Gvia-M Tablet (Sitagliptin 50mg + Metformin HCl 500mg)

Drug Class: Anti-Diabetic Combination — DPP-4 Inhibitor + Biguanide | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered

What is Gvia-M Tablet?

Gvia-M Tablet is a combination medicine containing two active ingredients — Sitagliptin 50mg and Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg. Both medicines work to control blood sugar levels (بلڈ شوگر) in adults with type 2 diabetes (ذیابیطس ٹائپ 2). Sitagliptin belongs to a group of medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors that help the body produce more insulin when blood sugar is high. Metformin belongs to a group called biguanides that reduce the amount of sugar the liver releases into the blood. Together, they control blood sugar through two different but complementary pathways — making Gvia-M more effective than either medicine used alone. It is prescribed when diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood sugar, or as an add-on to existing diabetes medicines. Gvia-M must only be taken as prescribed by your doctor.

What is Gvia-M Tablet Used For?

Gvia-M Tablet is approved for the following:

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus — Blood Sugar Control — improving and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (ٹائپ 2 ذیابیطس میں بلڈ شوگر کا کنٹرول)
• Adjunct to Diet and Exercise — used when healthy eating and physical activity alone are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels
• Add-On Therapy — used alongside other diabetes medicines such as sulphonylureas or insulin when additional blood sugar control is needed
• Prevention of Diabetes Complications — long-term blood sugar control helps reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications including kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye problems
• HbA1c Reduction — lowering the HbA1c level — a measure of average blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months

How Does Gvia-M Tablet Work?

Gvia-M Tablet controls blood sugar through two different and complementary mechanisms:

Sitagliptin 50mg — DPP-4 Inhibitor: After eating a meal, the body naturally releases hormones called incretins — particularly GLP-1 and GIP — from the gut. These hormones signal the pancreas to release insulin (انسولین) to process the sugar from the meal, and also signal the liver to stop releasing extra sugar into the blood. However, an enzyme called DPP-4 breaks down these incretin hormones very quickly — often before they can do their job fully. Sitagliptin works by blocking the DPP-4 enzyme, allowing incretin hormones to remain active for longer. This leads to more insulin being released when blood sugar is high — and importantly, this effect only occurs when blood sugar is elevated, which significantly reduces the risk of dangerous low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia — ہائپوگلیسیمیا).

Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg — Biguanide: Metformin works primarily by reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) that the liver produces and releases into the bloodstream between meals — a process called hepatic gluconeogenesis. In people with type 2 diabetes, the liver often releases too much sugar even when blood sugar levels are already high. Metformin brings this under control. It also helps the body's cells respond better to insulin — a problem known as insulin resistance (انسولین کے خلاف مزاحمت) — which is at the heart of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Metformin slows the absorption of sugar from food in the gut, helping prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals.

Dosage and Administration

⚠️ Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed. Never change your dose without consulting your doctor. Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential during treatment. Take with meals to reduce stomach side effects from Metformin.

• Always take with food — taking with meals reduces stomach upset caused by Metformin
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water — do not crush or chew
• Take at the same times each day — consistency helps maintain stable blood sugar levels
• Do not skip doses — missing doses can cause blood sugar levels to rise
• Continue diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes alongside this medicine — medication alone is not sufficient
• Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar, HbA1c, and kidney function regularly during treatment
• If you are having surgery or a procedure involving contrast dye (e.g., CT scan with contrast) — inform your doctor as Metformin may need to be temporarily stopped

Active Ingredients

Who Should NOT Use Gvia-M Tablet?

Do not take this medicine if you:

• Are allergic to Sitagliptin, Metformin, or any other ingredient in this tablet
• Have type 1 diabetes (انسولین پر منحصر ذیابیطس) — this medicine is only for type 2 diabetes
• Have diabetic ketoacidosis — a serious diabetes emergency requiring immediate insulin treatment
• Have severe kidney disease or kidney failure (گردے کی شدید بیماری) — Metformin is contraindicated as it can cause a dangerous condition called lactic acidosis
• Have severe liver disease or liver failure
• Have heart failure or conditions causing low oxygen levels in the body — increases risk of lactic acidosis with Metformin
• Are having surgery or a procedure requiring general anaesthesia — Metformin must be temporarily stopped
• Are having a radiology procedure involving iodinated contrast dye — Metformin must be temporarily stopped
• Are pregnant — diabetes during pregnancy requires specialist management, usually with insulin
• Are under 18 years of age — not approved for use in children

Tell your doctor before use if you have:

• Any degree of kidney impairment — even mild — kidney function must be checked regularly as Metformin can only be used safely when kidneys work adequately
• Liver disease — Sitagliptin and Metformin are both processed by the liver and kidneys
• A history of pancreatitis (لبلبے کی سوزش) — DPP-4 inhibitors including Sitagliptin have been associated with pancreatitis in rare cases
• Heart disease or a history of heart failure
• If you consume alcohol regularly — alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis with Metformin and can affect blood sugar control
• If you are over 65 years of age — kidney function must be monitored more frequently
• If you are planning any surgical procedure or medical investigation

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Gvia-M Tablet can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience them.

