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

What Is GLIPITA M 50/1000?

Glipita M 50/1000 is a fixed-dose combination tablet bringing together two well-established diabetes medicines: Sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor that boosts your body's own insulin response after meals) and Metformin (which reduces the amount of glucose your liver releases into the blood and improves your body's sensitivity to insulin).

Having both medicines in one tablet makes it simpler for you to stay on track with your treatment, reduces the number of tablets you need to take, and provides complementary blood sugar control that is better than either medicine alone.

What Is It Used For?

Glipita M 50/1000 is used in adults with Type 2 Diabetes whose blood sugar is not adequately controlled on Metformin alone, or who are already taking both Sitagliptin and Metformin as separate tablets and wish to simplify to a single combination pill.

Glipita M 50/1000 tablets work throughout the day; Metformin keeps your background blood sugar stable while Sitagliptin specifically targets post-meal blood sugar spikes by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin when needed.

Together, they lower HbA1c (your 3-month blood sugar average) without causing significant hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar) on their own.

Usual Dose

1 tablet twice daily with meals. Always take with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset from Metformin.

With Food

Always take with a meal; this is important for reducing nausea and diarrhoea from Metformin.

Swallow Whole

Swallow whole with water; do not crush or split.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered with food. If nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double up.

Contrast Dye / Surgery

Stop Glipita M before any procedure using iodinated contrast dye (e.g. CT scan with contrast) and for 48 hours after, Metformin must be withheld to prevent lactic acidosis. Your doctor will advise.

Monitoring

Regular HbA1c, renal function, and liver function monitoring is recommended during treatment.

Common Side Effects

·       Nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhoea (Metformin, usually settles within 2–4 weeks)

·       Headache

·       Upper respiratory tract infection (runny nose, sore throat, Sitagliptin)

·       Mild hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) especially if combined with sulphonylureas or insulin

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Dizziness

·       Constipation

·       Joint pain

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Lactic acidosis (rare but serious, caused by Metformin accumulating; risk increases in renal impairment, dehydration, or contrast dye procedures)

·       Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, rare; report severe abdominal pain to your doctor immediately)

·       Serious allergic reactions including angioedema (rare)

·       Severe joint pain (arthralgia), a rare class effect of DPP-4 inhibitors

·       LACTIC ACIDOSIS: A rare but potentially fatal side effect of Metformin, usually in patients with kidney problems, liver disease, or severe dehydration. Seek emergency care if you develop unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, dizziness, or feeling very cold.

·       RENAL FUNCTION: Monitor kidney function regularly, Metformin must be stopped or dose reduced if kidney function declines.

·       PANCREATITIS: Report persistent, severe abdominal pain immediately, this could indicate pancreatitis.

·       CONTRAST PROCEDURES: Always tell the doctor or radiologist you are on Metformin before any scan using contrast dye. Metformin must be stopped before the procedure.

·       HYPOGLYCAEMIA: Higher risk when combined with sulphonylureas or insulin; be aware of low blood sugar symptoms.

·       VITAMIN B12: Long-term Metformin use can reduce B12 absorption, periodic B12 monitoring recommended.

Alcohol: Increases risk of lactic acidosis, limit alcohol intake.

Iodinated contrast dye: Withhold Metformin before and for 48 hours after contrast procedures.

Sulphonylureas / Insulin: Increased hypoglycaemia risk, may need dose reduction.

Cationic drugs (cimetidine, trimethoprim): May increase Metformin levels by competing for renal excretion.

Diuretics and NSAIDs: Can impair renal function, increasing Metformin/lactic acidosis risk.

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

·       Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

·       Keep in original packaging.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Glipita M 50/1000 is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya. It should be prescribed by a physician, diabetologist, or general practitioner managing Type 2 Diabetes. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription.

Glipita M 50/1000 is a Janumet-equivalent generic combining Sitagliptin 50mg and Metformin 1000mg. Confirm the patient's current Metformin tolerance, those switching from Metformin monotherapy at 1000mg twice daily will have a smooth transition.

Counsel explicitly on the contrast dye / Metformin interaction, this is a common and preventable clinical risk, especially relevant in Kenya where CT scans are increasingly accessible. B12 monitoring: diabetic patients on long-term Metformin should have B12 checked annually, flag for supplementation if levels are low (add Gabanerve or Cachnerve as applicable).

Screen for pancreatitis history, DPP-4 inhibitors carry a small pancreatitis risk. The lactic acidosis counselling point should be explicit and documented.

Why should I always take Glipita M with food?

A: Metformin in Glipita M can cause nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea if taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with a meal reduces these effects significantly.

Can Glipita M cause low blood sugar?

A: By itself, Glipita M rarely causes dangerously low blood sugar. The risk increases if you also take sulphonylureas (like glibenclamide) or insulin, your doctor may adjust those doses.

What is lactic acidosis and how do I recognise it?

A: Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious buildup of lactic acid caused by Metformin, usually only in people with kidney problems or severe illness. Warning signs include unusual muscle pain, severe weakness, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, or feeling very cold. Seek emergency care immediately.

How is Sitagliptin different from Metformin in this tablet?

A: Metformin reduces the sugar your liver releases into your blood throughout the day. Sitagliptin specifically helps your pancreas release more insulin after meals to control post-meal blood sugar spikes. Together they cover both aspects.