Diabex XR 500mg Tablets 120

$13.50
$13.5 about 6 years ago

  Information General Information Consumer Medicine InformationWhat is in this leafletThis leaflet answers some common questions about Diabex XR.It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator. All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Diabex XR against the benefits expected for you. If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator.Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again. What Diabex XR is used for Diabex XR is used to control blood glucose (sugar) in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in those who are overweight. It is used when diet and exercise are not enough to control high levels of blood glucose. Diabex XR can be used alone, or in combination with other medicines for treating diabetes. TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUSType 2 diabetes mellitus is also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes.Insulin is a hormone that enables body tissues to take up glucose from the blood and to use it for energy or fat storage for future use.People with Type 2 diabetes are unable to make enough insulin or their body does not respond properly to the insulin it does make. This causes a build up of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia), which can lead to serious medical problems.Long-term hyperglycaemia can lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney damage, poor blood circulation and gangrene. Signs of hyperglycaemia may include: tiredness or lack of energy headache thirst passing large amounts of urine blurred vision. How Diabex XR worksDiabex XR belongs to a group of medicines called biguanides. It lowers high blood glucose levels by:improving your body's sensitivity to insulin and restoring the way it normally uses glucose reducing the amount of glucose your liver makes delaying the amount of glucose your intestine absorbsAsk your doctor if you have any questions about why Diabex XR has been prescribed for you. Diabex XR is not recommended in children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group. Diabex XR is available only with a doctor's prescription. There is no evidence that Diabex XR is addictive. This medicine has been prescribed for you personally and you should not pass it onto others even if their symptoms are the same as yours. Before you take Diabex XR When you must not take itDo not take Diabex XR if you are allergic to:medicines containing metformin (such as Diaformin, Glucophage) or any other biguanide any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath. Do not take Diabex XR if you have any of the following medical conditions: Type 1 diabetes mellitus that is well controlled by insulin alone Type 2 diabetes that is already well controlled by diet alone serious complications with your diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes, in which substances called ketone bodies accumulate in the blood - you may notice this as an unusual fruity odour on your breath) kidney failure or severe kidney disease dehydration (for instance due to persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhoea) shock from severe injury or blood loss severe liver disease acute alcohol intoxication, chronic alcohol dependence certain heart or blood circulation problems, including a recent heart attack or heart failure (when the heart fails to pump blood effectively) blood clots in the lungs (symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a fast heart rate), severe breathing difficulties inflammation of the pancreas (symptoms include severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting) if associated with severe infection or hypoxia (lack of oxygen) a severe infection or gangrene. If you are not sure whether you should start taking Diabex XR, ask your doctor. Do not take Diabex XR if you plan to have surgery with general anaesthesia. Your doctor will tell you when to temporarily stop taking the tablets and when it is safe to restart them. Do not take Diabex XR if you plan to have any X-ray procedures requiring an injection of iodinated contrast (dye). Using this type of contrast while you are taking Diabex XR can cause severe kidney problems and increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Your doctor will tell you when to temporarily stop taking the tablets and when it is safe to restart them. Do not take Diabex XR if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Insulin is more suitable for controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Your doctor will replace Diabex XR with insulin while you are pregnant. Do not take Diabex XR if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the options available to you. Do not take Diabex XR if the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed. If you take this medicine after the expiry date it may not work as well. Do not take Diabex XR if the packaging shows signs of tampering or the tablets do not look quite right. Before you start to take itTell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives. Before starting Diabex XR your doctor will ask you to have a blood test to check your kidney function. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol in any amount. Alcohol can affect the control of your diabetes. