1 tablet twice daily with meals, providing 100mg Sitagliptin and 1000mg Metformin total daily. Your doctor will advise the exact schedule.

With Food

Always take with food to reduce stomach side effects from Metformin.

Titration

Your doctor may start you on this lower-dose formulation and step up to the 1000mg version as your stomach adjusts and blood sugar targets are assessed.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered with food. Skip if near next dose time. Never double up.

Contrast Procedures

Withhold Metformin before and 48 hours after iodinated contrast dye procedures, same precaution as all Metformin-containing products.

Common Side Effects

·       Nausea, mild stomach upset, loose stools (Metformin, less likely at 500mg vs 1000mg per tablet)

·       Headache

·       Upper respiratory infections (Sitagliptin)

·       Metallic taste (Metformin)

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Mild hypoglycaemia with concurrent sulphonylureas/insulin

·       Dizziness

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Lactic acidosis (rare, same risk as all Metformin formulations)

·       Pancreatitis (rare, Sitagliptin class effect)

·       Severe allergic reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis)

·       Same core warnings as Glipita M 50/1000 apply.

·       METFORMIN DOSE: At 500mg per tablet, patients must still achieve an adequate total daily Metformin dose for therapeutic effect, confirm total daily dosing with prescriber.

·       CONTRAST DYE: Stop before any iodinated contrast procedure and for 48 hours after.

·       LACTIC ACIDOSIS: Monitor renal function regularly and counsel on warning signs.

·       LONG-TERM B12: Monitor B12 levels annually with long-term Metformin use.

Same as Glipita M 50/1000:

Alcohol: Increased lactic acidosis risk.

Iodinated contrast: Withhold Metformin around contrast procedures.

Sulphonylureas / Insulin: Increased hypoglycaemia risk.

Cationic drugs (cimetidine, trimethoprim): May increase Metformin plasma levels.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.

·       Keep in original packaging.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Glipita M 50/500 is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription from your doctor or diabetologist.

Glipita M 50/500 is the lower Metformin dose variant, confirm with the prescriber whether the intent is initiating combination therapy (with planned dose escalation) or maintaining at 500mg per tablet due to GI intolerance.

Counsel on total daily dose: two tablets daily give 1000mg Metformin, below the optimal therapeutic dose for many patients; three tablets give 1500mg. All counselling points for Glipita M 50/1000 apply here, contrast dye, lactic acidosis, B12 monitoring, renal function, pancreatitis awareness. This formulation is particularly useful for elderly patients or those with GI sensitivity beginning dual therapy.

How is Glipita M 50/500 different from Glipita M 50/1000?

A: Both contain the same two diabetes medicines (Sitagliptin and Metformin), but Glipita M 50/500 has half the Metformin dose per tablet (500mg vs 1000mg). The lower dose is better tolerated for patients starting treatment or sensitive to stomach side effects.

Can I switch between the 500mg and 1000mg tablets?

A: Only under your doctor's guidance. Switching strengths is a dose change that should be planned as part of your diabetes management.

Does Glipita M 50/500 cause low blood sugar?

A: Not usually on its own. The risk increases if you also take other diabetes medicines like glibenclamide or insulin. Know the signs of low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger.