Drug Class: DPP-4 Inhibitor + Biguanide Combination | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Sitaglu Met 50/850mg Tablet?
Sitaglu Met 50/850mg is a higher-Metformin-strength version of the Sitagliptin-Metformin combination — prescribed when 500mg Metformin is insufficient and stronger glucose-lowering from the Metformin component is required alongside Sitagliptin. It contains Sitagliptin 50mg to enhance the body's natural post-meal insulin response and Metformin Hydrochloride 850mg to more aggressively reduce the liver's excess glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity. The increased Metformin dose provides stronger fasting and between-meal blood sugar control, making this formulation suitable for patients requiring a step-up in glycaemic management.
What is Sitaglu Met 50/850mg Used For?
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus — improving blood sugar control when lower-dose combination therapy or single agents are insufficient (ذیابیطس)
- Stronger fasting blood sugar reduction — higher Metformin dose more effectively suppresses overnight liver glucose production
- Post-meal glucose control — Sitagliptin component targets blood sugar spikes after eating
- Step-up therapy — for patients previously on Sitaglu Met 50/500mg needing more Metformin
How Does Sitaglu Met 50/850mg Work?
Sitagliptin 50mg — DPP-4 Inhibitor: Blocks the DPP-4 enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), preserving their action and stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the pancreas. Because insulin release is triggered only when blood glucose is elevated, hypoglycaemia risk remains very low. Sitagliptin also suppresses glucagon — the hormone that raises blood sugar between meals and overnight.
Metformin Hydrochloride 850mg — Biguanide: At 850mg, Metformin provides stronger suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis — reducing the liver's glucose output more significantly than the 500mg dose. It also enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity in muscle cells, improving glucose uptake and utilisation throughout the body. Metformin does not stimulate insulin production directly, keeping hypoglycaemia risk low when used without insulin or sulphonylureas.
Combined Effect: The higher Metformin dose provides more powerful fasting and between-meal glucose control while Sitagliptin manages post-meal glucose spikes — together delivering comprehensive blood sugar management across the full day.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed alongside a diabetes-appropriate diet and regular exercise. Never stop without medical advice.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes (step-up or inadequate control) | 1 tablet (50mg/850mg) | Twice daily with meals |
- Always take with meals to reduce Metformin-related stomach side effects
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water
- Take at the same time each day for consistent blood sugar control
- Regular HbA1c, kidney function, and Vitamin B12 monitoring required during treatment
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Sitagliptin | 50mg |
| Metformin Hydrochloride | 850mg |
Who Should NOT Take Sitaglu Met 50/850mg?
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe kidney disease (eGFR below 30) — Metformin is contraindicated
- Severe liver disease or history of lactic acidosis
- Known allergy to Sitagliptin, Metformin, or any component of the tablet
- History of pancreatitis — Sitagliptin component requires caution
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult doctor immediately
Consult your doctor before use if you have: moderate kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, history of pancreatitis, or are scheduled for surgery or contrast imaging procedures.
Side Effects
Common:
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhoea — more noticeable at 850mg Metformin dose; always take with food
- Metallic taste in the mouth — common Metformin effect, usually temporary
- Mild headache or dizziness
- Nasopharyngitis (runny nose or mild sore throat) — common DPP-4 inhibitor class effect
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Lactic acidosis — rare but serious Metformin complication; muscle pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, dizziness (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Pancreatitis — severe persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back — Sitagliptin class risk
- Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash or blistering
- Hypoglycaemia — when combined with insulin or sulphonylureas — shakiness, sweating, confusion
- Vitamin B12 deficiency — with long-term Metformin use; fatigue, numbness, or tingling in hands and feet
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Insulin / Sulphonylureas (e.g., Glibenclamide) | Increased hypoglycaemia risk — dose reduction may be needed |
| Iodinated contrast media (X-ray dye) | Metformin must be stopped before and 48 hours after contrast procedures — kidney failure risk |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases lactic acidosis risk from Metformin — avoid excessive alcohol |
| Digoxin | Sitagliptin may slightly increase Digoxin levels — monitoring advised |
| Corticosteroids | Raise blood sugar and reduce effectiveness of diabetes medicines |
| Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) | May impair kidney function and increase Metformin accumulation risk |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between Sitaglu Met 50/500mg and 50/850mg? The 850mg version contains more Metformin — prescribed when 500mg no longer provides sufficient fasting blood sugar control. Your doctor will decide which strength is appropriate based on your HbA1c response.
Q: Why does the higher Metformin dose cause more stomach side effects? Higher Metformin doses increase gastrointestinal side effects — always taking with food and starting at a lower dose before stepping up significantly reduces nausea and stomach discomfort.
Q: Should I stop Sitaglu Met 50/850mg before a scan using contrast dye? Yes — Metformin must be stopped before any procedure using iodinated contrast dye and for 48 hours after. Always inform your radiology team that you are taking Metformin.
Q: Can long-term use of Sitaglu Met affect Vitamin B12 levels? Yes — long-term Metformin use can reduce Vitamin B12 absorption. Your doctor will periodically check B12 levels and may recommend supplementation if deficiency develops.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing this medicine. Report severe abdominal pain or breathing difficulty immediately.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Always take with meals — stop before contrast procedures — report severe abdominal pain immediately