Istamet is a commercial drug that is prescribed in the form of Tablet. Primarily, it is used for the treatment of Diabetes. Secondary and off-label uses of Istamet have also been mentioned below.
The optimal dosage of Istamet is largely dependent on the individual's body weight, medical history, gender and age. Dosage also depends on the route of administration and your chief complaint for which the drug is prescribed. For detailed information on this, read through the dosage section.
Common side effects of Istamet include Nausea or vomiting, Headache, Diarrhoea. Apart from the aforementioned side effects, Istamet can also lead to other problems, which have been listed below. Normally, these side effects of Istamet are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. Please speak with your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.
In addition, Istamet's effect is Mild during pregnancy and Safe for lactating mothers. In addition, Istamet's effects on the liver, heart and kidney are discussed below in the Istamet related warnings section.
Istamet is not recommended if you suffer from certain medical conditions as it can have adverse effects. Pancreatitis are examples of such conditions. Other contraindications of Istamet have been discussed in the sections ahead.
Besides this, Istamet may also have severe interaction with some medicines. Refer to the list below for further details.
In addition to the above precautions for Istamet, it is important to know that it is not safe while driving, and is not habit-forming.
Istamet is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
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| Geriatric |
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Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Istamet is used -
Severe
Common
Is the use of Istamet safe for pregnant women?
Istamet rarely shows harmful effects in in pregnant ladies. Even if it does, the effects are mild
Is the use of Istamet safe during breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding women can safely use Istamet.
What is the effect of Istamet on the Kidneys?
There can be some harmful effects on your kidneys after taking Istamet. If you witness any side effects, discontinue its use. Consult your medical practitioner, do as he/she suggests.
What is the effect of Istamet on the Liver?
Istamet does not damage the liver.
What is the effect of Istamet on the Heart?
Information about safety of Istamet for heart is not available since scientific research on this is yet to be done.
Istamet should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Severe
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Istamet unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Istamet habit forming or addictive?
Istamet is not addictive in nature.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
After taking Istamet, you should not drive or work on any heavy machine, as Istamet can make you drowsy.
Is it safe?
Istamet should be used only after doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Istamet is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Istamet
Information is not available on the interaction of any foods with Istamet, due to a lack of research on this.
Interaction between Alcohol and Istamet
Due to lack of research, there is no information about the side effects of taking Istamet with alcohol.
Istamet contain metformin, is an oral antidiabetic drug which belongs to the class of biguanide. It is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications of diabetes.
Yes, Istamet can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, this can also occur if you delay or miss a meal, drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, can't eat due to stomach upset, and taking other antidiabetic medicine with metformin. So, regular monitoring of blood glucose level is needed and be cautious of symptoms of hypoglycemia, always keep glucose-rich food with you.
The long-term use can lead to the deficiency of Vitamin B12, which can further lead to megaloblastic anemia. Furthermore, Long-term Metformin use can also lead to kidney and liver problems.
Yes, Istamet can be taken with the statin. There is no serious or harmful interaction have been observed between them. Some studies say that it's possible your blood sugar (blood glucose) level may increase when you take a statin, which may lead to developing type 2 diabetes. The risk is small but important enough that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on statin labels regarding blood glucose levels and diabetes.
Istamet increases the sensitivity of insulin, young women with PCOS often have elevated insulin levels and are more likely to develop diabetes. It is often prescribed for women with PCOS to help prevent diabetes. A lifestyle that includes healthy nutrition and daily exercise is the most important part of a PCOS treatment plan.
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References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Glucophage® (metformin hydrochloride)
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 275-276
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 825-826
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Januvia® (sitagliptin)
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 274-275
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 1143-1144
EPAR summary for the public [Internet]: Janumet sitagliptin / metformin hydrochloride. EMA/370017/2013 EMEA/H/C/000861