Description

Description

Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) is a prescription anti-diabetic medicine manufactured by Sami Pharmaceuticals, combining Sitagliptin Phosphate with a higher strength of Metformin Hydrochloride than the 50mg/850mg version, in a single film-coated tablet for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This combination is generally used for patients who require a stronger Metformin dose to achieve adequate blood sugar control, while keeping the Sitagliptin component the same. Sitagliptin belongs to a class of medicines known as DPP-4 inhibitors, working by blocking the breakdown of the body’s natural incretin hormones, which are released after eating and help stimulate insulin production in response to rising blood glucose. By preserving these hormones for longer, Sitagliptin enhances insulin secretion and helps bring blood sugar down. Metformin, a long-established first-line diabetes medicine, works differently by inhibiting the liver’s production of glucose, interfering with the energy-generating processes within liver cells that would otherwise release excess sugar into the bloodstream. Together, these two mechanisms provide more comprehensive blood sugar control, with this higher-strength Metformin component suited to patients already tolerating and requiring the maximum Metformin dose. Each pack of Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) contains 14 tablets.

Ingredients

Each Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) tablet contains Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate equivalent to 50mg of Sitagliptin, combined with 1000mg of Metformin Hydrochloride. The tablet also contains standard pharmaceutical excipients that support its film coating, shape, and stability. Patients with a known allergy to either active ingredient, or to any inactive component, should avoid this medicine and should review the enclosed leaflet or consult a pharmacist regarding other known sensitivities.

Dosage Form

Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) is supplied as an oral, film-coated tablet intended to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Tablets are packaged within protective blister strips inside an outer carton, with this pack containing a total of 14 tablets.

Uses

Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are inadequately controlled on their maximum tolerated dose of Metformin alone, or who are already established on the combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin. It may also be used as part of triple combination therapy alongside a sulfonylurea, or added to insulin therapy in patients whose blood sugar remains inadequately controlled on insulin and Metformin alone. This medicine is not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis and should only be used under a physician’s supervision.

How To Use

Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) is typically taken twice daily with meals, exactly as directed by the prescribing doctor, since dosing is individualized based on a patient’s current treatment regimen, effectiveness, and tolerability, while never exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of 100mg of Sitagliptin. Taking the tablets with food helps reduce the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with the Metformin component. Because this tablet contains a higher Metformin strength, gradual dose escalation from a lower strength is often used when initiating therapy, and treatment should be taken consistently as part of an ongoing diabetes management plan that includes regular blood sugar monitoring.

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects of Itaglip Plus (50mg/1000mg) include nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and reduced appetite, which may be somewhat more noticeable at this higher Metformin strength, particularly during the initial period of treatment or following a dose increase. Some patients may also experience headache or upper respiratory symptoms. A rare but serious risk associated with the Metformin component is a condition called lactic acidosis, which can cause symptoms such as unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, or unusual tiredness, and requires immediate emergency medical attention. Less commonly, joint pain, skin reactions, or signs of pancreatitis, such as persistent and severe abdominal pain, have been reported with the Sitagliptin component and should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including facial swelling or difficulty breathing, also require immediate medical care.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Itaglip Plus is contraindicated during pregnancy, as blood sugar control during this period is typically managed with insulin rather than oral diabetes medicines, given the more established safety profile of insulin in this setting. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or who discover they are pregnant while taking this medicine should inform their doctor immediately so their treatment plan can be reassessed. Regarding breastfeeding, this medicine is generally not recommended, as it isn’t well established whether these active ingredients pass into breast milk in meaningful amounts, and a doctor should be consulted to explore suitable alternatives.

Storage Instructions

Itaglip Plus tablets should be stored at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight, excess heat, and moisture. Tablets should remain in their original blister packaging until needed, and the medicine should be stored securely out of reach and sight of children.

FAQs

Why would a doctor prescribe 1000mg instead of 850mg Metformin?
This higher strength is typically used when the lower dose hasn’t provided sufficient blood sugar control, or when a patient is already established on the maximum tolerated Metformin dose.
Who should avoid taking Itaglip Plus?
It is contraindicated in pregnancy, and should be avoided in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiac or respiratory failure, recent heart attack, or acute alcohol intoxication or alcoholism.
What is lactic acidosis, and why is it a concern?
It’s a rare but serious condition linked to the Metformin component, and any unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulty, or extreme tiredness should be treated as a medical emergency.
Is this medicine suitable for type 1 diabetes?
No, it is intended only for type 2 diabetes mellitus and should not be used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Disclaimer

Always use this medicine strictly according to your doctor’s instructions and prescribed dosage.