About VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET
VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET belongs to the class of anti-diabetic drugs. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all.
VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET is composed of two medicines, namely voglibose and metformin. Voglibose belongs to the class of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and acts by delaying glucose absorption. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and is used to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients.
Voglibose acts by inhibiting the intestinal enzymes, which break complex sugars into simple sugars such as glucose. This process prevents the rise of blood glucose levels. Metformin exhibits non pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. Metformin is considered to be a unique anti-diabetic drug since it does not cause hypoglycemia (lowered blood sugar levels).
VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET is an orally administered drug. Take this drug with food at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor to avoid stomach upset. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet. Your doctor will decide the dosage form, and this may change timely depending on your blood sugar levels. Do not stop taking VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET on your own, since it may cause a rise in your blood sugar levels leading to other health issues like kidney damage, blindness and loss of limbs. The common side effects of VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET include nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, bloating, and flatulence (intestinal wind/gas). Although not everyone experiences these side effects, if they occur, seek medical attention.
Before starting VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of anaemia (low hemoglobin levels), seizures (fits), heart, kidney, and liver diseases. VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). However, when used with other diabetic drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas, it can lead to hypoglycemia. Also, speak to your doctor if you are on restricted food or fluid intake since VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET causes dehydration, low blood sugar, and kidney damage. Do not take VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET if you have gastrointestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Do not take or stop VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET, if the doctor did not advise you to do so.
Uses of VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
Medicinal Benefits
VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET is fixed dose medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Voglibose belongs to the class of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. It delays glucose absorption by inhibiting the intestinal enzymes, which break complex sugars into simple sugars such as glucose. This process prevents the rise of blood glucose levels immediately after meals.
Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides. It shows the non-pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing the insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. It is considered to be a unique anti-diabetic drug since it does not lower the blood sugar levels. Metformin does not cause weight gain in most cases.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET
Most of the side effects of VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET can cause common side effects like nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, bloating, and flatulence (intestinal wind/gas). Seek medical advice if these side effects persist longer.
Some less common side effects of VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET include pneumatosis intestinalis (gas-filled cysts on the bowel wall) when used along with other alpha-gastrointestinal drugs and lactic acidosis (a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation).
The risk of lactic acidosis is high in people with kidney, liver, and heart diseases. It is essential to speak to your doctor about your medical history before you take VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET. If any of these side effects occur and persist longer, call your doctor for emergency treatment.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypoglycemic conditions in renal and liver disease patients. It can cause pneumatosis intestinalis (gas-filled cysts on the bowel wall) when used along with other alpha-gastrointestinal drugs. It is advised to monitor the gastrointestinal side effects thoroughly to rule out the possibility of pneumatosis intestinalis.
VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET has an increased risk of lactic acidosis (a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation). The risk of lactic acidosis is high in older people with kidney, liver, and heart diseases. Hence, brief your medical history and take advice from your doctor before starting VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol as it can potentiate lactic acidosis.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET may interact with anti-depressants (selegiline, isocarboxazid, phenelzine), anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisolone, phenylbutazone), drugs that treat fluid retention (metolazone, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (propranolol, metoprolol), anabolic, and corticosteroids. Please check the instruction leaflet that comes with the medication before you take VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET.
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol intake since it affects blood sugar levels. Avoid fatty foods and include healthy carbohydrates in your diet.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor before taking VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, heart diseases, liver, and kidney problems. VOLIPHAGE M 0.2MG TABLET may cause pneumatosis intestinalis (gas-filled cysts on the bowel wall) when used along with other alpha-gastrointestinal drugs.