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while you are being treated with Diabex XR may also lead to serious side effects. Discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest you stop drinking or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Diabex XR. Taking other medicinesTell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.Some medicines may be affected by Diabex XR, or may affect how well it works. These include:other medicines used to treat diabetes such as insulin, glitinides (Novonorm), and sulfonylureas (e.g. Amaryl, Daonil, Diamicron, Glimel, Glyade, Melizide, Minidiab) iodinated contrast agents (dyes) medicines that contain alcohol, such as cough and cold syrups corticosteroids such as prednisone (Panafacort, Sone) and cortisone (Cortate) medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some heart conditions, such as beta-blockers, metoprolol (e.g. Betaloc, Minax), calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine (e.g. Adalat, Adefin), ACE inhibitors such as captopril (e.g. Capoten, Acenorm), enalapril (e.g. Alphapril, Amprace, Renitec) fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (e.g. Lisodur, Prinivil, Zestril), perindopril (Coversyl), quinapril (Accupril, Asig). medicines used to treat asthma such as salbutamol (Ventolin) or terbutaline (Bricanyl). diuretics, also called fluid tablets, such as amiloride (Midamor, Kaluril), bumetanide (Burinex), frusemide (Lasix, Uremide, Urex), hydrochlorothiazide (Dithiazide), spirinolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin). NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis such as aspirin (e.g. Disprin, Solprin), diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren, Fenac), ibuprofen (e.g. Actiprofen, Brufen, Rafen), meloxicam (Mobic), naproxen (e.g. Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza) and piroxicam (e.g. Feldene, Mobilis) medicines used to treat ulcers and reflux, such as cimetidine (e.g. Tagamet, Magicul) medicines used to prevent blood clots such as warfarin (e.g. Coumadin, Marevan) thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (e.g. Oroxine, Eutroxsig) Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines. They also have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Diabex XR. If you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist. How to take Diabex XRFollow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist. How much to takeThe dose varies from person to person. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you. The usual starting dose is 1 tablet (500 mg) once daily with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase the dose slowly, depending on your blood glucose levels. The maximum recommended dose is 4 tablets (2 grams) once per day. The elderly and people with kidney problems may need smaller doses. How to take Diabex XRSwallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets. If you break, crush or chew Diabex XR, they will not work as well. Diabex XR are extended release tablets. This means they have a special coating which allows the active ingredient, metformin, to be released slowly over time. When to take Diabex XRTake your medicine everyday with the evening meal. Taking Diabex XR during or with your evening meal will reduce the chance of a stomach upset. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it. How long to take Diabex XR forKeep taking Diabex XR for as long as your doctor recommends. Diabex XR will help control diabetes but will not cure it. Most people will need to take Diabex XR for long periods of time. When you start treatment with Diabex XR, it can take up to some weeks for your blood glucose levels to be properly controlled. If you forget to take Diabex XRDo not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Take the next dose at the usual time. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you take too much Diabex XR (overdose) Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Diabex XR. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. If you take too much Diabex XR, you may feel very tired, sick, vomit, have trouble breathing and have unusual muscle pain, stomach pain or diarrhoea. These may be early signs of a serious condition called lactic acidosis (build up of lactic acid in the blood). You may also experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose). This usually only happens if you take too much Diabex XR together with other medicines for diabetes or with alcohol. If you do experience any signs of hypoglycaemia, raise your blood glucose quickly by eating jelly beans, sugar or honey, drinking a non-diet soft drink or taking glucose tablets. While you are taking Diabex XR Things you must doBefore starting any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Diabex XR. Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Diabex XR. If you become pregnant while taking Diabex XR, tell your doctor. Tell your doctor if you plan to have: surgery with general anaesthesia any x-ray procedures requiring an injection of an iodinated contrast agent (dye). Your doctor will advise you when to stop taking Diabex XR before you have these procedures and when to start again. HYPOGLYCAEMIADiabex XR does not normally cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), although you may experience it while taking other medicines for diabetes such as insulin, sulfonylureas or glinide.Make sure that you, your friends, family and work colleagues can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and know how to treat them. Hypoglycaemia can occur suddenly. Initial signs may include: weakness, trembling or shaking sweating lightheadedness, dizziness, headache or lack of concentration irritability, tearfulness or crying hunger numbness around the lips and tongue. If not treated promptly, these may progress to: loss of co-ordination slurred speech confusion fits or loss of consciousness. If you experience any of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, you need to raise your blood glucose immediately. You can do this by doing one of the following: eating 5 to 7 jelly beans eating 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey drinking half a can of non-diet soft drink taking 2 to 3 concentrated glucose tablets. Unless you are within 10 to 15 minutes of