Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S

Description

Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, sulfonylurea) that are used to treat and prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition resulting from a combination of insulin resistance, i.e, body cells failing to respond properly to the insulin produced, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive production of glucagon. Progression of the disease may lead to insulin deficiency. This causes hyperglycemia. (high blood sugar levels)

Maturity onset diabetes, is a rare, inherited form of diabetes mellitus caused by a mutation (change) in an autosomal dominant gene, characterised by impaired insulin secretion. Onset is usually before the age of 25 years. 

This medicine is available in tablet form on prescription. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (hormone controlling blood sugar levels) production by the pancreas.

Dosage of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S depends on age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities.

Common side effects of this medication are upset stomach, indigestion and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Indications

Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age. It is not advised to be given to children.

It is used in the treatment of 

• Type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) – as an adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise
• Maturity-onset diabetes (hereditary form of diabetes mellitus)

 

How does Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S work?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively.

 

How to use Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S?

It is better to take the medication with a meal to avoid side effects. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. 

Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S comes as two different types of tablets: 

• Normal (standard release): since the product is released quickly into the body, it is taken more than once a day depending on the dosage. Dose is slowly increased to avoid side effects. Maximum daily dose is 320mg (doses above 160mg should be divided and then taken)
• Long acting ( slow release): since they dissolve slower than standard release tablets, a tablet a day, taken with the evening meal, is often sufficient. Maximum daily dose is 120mg.

 

Dosage 

Dosage is completely dependent on the age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities. Your doctor may vary your dosage to regulate your blood sugar levels.

For type 2 diabetes:

• Recommended starting dose of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is 30mg/day, taken with breakfast. This dose is usually prescribed for maintaining blood glucose levels. If it is ineffective, the dose may be increased to 60, 90 and 120mg, step wise. Dosage is increased in increments with a gap of at least a month, unless the patient’s blood glucose levels are still not decreasing. In that case, the dose may be changed after 2 weeks of treatment. 
• Maximum daily dose is 120mg.

For maturity-onset diabetes:

• Recommended starting dose of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is between 40-80mg/day, taken with breakfast. It is then adjusted in accordance with the body’s response to Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S and is usually increased upto 160mg. Doses higher than that need to be divided and then given.
• Maximum daily dose is 320mg/day

 

Pregnancy use and lactation

 

Use of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (condition in which your body does not produce insulin) 
• Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to the product or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
• Hepatic (liver) insufficiency 
• Renal (kidney) insufficiency
• Porphyria (inherited blood disorder)
• Severe trauma
• Infections 
• About to have surgery 
• Treatment with miconazole (anti fungal)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat)
• Diabetic coma (life-threatening condition causing unconsciousness)

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S:

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Children
• Risk factor for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) – malnourishment, severe vascular disease, adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid function) 
• Liver impairment
• Kidney impairment 
• Stress in situations like trauma, surgery – doctor might switch over to insulin in this case
• G6PD (glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency 
• Alcohol intake
• Obesity 
• Heart problem 
• Allergic reactions (indicated by skin rash, swelling around face area, wheezing, chest tightness and breathing difficulty)

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S:

• Phenylbutazone (anti inflammatory)
• Alcohol intake
• Anti diabetics (insulin, acarbose, biguanides)
• Beta blockers
• Antifungals (fluconazole, miconazole) 
• ACE inhibitors
• H2 receptors antagonists (cimetidine) 
• MAOIs
• Sulfonamides
• NSAIDs 
• Danazol
• Chlorpromazine (antipsychotic) 
• Ritodrine
• B2 adrenergic receptor agonists (Salbutamol, terbutaline0
• Anticoagulants
• Salicylates
• Disopyramide (anti arrhythmic) 
• Chloramphenicol (antibiotic)
• Quinolones
• Clarithromycin (anti bacterial)
• Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids)
• Diuretics
• Phenothiazines 
• Tetracyclines (antibiotic)
• Oral contraceptives 
• Thyroid hormones 
• Danazol
• St. John’s wort
• Pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin)

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Dyspepsia (indigestion – stomach ache)
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Constipation 

Serious:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) manifested as dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache and sweating
• Anaphylaxis (allergic) reactions – difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives, or difficulty swallowing
• Liver problem (e.g jaundice indicated by yellowness in eye)
• Blood disorder – indicated by paleness, prolonged bleeding, bruising, sore throat and fever
• Skin disorder (angioedema) – appearance of rash, redness, sudden swelling of the eyelids, face, lips mouth, tongue and throat (making it difficult to breathe)

 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Indigestion (stomach ache) – Try to rest as much as possible and have smaller and more frequent meals. Using a heat pack or hot water bottle over the area in pain might help in giving some relief. If the pain still persists and is severe, speak to your doctor.

• Nausea (feeling sick) – Take Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S with meals and avoid having spicy food

• Vomiting and Diarrhoea – Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhoea

• Constipation – Have fibre rich foods 

• Hypoglycemia – Carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

 

Key facts about Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S

• Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (condition resulting in elevated levels of sugar in the blood) and maturity-onset diabetes (hereditary form of diabetes mellitus) 
• It is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.
• It should be avoided in elderly, debilitated and malnourished patients.
• It works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively.
• Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is best known to be taken with meals to avoid common side effects  like nausea and upset stomach. 
• Some people have shown to gain weight when taking Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S.
• Matter of concern arises when you experience signs like yellowness of eyes, prolonged bleeding and bruising, chest pain, breathing difficulties, skin rashes or an allergic reaction. In that case contact your doctor immediately.
• It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, along with repeated tests to prevent you from any complications. 
• Patients need to avoid alcohol intake and other anti diabetic medications like insulin, along with maintaining a good diet to prevent hypoglycemic events. 
• Use of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S DO?

People with type 2 diabetes fail to respond properly to the insulin produced,secrete inadequate insulin, or produce excessive glucagon. Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively.

2. DOES Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S AFFECT KIDNEYS?

Since Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is mainly eliminated by the kidneys, people with severe kidney disease needed to be assessed before being prescribed this medicine. It does not affect those with normal kidney function and hence, is safe to use for them.

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S FOR?

Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is usually prescribed for long term use, possibly life long. Your dosage and time period is decided by your doctor after knowing the severity of your condition.

4. CAN I STOP TAKING Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S?

This medicine largely controls your blood sugar levels, but does not cure your condition. Hence, do not just stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, otherwise your condition could possibly get worse.

5. IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S WITH FOOD?

It is advised to take Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S with your meal to reduce side effects like, nausea, indigestion, vomiting and diarrhoea.

6. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are on Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S as it can interfere with your treatment causing low blood sugar levels especially in aged patients and on occasions where you have skipped a meal.

7. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S?

An overdose of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, feeling confused and having problems concentrating. It can also severely affect your liver, result in blood disorders, skin disease and possibly cause an allergic reaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs.

8. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose.

9. CAN I TAKE Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Use of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

10. WHAT IF Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S IS NO LONGER WORKING?

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease which means, in the long run, your body might start producing even less insulin than before and its ability to utilise the insulin produced could deteriorate as well. Hence, the dose of Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S is usually increased over time to manage your blood glucose levels. At times, Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S alone might not be effective and in that case your doctor will prescribe a combination of medicines so that your body is more reactive to it.

11. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S?

Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S alone might not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike, but when given in combination with other medicines, it could result in low blood sugar levels resulting in loss of concentration vision impairment (your eyesight is affected). To be on the safe side, always carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

12. HOW SHOULD Diamicron-MR 30mg Tablet 20 ‘S BE STORED?

Keep the medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it away from pets, children and other people.