TREVIAMET 50/500MG TABS 14S

What Is TREVIAMET 50/500?

Treviamet 50/500 tablets contain the same two active medicines as Treviamet 50/1000, Sitagliptin and Metformin, but with a lower 500mg Metformin dose per tablet.

This formulation exists because Metformin is well known for causing stomach side effects (nausea, diarrhoea) when started at full dose, particularly in patients who are sensitive to it.

The 500mg per tablet strength allows doctors to gradually introduce the combination therapy, starting at a more comfortable Metformin dose and building up over time, making it much more likely that patients will stay on their diabetes treatment without giving up due to stomach discomfort.

What Is It Used For?

Treviamet 50/500 tablets are used for adults with Type 2 Diabetes who need the combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin but benefit from the lower per-tablet Metformin dose. This includes patients who are just starting combination therapy for the first time, patients switching from lower-dose Metformin monotherapy (500mg or 850mg daily), elderly patients or those with digestive sensitivity who cannot tolerate higher Metformin doses, and patients being stepped up from Metformin alone.

Typically, patients take two tablets per day (totalling 100mg Sitagliptin + 1000mg Metformin), but the prescriber may choose different regimens based on individual blood sugar targets and tolerability.

Like Treviamet 50/1000, this formulation provides the dual benefit of Sitagliptin's post-meal glucose control and Metformin's baseline glucose reduction, without the significant hypoglycaemia risk of older diabetes medicines.

Usual Dose

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

With Food

Always take with a meal, essential for reducing stomach side effects from Metformin.

Titration Plan

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

Contrast Procedures

Same precaution as all Metformin products, withhold 48 hours before and after iodinated contrast dye procedures.

Missed Dose

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

Common Side Effects

·       Nausea or mild stomach discomfort, less likely than at 1000mg per tablet

·       Metallic taste

·       Headache

·       Upper respiratory symptoms (Sitagliptin class effect)

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Mild hypoglycaemia (with sulphonylureas or insulin)

·       Dizziness

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

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

·       Pancreatitis (rare Sitagliptin class effect)

·       Severe allergic reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis)

·       Same core warnings as Treviamet 50/1000 apply, lactic acidosis, contrast dye precaution, pancreatitis, renal monitoring, B12 depletion.

·       DOSE ADEQUACY: At 500mg per tablet, patients must achieve an adequate total daily Metformin dose, confirm total prescribed daily dose achieves therapeutic levels.

·       STEP-UP PLAN: Communicate clearly with the prescriber if dose escalation to the 1000mg formulation is planned and at what timepoint.

Same as Treviamet 50/1000:

Alcohol: Lactic acidosis risk, limit intake.

Contrast media: Withhold around procedures.

Sulphonylureas / Insulin: Hypoglycaemia risk.

Cationic drugs (trimethoprim, cimetidine): Increase Metformin levels.

·       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.

Treviamet 50/500 is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription.

Treviamet 50/500 is the lower Metformin dose variant in 35-tablet pack size, analogous to Glipita M 50/500 but with 5 additional tablets per pack. Confirm the prescriber's intent regarding dose titration, is 500mg per tablet the target maintenance dose, or is this a stepping-stone to 1000mg? Total daily Metformin at twice-daily dosing = 1000mg, adequate for many patients but below the optimal dose for maximum glycaemic effect (1500–2000mg/day). Communicate this clearly.

All clinical warnings, monitoring requirements, and interaction alerts from Treviamet 50/1000 apply here. The 35-tablet pack at twice-daily dosing provides 17.5 days, counsel patients accordingly on refill timing.

Why does my doctor want me to start with the 500mg version?

A: Starting with a lower Metformin dose and increasing gradually is the best way to avoid nausea and diarrhoea, which are the main reasons patients stop taking Metformin. Starting low and going slow makes it much easier to stick to your diabetes treatment.

Do I have to take it with food?

A: Yes, always. The Metformin component causes nausea and stomach upset when taken on an empty stomach. Taking with a meal is not optional; it is essential for tolerability.

How many tablets of Treviamet 50/500 tablets do I take each day?

A: Your doctor will prescribe the exact number. Typically, two tablets per day (one with each main meal) provide 100 mg Sitagliptin and 1000mg Metformin daily. Confirm your schedule with your prescriber.