Glifoster Tablet (10 Tab)

Glifoster Tablet Overview:

Glifoster Tablet is an oral anti diabetic medicine, used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus. It is used in patients whose body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels known as hyperglycemia. This medication is prescribed along with proper diet and physical exercise to improve glycemic control in patients whose diabetes is not well-controlled with a single oral anti diabetic medicine.

Composition of Glifoster Tablet:

Each uncoated tablet contains: Metformin Hydrochloride (As prolonged-release) 500 mg, Glimepiride 2 mg and Excipients: q.s.

Colour: Sunset Yellow.

Uses and Benefits of Glifoster Tablet:

Glifoster Tablet is used for the treatment of Type II diabetes mellitus or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

How Glifoster Tablet Works:

Glifoster Tablet is a combination of two anti diabetic medications, glimepiride and metformin. Together they help improve glycemic control in type II diabetes mellitus patients.

Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea, lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. Meanwhile, metformin, a biguanide, works by decreasing the liver's glucose production, slowing the absorption of glucose in the intestines, and enhancing the body's response to insulin.

Dosage of Glifoster Tablet:

• Usage Direction

Take Glifoster Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and follow the recommended dosage and schedule. Glifoster should be swallowed as a whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it, and ideally at the same time each day. Do not stop or alter the dose of Glifoster Tablet without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent you from achieving the desired outcome. Regular monitoring of your blood and urine while taking Glifoster Tablet may improve your condition. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any administration procedure you do not understand.

• Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Glifoster Tablet, take it as soon as it is remembered. If it is time for your next dose of Glifoster Tablet, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses to compensate for a missed one.

• Over Dose

If you accidentally take Glifoster Tablet more than your prescribed dose, it may lead to severe hypoglycemia. To manage hypoglycemia in an emergency basis, take fast-acting carbohydrates like sugar, fruit juice, honey, etc and seek medical advice immediately.

Contraindications of Glifoster Tablet:

Do not take Glifoster Tablet, if you are hypersensitive or allergic to glimepiride, metformin, or any of the components of this medicine or if you have Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma, decompensated heart failure, respiratory failure or recent myocardial infarction, severe kidney or liver disease.

Precautions & Warnings of Glifoster Tablet:

Before starting Glifoster Tablet, tell your doctor if you have an increased risk of cardiovascular-related mortality, irregular meal time, or hormone-induced disorders. It is recommended to avoid foods and drinks which are high in sugar.

Side Effects of Glifoster Tablet:

Glifoster Tablet may also cause some side effects, most of which do not require medical attention and typically go away as your body adapts to the medication. These may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting and a metallic taste in the mouth. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the side effects may also be serious and may need medical attention such as; hypoglycaemia, lactic acidosis, feeling of being sick, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain and allergic reaction.

Safety Related Concerns of Glifoster Tablet:

• Pregnancy

If you are planning to become pregnant or if a pregnancy is discovered, it's important to consult with your doctor to determine whether it is safe for you to continue with Glifoster Tablet. Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, carries an increased risk of birth defects. Therefore, your doctor may recommend switching to insulin therapy to better control blood sugar levels. It is essential to monitor blood glucose levels closely throughout pregnancy to minimize the risk of fetal malformations.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Glifoster Tablet as it may pass through breast milk and can cause side effects in breastfed babies. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before taking Glifoster while breastfeeding.

• Alcohol

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Glifoster Tablet, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and may also cause lactic acidosis.

• Food or Interactions with Other Medicines

Carbohydrate-rich foods (such as sugary foods) and high-fat foods should be avoided while taking Glifoster Tablet.

Consult your doctor if you are taking any herbal products or supplements while taking Glifoster Tablet. As always, it is a good idea to consult your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs while on Glifoster Tablet.

• Driving

If you experience side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision, you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Glifoster Tablet.

Storage of Glifoster Tablet:

Glifoster Tablet, should be store in a cool,dark & dry place.

Keep Glifoster Tablet out of reach of children.

Note: Regular exercise and a healthy diet may improve your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Glifoster Tablet:

1. What is Glifoster Tablet used for?

Glifoster Tablet is used for the treatment of Type II diabetes mellitus.

Glifoster Tablet is used along with proper diet and physical exercise to improve glycemic control in patients, especially for whose diabetes is not adequately controlled with single oral anti diabetic medicine.

2. Does Glifoster Tablet lead to hypoglycemia?

Glifoster Tablet is usually recommended for managing Type II diabetes mellitus. However, taking more than the prescribed dose or using it alongside other anti diabetic medications can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

3. Is Glifoster Tablet an insulin?

No, Glifoster Tablet is not an insulin. While insulin is a hormone, Glifoster Tablet is a combination of two oral anti diabetic drugs: Glimepiride and Metformin. It is commonly prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes to help regulate blood sugar levels.

4. What is the difference between Glycomet Tablet and Glifoster Tablet?

The primary difference between Glycomet Tablet and Glifoster Tablet lies in their composition, both of which are used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus. Glifoster Tablet combines Glimepiride and Metformin, while Glycomet Tablet contains only Metformin. It is essential to take only the medication prescribed by your doctor according to your physical condition and avoid self-medication.

5. What happens if blood sugar drops too quickly?

When blood sugar levels drop too quickly, it can result in hypoglycemia. Symptoms may include shaking or trembling, dizziness, weakness, a rapid heart rate, sweating, and chills. In severe cases, it can cause confusion, seizures, or even coma, which can be life-threatening. To manage hypoglycemia in an emergency basis by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, sugary products, or regular soda to restore blood sugar to normal levels.

6. Which food should avoid during this medication?

While using Glifoster Tablet, it is advisable to avoid foods and drinks high in natural or added sugars, such as fruit juice, soda, candy, desserts, white bread, rice, chips, sugary cereals, ice cream, and sweetened milk. Additionally, alcohol should be avoided during this treatment as it can lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, and may also raise the likelihood of developing lactic acidosis.

7. Can Glifoster Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, Glifoster Tablet may cause weight gain due to its ingredient Glimepiride, which belongs to the Sulfonylureas class of medications. Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. However, insulin also promotes fat storage in the body. As a result, increased insulin levels can lead to the storage of more fat, potentially causing weight gain. If you're concerned about weight gain while taking Glifoster  Tablet, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider. They can adjust your treatment plan to help manage both your blood sugar and weight.

References:

1. METFORMIN + GLIMEPIRIDE. Contents. Glimepiride 2 mg, metformin HCl 500 mg. Accessed on 05.02.2025. Click Here

2. PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. ILET B. Accessed on 05.02.2025. Click Here

3. AZULIX MF (Glimepiride and Metformin Hydrochloride Sustained Release Tablets). Last Revised - January 2016. Accessed on 05.02.2025. Click Here

4. Metformin. Last Revised - 02/15/2024. Accessed on 05.02.2025. Click Here