Istamet 50/500 mg
Available Dosages
| SKU | 1014 |
|---|---|
| Generic For | Janumet |
| Strength | 50 + 500 mg |
| Manufacturer | Sun Pharma |
| Active Ingredient | Sitagliptin+ Metformin |
| Pack Size | Qty | Price Per Pill or Unit | Price | Cart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Tablet/s | US$ 0.65 | US$ 19.50 | |||
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| 60 Tablet/s | US$ 0.65 | US$ 39.00 | |||
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| 90 Tablet/s | US$ 0.65 | US$ 58.50 | |||
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Istamet 50/500 mg – Affordable Janumet Alternative for Type 2 Diabetes
Istamet 50/500 mg metformin sitagliptin HCl is a prescribed medicine that comprises two active ingredients one is Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl in it. They together improve the blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. This drug is administered along with the diet and exercise and helps in lowering increased blood sugar levels of the body.
The ailments Istamet 50/500 mg is used for:
Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes. It is given as an adjunct with diet and exercise in the management of Type 2 diabetes.
How does Istamet 50/500 mg tablet work?
Sitagliptin and Metformin HCl help in lowering the blood sugar levels of the body.
Sitagliptin Phosphate
Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor. It works by increasing the release of Incretin hormone that raises levels of insulin in the body. This, in turn, lowers the glucose production and maintains apt blood glucose levels in the body.
Metformin HCl
This ingredient belongs to the class of Biguanides and acts via multiple mechanisms that collectively produce hypoglycemic effects. It acts on various sites as stated below:
- Metformin causes less production of sugar from the liver cells
- It increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, this way it removes sugar from the blood
- It also delays intestinal sugar absorption into the blood stream especially after eating
This way, it controls the blood sugar levels. It effectively controls the sugar level between and directly after meals.
When should you avoid it?
You should not take Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl if you:
- Are hypersensitive towards any of ingredients present in it (Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl )
- Have diabetic ketoacidosis
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Are breast feeding
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Are suffering from kidney related problems
- Have reduced liver functions
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Are there any possible drug interactions?
Always tell the doctor about the medicines you are taking. The doctor will provide you with a list of the drugs that will interact with Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl and may hamper its therapeutic efficacy. Some of the drugs that interact with Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl are as following:
- Oral contraceptives
- Opioid drugs like Morphine
- Phenothiazines
- Probenecid
- Procainamide
- Somatropin
- Levothyroxine
- Trimethoprim
- Digoxin
- Cimetidine
- Steroids like prednisone and Dexamethasone
- ACE Inhibitors like Ramipril and Enalapril
- Beta-agonist such as Salbutamol and Formoterol
What are the things to be taken care of?
- Always take the medicine as per prescription
- Always store the medicine at the room temperature and away from moisture, heat and light
- Don’t use the expired drug
- Always monitor your blood sugar levels
- Avoid consumption of alcohol while using this drug
- Don’t share your medicine with anybody, even if they have the same symptoms
- Keep a complete record of all the medicines you are taking along with this medicine
- Follow strict diet and exercise regimen while taking this drug
How much to take?
There is no fixed therapeutic regimen for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The dose varies according to the condition of a patient. Many factors such as body weight, the presence of other disease condition and tolerance power are assessed and then a dosage is prescribed. The usual dose starts from 50 mg Sitagliptin Phosphate / 500 mg Metformin hydrochloride and can be increased or decreased depending upon the condition. The doctor will always recommend the best therapeutic dose for you, so that maximum effect is generated with no side effects at all.
How to take?
Istamet 50/500 mg tabletSitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl are taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with a full glass of water. Don’t crush or chew the tablet. Regular check your blood sugar levels. If you experience extreme low levels of blood sugar, always keep a source of sugar with yourself.
When to take?
Metformin Sitagliptin HCl are generally taken twice daily with meals. Always take the medicine as prescribed by the Doctor.
For how long should it be taken?
This drug is meant to be taken on a regular basis, so keep on taking the drug as long as recommended by the Doctor. Sudden discontinuation can lead to undesired and sever problems.
What if you take too much (overdose)?
If overdose, talk to Doctor or Poisons information centre for advice. Take medical help as soon as possible if you encounter any unusual symptoms like:
- Tachycardia
- Excessive hunger
- Nervousness
- Nightmares
- Headache
- Shakiness
- Restlessness
What if you miss the dose?
Try to take the medicine at the same time each day; this reduces the chances of missing dose. Consult your Doctor if you miss the Dose. Don’t double up the dose in order to compensate with the previous one.
What are the side effects?
Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin HCl is very effective and potent antidiabetic drug. Along with the highly therapeutic drug effect, it also exerts some side effects. This is not essential that everyone will encounter these below-mentioned effects such as:
Very common side effects generally happen in the initial stages of the treatment. With the pace of time, they diminish:
- Abdominal discomfort and pain
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Flatulence
- Stuffy nose
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Throat soreness
- Change in taste like metallic taste of mouth
- Constipation
Serious side effects are as follows:
- Skin rashes, hives
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling of face, lips and tongue
- Dizziness
- Muscular pain and cramping
- Unexplained tiredness and weakness
- Stomach pain and discomfort
What is Istamet 50/500mg used for?
