Istamet 50 mg / 500 MG Tablet (15 Tab)

Istamet 50 mg/500 mg Tablet Overview:

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet is a combination oral anti-diabetic medication that helps control high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a non-insulin-dependent metabolic disorder that occurs when our body does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced by the body, resulting in increased blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney damage, nerve damage, vision problems, slow wound healing, etc.

Istamet 50 mg/500 mg Tablet is prescribed when lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and previous treatment with an oral anti diabetic medicine, have failed to control blood sugar levels effectively.

Istamet 50 mg/500 mg Tablet plays an important role in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus by increasing the body's response to insulin or increasing the body's production of insulin, thereby reducing the risk of its associated complications.

Composition of Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet:

Each film coated Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet contains: Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate equivalent to Sitagliptin 50 mg, Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg and Excipients q.s.

Colours: Titanium Dioxide, Ferric Oxide (Red), Ferrosoferric Oxide, Quinoline Yellow and Ponceau 4R.

Uses & Benefits of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

By maintaining the blood sugar, it may also prevent other complications of diabetes such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, nerve damage, eye problems, and delay wound healing.

How Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet Works?

Sitagliptin belongs to a group of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors or gliptins. It lowers blood sugar by blocking the DPP-4 enzyme, which breaks down incretin hormones. These incretins stimulate the body to produce more insulin and decrease sugar production by the liver after meals. On the other hand, Metformin, belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. Metformin works in Type 2 diabetes by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

Dosage Of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

• Usage Direction

Take Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet, strictly according to the prescribed dose and time, as directed by your doctor. Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet should be swallowed whole without chewing, crushing or breaking it, especially at the same time each day. Do not stop or change the dosage of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent you from achieving the desired results. If you are unsure about the administration procedure of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

• Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet, take it as soon as it is remembered. If it is time for your next dose of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet, omit the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Never take double doses at the same time to make up for the missed one.

• Overdose

If there is any accidental overdose of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet then seek immediate medical advice or contact with the poison information centre in case of emergency, as it can cause serious side effects.

Contraindications of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

Do not take Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet if you are hypersensitive or allergic to Sitagliptin, Metformin or any of the ingredients of this medicine. Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet should also be avoided if you have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes mellitus, severe kidney or liver disease, heart problems or heart failure, severe infections or dehydration.

Avoid taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet if the packaging is damaged or tampered with, or if it is past its expiry date.

Precautions & Warnings of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

Before starting Istamet 50mg/500mg, inform your doctor if you have a history of metabolic acidosis including diabetic or lactic acidosis, pancreatitis, kidney or liver problems, heart disease, or if you are over 80 years old, as these conditions may increase the risk of side effects.

Side Effects of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet may have some possible side effects, although they are generally negligible and usually subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these effects persist, you should consult your doctor. Common side effects of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet may include hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rashes or blisters on skin and painful joints.

In some rare cases, more serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, & hypoglycemia and its symptoms such as, headache, drowsiness, hunger, irregular heartbeat, may occur which require immediate medical attention.

Safety Related Advices Of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

• Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor while taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet, is safe for you, as it may have an impact on your developing baby.

Generally, if you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may decide to treat you with Insulin instead of taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet. Always follow your doctor's advice and inform them if you are pregnant or planning to conceive so that they can choose the safest treatment for you and your baby.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet as it can pass through breast milk and may affect your breastfed baby. If you notice any unusual symptoms while taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet or have any other concerns about your baby, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately.

• Alcohol

Drinking alcohol might interact with the effectiveness of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet and may increase the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol while taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet.

• Interaction With Food & Other Medicines

While taking Istamet 50mg/500mg Tablet, you should avoid processed carbohydrates and sugary foods, such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, fizzy drinks, as well as high-fat foods, which can raise the amount of sugar in the blood very quickly.

Consult your doctor if you are taking any herbal products, supplements or other medicines while taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet. As always, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs while on Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet.

• Driving & Using Machinery

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet has no or negligible influence on your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you feel unwell, experience dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness or symptoms of low blood sugar, which may affect your alertness, it is best to avoid driving or operating machinery. Also, if you take this tablet in combination with a sulphonylurea or insulin, the risk of hypoglycaemia increases, so extra caution is required.

Storage of Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

Store at room temperature, protected from light & moisture.

Keep Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet out of reach of children.

Note:

While taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet, it is important to monitor your blood sugar and urine regularly, as well as kidney function. Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and avoiding sugary or high-fat foods may help to control your diabetes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet:

1. Why did my doctor prescribe me Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet?

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

By maintaining the blood sugar, it may also prevent other complications of diabetes such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, nerve damage, eye problems, and delay wound healing.

2. When is the best time to take Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet and why?

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet should be taken as advised by your doctor, preferably at the same time each day. However, it is recommended to take it along with meals because after meals, there is a spike in blood glucose levels, and the body requires support to help lower the glucose level. This may also decrease the chance of stomach discomfort.

3. How long should we take Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet?

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet should be taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it. You should not stop taking Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet during your treatment without consulting your doctor, as it could affect the effectiveness of your therapy. Type 2 diabetes is a long term condition, and this medicine helps manage your blood sugar levels over time. Interrupting treatment suddenly can cause your blood sugar to rise again, increasing the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney problems, or heart disease. If you are experiencing side effects or feel your condition has improved, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose or explore other treatment options, but stopping on your own can be risky.

4. Does Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet cause low blood sugar or hypoglyceamia?

Istamet 50mg / 500mg Tablet is an anti diabetic medicine, used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and on its own, it does not cause hypoglycemia. However, if you take any other anti diabetic medicines, such as sulfonylurea or insulin, then it might cause hypoglycaemia. Consult with your doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms like sweating, headache, hunger, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or confusion, etc.

5. Are Janumet and Istamet the same medicine?

Janumet and Istamet are both anti diabetic medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and contain the same active ingredients, Sitagliptin and Metformin. And, they work similarly by helping to control blood sugar levels. The main difference between these two medicines is, they are manufactured by different companies. It is important not to switch between Janumet and Istamet without consulting your doctor, as the most appropriate medication for you depends on your overall health, existing medical conditions, how your body responds to the treatment, and how well you tolerate it. Always follow your doctor’s guidance when it comes to starting, stopping, or changing your diabetes medication.

References:

1. Sitagliptin/Metformin 50 mg/1000 mg film-coated tablets. Last Revised: March 2025. Accessed on: 15th August 2025. Click Here

2. Sitagliptin/Metformin hydrochloride Mylan 50 mg/850 mg film-coated tablets. Sitagliptin/Metformin hydrochloride Mylan 50 mg/1,000 mg film-coated tablets.  Accessed on: 15th August 2025. Click Here

3. JANUMET XR (sitagliptin and metformin HCl extended-release) tablets. Prescribing Information. Last Revised: February 2013. Accessed on: 15th August 2025. Click Here