Voglibose+repaglinide
About
Voglibose+repaglinide is a combination drug that belongs to the anti-diabetic class. It is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to become too high. It's a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups to lead a normal life.
Voglibose+repaglinide is composed of two medicines, namely Repaglinide and voglibose. Repaglinide increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin to your body and helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Voglibose helps control the amount of glucose (sugars) in the blood by inhibiting the intestinal enzyme (alpha-glucosidase) and delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Altogether, they prevent blood sugar from rising very high after meals.
Take this medication orally with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens (if your blood sugar is too high or too low). In some cases, you may experience common side effects, such as Hypoglycaemia, Allergy/ Skin Reactions, Stomach Pain, Diarrhoea, Abdominal Pain, Heartburn, Nausea, and Vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Repaglinide and voglibose; or have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Voglibose+repaglinide should not be stopped even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor as your sugar level keeps changing. If you stop taking Voglibose+repaglinide abruptly, it may increase your sugar levels which could further increase the risk of eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and nerve damage (neuropathy). Voglibose+repaglinide should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus or severe kidney or liver disease. During pregnancy/lactation, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Uses of Voglibose+repaglinide
Medicinal Benefits
Voglibose+repaglinide is composed of two medicines, namely Repaglinide and voglibose. Repaglinide increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin to your body and helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Voglibose helps control the amount of glucose (sugars) in the blood by inhibiting the intestinal enzyme (alpha-glucosidase) and delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Altogether, they prevent blood sugar from rising very high after meals.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Voglibose+repaglinide
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
- Upper respiratory infection
- Flu-like symptoms
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Skin rash or allergic reactions on the skin
- Indigestion or delayed digestion
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach ache or stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of restlessness
- Feeling restless
- Weakness or fatigue
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you are allergic to Repaglinide and voglibose; or have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Voglibose+repaglinide should not be stopped even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor as your sugar level keeps changing. If you stop taking Voglibose+repaglinide abruptly, it may increase your sugar levels which could further increase the risk of eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and nerve damage (neuropathy). Voglibose+repaglinide should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus or severe kidney or liver disease. During pregnancy/lactation, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Voglibose+repaglinide interacts with Beta-blocker medications (e.g. metoprolol), Antidiabetic class of drugs (e.g. metformin, insulin, sitagliptin, empagliflozin), and pain killers (e.g. aspirin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Intake of excessive alcoholic beverages may increase the chance of a life-threatening condition known as Lactic Acidosis. So, avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Voglibose+repaglinide.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Caution should be exercised with the people affected with Type I diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, hypoglycaemia, liver disease, and renal impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar and a high ketone level.
Pregnancy
cautionDuring pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. And also, discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during pregnancy (such as diet and medications, including insulin).
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether the Voglibose+repaglinide can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionYou may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity requiring alertness or clear vision until you can safely perform such activities.
Liver
cautionVoglibose+repaglinide to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Inform your doctor before prescribing Voglibose+repaglinide if you have a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionVoglibose+repaglinide to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending on your renal functions. Voglibose+repaglinide is not recommended in severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is therefore important if you're taking Voglibose+repaglinide. Please consult the doctor before taking medicine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Children
unsafeThe safety and efficacy of Voglibose+repaglinide in children have not been established. Please consult the doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding this.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Invest at least 150 min of your week in moderate-intensity physical activity or one hour and 15 minutes of high-intensity exercise every week.
- Losing weight gradually to achieve a healthy body mass index (18.5 to 24.9).
- Replacing refined carbohydrate-containing foods with whole grain foods and increasing intake of fruits, veggies, and other fibre-enriched foods.
- Reduce saturated fat intake (or hidden fats) in food like chips, crisps, pastries, biscuits and samosas. Choose omega-3 fatty acid-containing oils for daily cooking.
- Avoid taking too much stress as it may elevate your blood sugar level. You can adopt stress management techniques like mindfulness to control stress-related blood sugar changes or meditation or yoga.
- Opt for low-fat dairy products (low-fat yoghurt, fat-free milk and cheese etc.).
- Keep your blood pressure as normal (120/80) as possible, as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetes patients.
Special Advise
- Keep taking Voglibose+repaglinide even if your blood sugar levels are controlled. If you miss a dose, do not take a larger dose. Consult your treating physician for advice.
- Take short, frequent meals, and avoid prolonged fasting when taking Voglibose+repaglinide. Beware of symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination etc. Whenever you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies, three glucose biscuits, or three teaspoons of honey/sugar and get in touch with your physician. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially during long travels.
- It is always better that your physician knows about any underlying conditions like kidney or liver disease, prior heart attack, alcohol intake, etc., before the doctor prescribes Voglibose+repaglinide.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while on Voglibose+repaglinide. It increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (a decrease in blood sugar which might be fatal in some cases) and lactic acidosis (when the lactic acid increases in the body, impacting the functioning of various organs in the body).
- Try to quit smoking and reduce your intake of carbohydrate-rich food like potatoes, rice, mangoes, bread, sugar etc.
- Remember, lifestyle modifications are the most important step in controlling blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong disease that prevents the body from properly utilizing insulin. Hence, people with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or resist insulin action. Middle-aged or older are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination at night, slow wound healing, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. There may be weight gain in some cases, while weight loss may be observed in rare cases. The complication of type 2 diabetes also includes neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), retinopathy (damaged retina of eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increased chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
If you have symptoms like increased hunger, thirst, frequent urination (usually at night), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound/sores healing, and frequent infections, contact the doctor, as it can be a condition of type 2 diabetes.
Voglibose+repaglinide is composed of two medicines, namely Repaglinide and voglibose. Repaglinide increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin to your body and helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Voglibose helps control the amount of glucose (sugars) in the blood by inhibiting the intestinal enzyme (alpha-glucosidase) and delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Altogether, they prevent blood sugar from rising very high after meals.
No. Voglibose+repaglinide is only prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, also called 'non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Voglibose+repaglinide should be avoided in patients allergic to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. It should be avoided in patients with moderate to severe kidney or liver disease. Using this drug is also not advised if you drink too much alcohol. Make sure to inform your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not take Voglibose+repaglinide if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe Voglibose+repaglinide only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Please do not stop taking Voglibose+repaglinide without consulting your doctor on your own, as it may cause an increase in blood glucose levels. Continue taking Voglibose+repaglinide for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Voglibose+repaglinide.