NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S

Description

NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, meglitinides – insulin release stimulator) that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in adjunct to diet and exercise, as monotherapy (single drug treatment) or in combination with metformin when metformin alone is insufficient in establishing glycemic control. 

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)

This medicine is available in tablet form on prescription. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production by the pancreas preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high after meals.

Dosage of NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S depends on age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities.

Common side effects of this medication are headache, diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infection, flu-like symptoms, back pain, dizziness and joint pain

Indications

NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S is prescribed to adults between the age of 18-75 years of age. It is not recommended in children and elderly. 

It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in adjunct to diet and exercise, as monotherapy (single drug treatment) or in combination with metformin when metformin alone is insufficient in establishing glycemic control. 

 

How does NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S work?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by increasing insulin production by the pancreas preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high after meals.

How to use NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S?

It is recommended to take the medication 15-30 minutes before meals.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. 

 

Dosage 

• NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S comes as 0.5mg, 1mg and 2mg tablets. 
• HbA1C is <8%: recommended starting dose is 0.5mg taken within 30 mins before each meal. It is then increased stepwise, at intervals of 1-2 weeks, according to the patient’s response.
• HbA1C is >8% (or if switching from another antidiabetic drug): recommended starting dose is 1-2 mg taken within 30 mins before each meal.
• Recommended dose range is 0.5mg to 4mg, with the maximum daily dose being 16mg. 
• Dosage can be doubled up by 4mg with each meal until glycemic levels are satisfactory. 
• To achieve optimal glycemic control, titrate the doses accordingly.
• NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S may be dosed 2,3,or 4 times a day 

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.

 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Use of NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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 NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S:

• Type I diabetes mellitus (condition in which your body does not produce insulin) 
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat into blood acids called ketones)
• Hepatic (liver) impairment
• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S:

• Elderly, debilitated and malnourished patients  
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
• Pregnancy and lactation 
• Monitor blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin periodically

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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 NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S:

• Azole antifungals
• Erythromycin
• Mibefradil 
• Rifampicin
• Phenytoin
• Gemfibrozil 
• Clarithromycin
• MAOIs 
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors 
• Salicylates
• NSAlDs 
• Octreotide 
• Alcohol
• Anabolic steroids
• Oral contraceptives
• Thiazide diuretics 
• Corticosteroids 
• Danazol
• Thyroid hormones 
• Sympathomimetics 
• Barbiturates 
• Phenobarbital 
• carbamazepine 
• Trimethoprim 
• St. John’s wort
• Deferasirox
• Clopidogrel 
• Other inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 or 2C8.

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Headache
• Dizziness 
• Diarrhoea
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Flu-like symptoms
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Weight gain

Serious:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Anaphylaxis (allergic) reactions – difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives, or difficulty swallowing
• Cardiac disorders 
• Visual disturbances
• Transient elevation in liver enzymes

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• 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

• Dizziness – Try and rest until you feel better and refrain from driving or using any tools or machinery

• Headaches – Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Avoid drinking alcohol

• Joint pain – It could be associated with weight gain, therefore make sure to exercise. If the problem persists or worsens, inform your doctor.

• 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 NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S

• NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in adjunct to diet and exercise, as monotherapy (single drug treatment) or in combination with metformin when metformin alone is insufficient in establishing glycemic control. 
• It works by lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production by the pancreas preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high after meals.
• It is prescribed to adults between 18 – 75 years of age.
• It should be avoided in elderly, debilitated and malnourished patients.
• NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S is best known to be taken 30mins before meals for best results.
• Some people have shown to gain weight when taking NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S.
• Matter of concern arises when you experience signs like hypoglycemia, skin rashes or an allergic reaction and persistent joint pain. 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 medicines that interfere with mechanism of action when co-administered with NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES {{product]] DO?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by increasing insulin production by the pancreas preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high after meals.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S TO START WORKING?

It takes around 30mins for NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S to start working resulting in a blood sugar lowering effect. The effect usually lasts for 4 hours. Make sure to continue taking NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S as directed by your doctor.

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S FOR?

NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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 NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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 NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S WITH FOOD?

It is advised to take NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S 30 mins before meals for best results.

6. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are on NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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. DOES NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

Yes, patients usually experience weight gain when taking NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S. To avoid gaining weight, exercise consistently and keep a well balanced diet.

8. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S?

An overdose of NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, feeling confused and having problems concentrating. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs.

9. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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.

10. CAN I TAKE NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Use of NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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.

11. WHAT IF NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S IS NO LONGER WORKING?

The dose of NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S is usually increased over time to manage your blood glucose levels. At times, NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘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.

12. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S?

NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S might affect your ability to drive or ride a bike as it causes dizziness so avoid doing that until you know how it affects you. Also, 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)

13. HOW SHOULD NovoNorm 0.5mg Tablet 15 ‘S BE STORED?

Keep this medicine tightly closed in the container or the pack it came in. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine.