Manufacturer: AstraZeneca
Salt Composition : Saxagliptin(5mg), Dapagliflozin(10mg)
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet can be taken with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Your condition may get worse or you may suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This medicine is only part of a treatment program, it should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
The most common side effects of this medicine include upper respiratory tract infection and urinary tract infection. Drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining good hygiene will help you to prevent this. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems or a urinary tract infection. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking it as this may increase the risk of developing some side effects. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medicine.
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet is a medicine that helps to control high blood glucose (sugar) levels. It helps get rid of extra glucose from your body through urine. Lowering blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If you can control the level, you will reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems and loss of limbs. This medicine will reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease if you have type 2 diabetes and already have cardiovascular disease.
Saxagliptin is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 and is eliminated by a combination of renal and hepatic clearance.Dapagliflozin is a potent sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor that reduces blood glucose through an insulin-independent mechanism, with a reduction in renal glucose reabsorption accompanied by an increase in urinary glucose excretion (UGE).
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Qtern
Upper respiratory tract infection
Urinary tract infection
Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
AIDS
Complication of diabetes
Disease of the pancreas
End stage renal disease
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reaction
Kidney disease or heart failure
Patients on dialysis
Recently taken or might take any other medicines for treatment of fits, chronic pain, any infection, or high blood pressure
Severe liver disease
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet.
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Use with caution
Below 9years: Contraindicated
QTERN (dapagliflozin and saxagliptin) is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have inadequate control with dapagliflozin or who are already treated with dapagliflozin and saxagliptin.
Acetaminophen
Albuterol
Aripiprazole
Bexarotene
Celecoxib
Cetirizine
Chlorpheniramine
Cholecalciferol
Dexbrompheniramine
Dextromethorphan
Do not chew, crush or break it. Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor and anxiety.
It may cause your body to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or you may urinate more often. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
It can cause genital fungal and/or urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both females and males, so practice good hygiene.
Your doctor will regularly monitor your kidney function before and during the treatment.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
Before taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your kidneys, liver, bladder, heart or pancreas. Tell your doctor if you ever had or have any risk factors for ketoacidosis (such as type 1 diabetes, changes in diet, reduced appetite or if you are going to have a surgery). Let your doctor know about all the other medicines or supplements you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet if you are planning to conceive, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid any harmful effects on the baby.
Q. Who should not take Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet is not recommended for people who are allergic to it, have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis. Additionally, avoid taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet if you are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding to avoid any harmful effects on the baby.
Q. Does Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet cause weight gain?
No, Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet is not known to cause weight gain by itself. However, keeping a healthy weight is an important part of managing diabetes. Consult your doctor if you experience weight gain while taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet.
Q. Is Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet bad for your kidneys?
No, Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet is not bad for your kidneys if your kidney function is normal. However, it is important to inform your doctor if you have, or ever had, any kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, you may need dose modification.
Q. Do I still have to manage my diet and exercise while on Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
Yes, it is important to manage your diet and exercise while taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet. In addition to medicine, making healthy food choices and being physically active are also important to effectively manage blood sugar levels. You may consult a dietitian and follow a diet chart that suits you best. A well-balanced diet is one part of a healthy lifestyle for people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, thirty minutes of exercise such as a brisk walk is recommended.
Q. Can my blood sugar levels go too low on Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
Yes, it is possible that your blood sugar levels may become very low (hypoglycemia). The chances are higher if you are on any other antidiabetic medicine or insulin along with Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet. Additionally, blood sugar levels can take a huge dip if you skip meals, exercise more than usual, or if you have taken an overdose of Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet. If you experience a sudden fall in your sugar levels, inform your doctor. The doctor may suggest dose modification to prevent your blood sugar levels from decreasing significantly (hypoglycemia). Follow your doctor’s advice and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Q. What is the most important information I should know about Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet is safe to use if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. However, in rare cases, some serious side effects can also be observed. In some people, Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) which could be severe and can even lead to death. If you experience severe and persistent pain in your stomach area (abdomen), stop the medication and immediately contact your doctor. Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet can also cause heart failure. This means the heart is not able to pump blood well enough, therefore, inform your doctor if you have or ever had heart problems before you start taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet. In addition to that, problems related to kidneys should also be discussed with the doctor.
Q. Can Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet cause dehydration?
Yes, Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet may cause dehydration (excessive loss of water from your body) in some people, although this is relatively uncommon. It is advised to take an adequate amount of water while taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet to stay well hydrated and prevent dehydration. If you notice any signs of dehydration such as very dry or sticky mouth, increased thirst, if you feel very sleepy or tired, notice fast heart beat or if you pass less urine than normal, you must contact your doctor immediately.
Q. What will happen if I accidentally take more than the prescribed dose of Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
If you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet, your blood sugar levels may become too low (hypoglycemia). This hypoglycemia may be mild or severe. Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently for the next 24 hours. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia (with symptoms like anxiety, sweating, weakness, tremors, fast heartbeat) can usually be corrected with the help of sugary foods such as sugar or glucose candy, fruit juice and glucose/glucon-D. However, it is important to consult your doctor to decide the further course of treatment. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia may even lead to a seizure (fit) or unconsciousness. This can be life-threatening and immediate medical help may be required.
Q. Can Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet cause urinary tract infection?
Yes, Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet can cause urinary tract infection (UTI) as a common side effect. You must be vigilant about any signs of developing a UTI such as fever or chills, burning sensation while urinating and pain in your back or side. Rarely, you may see blood in your urine too. Please contact your doctor immediately as this could be a sign of severe UTI.
Q. How long do I need to take Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet only helps to manage your blood sugar levels but does not cure your diabetes. Keep taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet as long as your doctor recommends it. You may have to take it lifelong. It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control as any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels may cause serious problems. Therefore, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.
Q. What if I miss a dose of Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet?
If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours since the time of your dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is more than 12 hours since your missed dose, take Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet as per the regular schedule and skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose as it increases the risk of developing side effects.
Q. Is Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet safe to be taken for a long term?
Yes, it is safe to take Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet for a long time. Its long-term use, which can continue for months, years or even lifelong, has not shown any harmful effects. Keep taking Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet as long as your doctor recommends it. Remember, Qtern 5mg/10mg Tablet only helps to keep your blood sugar levels under control but does not cure your diabetes.