Istamet 50/500mg combines sitagliptin 50mg and metformin 500mg in a single tablet for type 2 diabetes treatment. The lower 500mg metformin dose is used when initiating the sitagliptin/metformin combination, in patients with GI sensitivity to higher metformin doses, in older patients, or in those with mild CKD where maximum metformin dose is not appropriate. It provides the full 50mg sitagliptin DPP-4 inhibition alongside lower-dose metformin, allowing flexible titration to achieve glycaemic targets.
When is the 50/500mg strength preferred over 50/1000mg?
Istamet 50/500mg is preferred when: the patient is starting sitagliptin/metformin combination therapy and requires metformin dose titration; GI side effects limit tolerated metformin dose; mild renal impairment (eGFR 45–60 ml/min) prevents maximum metformin doses; or the patient is elderly with more cautious dosing requirements. Once tolerability and renal function are confirmed, the dose can be stepped up to 50/1000mg for greater glycaemic benefit. It may also be used as one tablet morning dose alongside a 50/1000mg evening dose.
How should Istamet 50/500mg be taken correctly?
Istamet 50/500mg is taken twice daily with meals — morning and evening. Taking with food is essential for metformin tolerability. The sitagliptin 50mg in each tablet is the standard dose for the twice-daily combination formulation (equivalent to sitagliptin 100mg daily — the standard total daily sitagliptin dose). Swallow whole with water. Do not take both tablets of the day at once — the twice-daily split provides better glycaemic coverage throughout the day.
Can Istamet 50/500mg be used in patients with reduced kidney function?
Istamet 50/500mg with the lower 500mg metformin dose is often more suitable than the 50/1000mg formulation in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD. Metformin should be dose-reduced when eGFR is 30–45 ml/min and avoided below 30 ml/min. Sitagliptin itself requires dose reduction in CKD — at eGFR 30–45, use 25mg sitagliptin (which requires a different formulation). The 50mg sitagliptin in Istamet is appropriate when eGFR ≥45 ml/min.
Is Istamet 50/500mg effective for patients who haven't responded adequately to metformin alone?
Yes — this is the primary indication for Istamet 50/500mg. When metformin monotherapy (typically 1000–2000mg/day) fails to achieve HbA1c targets after 3 months, adding sitagliptin 100mg daily (as two Istamet 50/500mg tablets) is a recommended next step. Clinical trials show adding sitagliptin to metformin provides additional HbA1c reduction of 0.7–1.0% vs. metformin alone, without hypoglycaemia or weight gain. The fixed-dose combination simplifies the regimen vs. taking separate tablets.
Does combining sitagliptin with metformin increase side effect risk?
The sitagliptin/metformin combination generally does not produce additional side effects beyond those of each agent individually. Metformin's GI side effects are the most common concern — these are minimised by taking with food and using the lower 500mg starting dose. Sitagliptin adds mild risk of upper respiratory infections and headache. The combination does not increase hypoglycaemia risk beyond the metformin baseline (essentially zero when used without sulfonylureas or insulin).
How does Istamet 50/500mg compare to Onglyza+Metformin (saxagliptin+metformin)?
Istamet (sitagliptin+metformin) and Kombiglyze/Onglyza+Metformin (saxagliptin+metformin) are both DPP-4 inhibitor/metformin combinations with similar mechanisms and comparable HbA1c reduction. The SAVOR-TIMI trial found saxagliptin increased hospitalisation for heart failure risk — a concern not seen with sitagliptin in the TECOS trial. Guidelines now favour sitagliptin over saxagliptin in patients at heart failure risk. Both are effective for patients without cardiovascular comorbidities.
Is Istamet 50/500mg the same as Janumet 50/500mg?
Yes. Istamet 50/500mg and Janumet 50/500mg both contain sitagliptin 50mg and metformin HCl 500mg and are manufactured to bioequivalence standards. Istamet is the affordable generic alternative to branded Janumet, providing identical glycaemic control at a significantly lower price — making this combination more accessible for long-term diabetes management.
Can I order Istamet 50/500mg from PremiumRxDrugs for delivery to Canada?
Yes. PremiumRxDrugs.com ships Istamet 50/500mg and other diabetes combination therapies to the USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries. Their genuine manufacturer-verified medicines, transparent pricing, and free worldwide shipping on qualifying orders make them a dependable international pharmacy for patients managing type 2 diabetes.
What are the typical side effects of Istamet 50/500mg?
GI side effects from the metformin component — nausea, loose stools, abdominal bloating — are most common in the first 2–4 weeks and are markedly reduced at the 500mg dose with food. Sitagliptin can cause nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms), headache, and occasionally urinary tract infections. Rare but serious: pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain), and bullous pemphigoid (blistering skin condition, rare). Long-term metformin use can reduce B12 absorption.
What precautions should I take with Istamet 50/500mg?
Always take with meals. Withhold metformin before contrast procedures; restart 48 hours post-procedure. Check eGFR before starting and annually during treatment. Report severe abdominal pain urgently (pancreatitis risk). Monitor B12 annually after 3 years. Be aware of urinary tract infection symptoms — seek treatment promptly as DPP-4 inhibitors may slightly increase UTI risk. Inform your doctor of joint pain — sitagliptin-associated arthralgia can develop months or years into treatment.
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