Common Side Effects (relatively frequent):

• Nausea (متلی) — very common with Metformin, especially when starting treatment or when dose is increased
• Diarrhoea or loose stools (دست) — usually improves after the first few weeks
• Stomach discomfort, bloating, or loss of appetite — taking with food helps reduce this significantly
• Metallic taste in the mouth — associated with Metformin
• Upper respiratory tract infection — runny nose, sore throat (associated with Sitagliptin)
• Headache (سردرد)
• Mild stomach pain or indigestion (بدہضمی)

Serious Side Effects (less common — seek medical help immediately):

• Lactic Acidosis — a rare but very serious and potentially life-threatening complication of Metformin. Signs include severe muscle pain or weakness, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, feeling very cold, dizziness, or feeling very weak. Stop the medicine and go to hospital immediately if these occur (یہ ایک طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
• Pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas linked to Sitagliptin. Signs include severe and persistent stomach pain that may spread to the back, with or without vomiting — stop the medicine and seek emergency medical help immediately
• Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) — more likely if Gvia-M is taken with a sulphonylurea or insulin. Signs include shaking, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, extreme hunger, and dizziness (بلڈ شوگر کا خطرناک حد تک گر جانا)
• Severe Allergic Reaction — sudden rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing — seek emergency help immediately
• Severe Skin Reactions — blistering, peeling, or widespread painful rash (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) — very rare but serious — seek emergency help
• Joint Pain (Arthralgia) — severe and disabling joint pain has been reported with DPP-4 inhibitors — tell your doctor if you develop unusual joint pain
• Signs of Kidney Problems — reduced urination, swelling in legs or ankles — inform your doctor immediately

If you notice any serious side effects, stop taking the medicine and go to the nearest hospital or emergency immediately.

Drug and Food Interactions

Tell your doctor about ALL medicines you are currently taking. Gvia-M Tablet may interact with:

Always inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, herbal products, or dietary supplements you are taking.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink
• Keep tablets in their original packaging until use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gvia-M Tablet used for?

 Gvia-M Tablet is used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It combines two medicines — Sitagliptin and Metformin — that work through different pathways to lower blood sugar more effectively than either medicine alone. It is used when diet and exercise are not enough or as an add-on to other diabetes medicines.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes — and is Gvia-M suitable for both?

 In type 1 diabetes, the body produces no insulin at all and requires insulin injections for survival. In type 2 diabetes, the body still produces some insulin but does not use it effectively — and the liver releases too much sugar. Gvia-M works specifically on the mechanisms involved in type 2 diabetes and is not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Will Gvia-M cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)?

 On its own, Gvia-M has a low risk of causing dangerous low blood sugar because Sitagliptin only stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is already high. However, the risk of hypoglycaemia increases significantly if Gvia-M is taken together with a sulphonylurea medicine or insulin. Learn to recognise the signs of low blood sugar — shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and extreme hunger — and always carry a source of fast-acting sugar such as glucose tablets or fruit juice.

What is lactic acidosis and how can I reduce my risk?

 Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious build-up of lactic acid in the blood caused by Metformin. It is more likely in patients with kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or those who drink alcohol heavily. To reduce your risk — take Gvia-M exactly as prescribed, attend all kidney function monitoring appointments, avoid alcohol, stop the medicine if you become seriously ill with dehydration or vomiting, and always inform doctors about Metformin use before any surgery or contrast dye procedure.

Do I still need to follow a diet and exercise plan while taking Gvia-M?

Yes — absolutely. Gvia-M is a medicine to help control your blood sugar but it is not a replacement for healthy lifestyle choices. A balanced low-sugar diet and regular physical activity are essential parts of managing type 2 diabetes. Medicine works best when combined with the right diet and exercise — together they reduce your blood sugar more effectively and lower your risk of long-term diabetes complications.

How will I know if Gvia-M is working?

Your doctor will measure your HbA1c level — a blood test that shows your average blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months — typically every 3 to 6 months. A falling HbA1c level is a sign that your blood sugar is being well controlled. You should also monitor your own blood sugar at home using a glucometer as advised by your doctor. Regular monitoring helps you and your doctor adjust your treatment plan if needed.

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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. This product is a prescription medicine — it must only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

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DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | For use under medical supervision only