your next meal or snack, follow up with extra carbohydrates such as plain biscuits, fruit or milk. Taking this extra carbohydrate will prevent a second drop in your blood glucose level. HYPERGLYCAEMIAIf you experience any of the signs of hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), contact your doctor immediately. The risk of hyperglycaemia is increased in the following situations: uncontrolled diabetes illness, infection or stress taking less Diabex XR than prescribed taking certain other medicines too little exercise eating more carbohydrates than normal. Tell your doctor if any of the following happen: you become ill you become dehydrated (for instance due to persistent or severe diarrhoea or recurrent vomiting) you are injured you have a fever you have a serious infection such an influenza, respiratory tract infection or urinary tract infection you are having surgery with general anaesthesia you are having any X-ray procedure that requires an injection of an iodinated contrast agent (dye) you become pregnant. Your blood glucose may become difficult to control at these times. You may also be more at risk of developing a serious condition called lactic acidosis. At these times, your doctor may replace Diabex XR with insulin. Visit your doctor regularly for check ups. Your doctor may want to check your kidneys, liver, heart and blood while you are taking Diabex XR. Make sure you check your blood glucose levels regularly. This is the best way to tell if your diabetes is being controlled properly. Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how and when to do this. Carefully follow the advice of your doctor and dietician on diet, drinking alcohol and exercise. Things you must not doDo not skip meals while taking Diabex XR. Do not stop taking Diabex XR or change the dose without checking with your doctor. Do not give Diabex XR to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not use Diabex XR to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to. Things to be careful ofIf you have to be alert, for example when driving, be especially careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low. Low blood glucose levels may slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. However, Diabex XR by itself is unlikely to affect how you drive or operate machinery.Things to be aware ofAfter the active ingredient metformin is absorbed into your body, you may see the empty tablet shell in your faeces (bowel motions). This is normal and does not affect the way Diabex XR works. Side effects Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Diabex XR. Diabex XR helps most people with diabetes but it may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you: stomach upset such as feeling sick (nausea), vomiting diarrhoea stomach pain taste disturbance, loss of appetite red skin rash, itching, hives. liver function tests abnormalities, symptoms of liver disease such as yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) and dark coloured urine decrease in blood cells count. These are generally mild side effects which disappear after the first few weeks. Taking Diabex XR with meals can help reduce nausea and diarrhoea. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY AT THE NEAREST HOSPITAL IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS (BUILD UP OF LACTIC ACID IN THE BLOOD): nausea, vomiting, stomach pain trouble breathing feeling weak, tired or generally unwell unusual muscle pain sleepiness dizziness or lightheadedness shivering, feeling extremely cold slow heart beat. LACTIC ACIDOSIS IS A VERY RARE BUT SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT REQUIRING URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION OR HOSPITALISATION. ALTHOUGH RARE, IF LACTIC ACIDOSIS DOES OCCUR, IT CAN BE FATAL. THE RISK OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS IS HIGHER IN THE ELDERLY, THOSE WHOSE DIABETES IS POORLY CONTROLLED, THOSE WITH PROLONGED FASTING, THOSE WITH CERTAIN HEART CONDITIONS, THOSE WHO DRINK ALCOHOL AND THOSE WITH SEVERE KIDNEY OR LIVER PROBLEMS. Tell your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell. It is very important that you speak to your doctor immediately if a side effect is severe, occurred suddenly or gets worse rapidly. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people. After taking Diabex XR StorageKeep Diabex XR where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines. Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well. Keep your Diabex XR tablets in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store Diabex XR or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave Diabex XR in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. DisposalIf your doctor tells you to stop taking Diabex XR, or your tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over. Product description What it looks likeDiabex XR is a white to off-white, capsule-shaped tablet, marked "500" on one side. It is available in blister packs of 90 tablets. IngredientsThe active ingredient in Diabex XR is metformin hydrochloride. Each extended release tablet contains 500 mg of metformin hydrochloride. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium hypromellose microcrystalline cellulose magnesium stearate. The tablets do not contain sucrose, lactose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes. SupplierDiabex XR is supplied in Australia by: Alphapharm Pty Limited(ABN 93 002 359 739)Chase Building 2Wentworth Park RoadGlebe NSW 2037Phone: (02) 9298 3999Medical InformationPhone: 1800 028 365www.alphapharm.com.auAustralian registration numberDiabex XR - AUST R 98982This leaflet was prepared on 27 June 2006* Registered trade mark of Merck Santé s.a.s. Miscellaneous Drug Interactions Warnings Common Uses Ingredients Directions Indications