What is Xigduo?
Xigduo is a prescription medication used to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Xigduo helps improve blood sugar control when people combine it with a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as when they already manage their levels using these ingredients separately.
Adults typically use Xigduo when they are already taking both dapagliflozin and metformin. They can also use it in combination with other diabetes medications, such as insulin, sitagliptin, or sulfonylureas, if these are already part of their treatment regimen and are working well.
People with type 1 diabetes or severe kidney or liver problems should not take Xigduo. Those who have had diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis must avoid this medication.
Children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and heavy alcohol drinkers should also not use Xigduo.
Before using Xigduo, it is essential to consult a doctor to ensure it is safe based on your health condition and any other medications you may be taking.
How Does Xigduo Work?
Xigduo works by combining two medications that help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains dapagliflozin, which enables the kidneys to remove excess sugar from the blood through urination.
This happens because dapagliflozin blocks a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2, which usually helps the body reabsorb sugar back into the blood. By blocking this process, more sugar is excreted from the body through urination. This helps reduce both fasting and after-meal blood sugar levels.
The other part of Xigduo is metformin. Metformin helps the body use insulin more effectively, lowers the amount of sugar produced by the liver, and slows down the absorption of sugar from food.
These two ingredients work in different ways, but together they provide better control over blood sugar levels. Xigduo does not depend on insulin to work, making it helpful even when the body does not produce enough insulin or responds poorly to it.
Xigduo Dose and Usage
The Xigduo dose is based on a fixed combination of dapagliflozin and metformin. It is available in tablet form and is taken orally.
The usual dose is one tablet taken two times a day with meals. Taking Xigduo with food helps reduce stomach side effects, such as nausea. Each tablet combines both active ingredients, so the total daily dose depends on the strength of the tablet used.
Patients who are already taking separate tablets of dapagliflozin and metformin may switch to Xigduo using the closest matching dose.
It is important to swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or break it.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Xigduo
Xigduo is available in two tablet strengths:
- 5 mg dapagliflozin / 850 mg metformin hydrochloride
- 5 mg dapagliflozin / 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride
How to Take Xigduo?
- Take one tablet twice a day with meals.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take two doses in one day.
- Monitor your blood sugar as advised by your doctor.
- Keep taking Xigduo regularly even if you feel well.
Recommended Xigduo Dose for Different Groups
- Adults: The usual dose of Xigduo is one tablet taken twice daily with meals. This helps reduce stomach upset and keeps blood sugar levels under control.
- Elderly (65 and above): Xigduo should be used with caution in older adults. It is best to start with a lower dose and monitor kidney function regularly, as kidney function tends to decline with age.
- People with kidney problems: Doctors do not recommend Xigduo for people with severely reduced kidney function. People with moderate kidney impairment should limit the maximum metformin dose to 1000 mg per day.
- People with liver problems: Patients with severe liver disease should not use Xigduo. Liver impairment increases the risk of serious side effects, such as lactic acidosis.
- Children: The FDA has not approved Xigduo for use in individuals under 18 years of age. Researchers have not established its safety and effectiveness in this age group.
Xigduo Side Effects
Like all medications, Xigduo may cause side effects. Some people may experience mild symptoms, such as nausea, a sore throat, or diarrhea.
Others may experience more serious problems like dehydration, lactic acidosis, or kidney issues. It is important to know both the common and severe Xigduo side effects, including potential Xigduo long-term side effects, to stay safe while using this medication.
Common Side Effects
- Sore throat or cough
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and tiredness
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Constipation, bloating, or gas
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Diarrhea or upset stomach
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back, joint, or abdominal pain
- Pain in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Headache
- Skin rash, itchy skin, or skin reaction
- Low vitamin B12 levels
Severe Side Effects
- Urinary tract infections
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Frequent need to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pain in the pelvis
- Genital yeast infections
- In men: Redness, swelling, or itching of the penis
- Thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin
- Unpleasant smell
- Pain during urination or sex
- In women: Severe itching, burning, and soreness
- Vaginal discharge
- In men: Redness, swelling, or itching of the penis
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Shaking, sweating, or rapid heartbeat
- Hunger or mood changes
- Headache or blurred vision
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Feeling lightheaded when standing up
- Dehydration (volume depletion)
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- Urinating less often than usual
- Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
- Weakness or tiredness
- Muscle pain or trouble breathing
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
- Unusual stomach pain or discomfort
- Feeling dizzy or cold
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Trouble breathing or nausea
- Vomiting or stomach pain
- Confusion or extreme tiredness
- Fruity-smelling breath or metallic taste
- Changes in urine or sweat smell
- Kidney problems
- Changes in how often or how much you urinate
- Pale or dark-colored urine
- Liver problems
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Pain or swelling in the upper right stomach
- Nausea, vomiting, or dark-colored urine
- Unusual tiredness
- Pancreatitis
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or rapid heartbeat
- Tenderness in the stomach area
- Severe infections
- Fournier’s gangrene: Redness, pain, or swelling near the groin
- Fever, tiredness, or weakness
- Urosepsis: Fever or chills
- Rapid breathing or heartbeat
- Pain when urinating or difficulty urinating
- Fournier’s gangrene: Redness, pain, or swelling near the groin
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Sharp or burning pain
- Muscle weakness or poor coordination
- Hemolytic anemia (red blood cell breakdown)
- Fatigue or pale skin
- A fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
- Dark urine or backache
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Weight gain or tiredness
- Hair loss or muscle weakness
- Dry skin or a cold feeling
- Irregular periods or an enlarged thyroid
- Photosensitivity
- Red, itchy skin after sun exposure
Warnings and Precautions for Xigduo
When taking Xigduo, it is essential to be aware of specific warnings and precautions to ensure safe use and prevent serious health risks.
Before starting treatment, make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor, including any kidney or liver issues, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Certain conditions, such as dehydration, infections, or surgery, can increase your risk for complications. Below are important warnings and precautions associated with Xigduo.
- Do not use Xigduo if you have insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids.
- Avoid taking Xigduo if you have a history of lactic acidosis, which is the buildup of acid in the blood and can be life-threatening.
- Do not use Xigduo if you have severe kidney or liver problems, or if you are on dialysis, as this can lead to serious side effects.
- Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly or binge drinking while using Xigduo, as alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Xigduo should not be used before or after specific medical procedures, such as those involving contrast dyes used in imaging tests, as this can worsen kidney problems.
- If you are undergoing or recovering from surgery, have a severe infection, or are experiencing trauma, discuss with your doctor whether Xigduo is safe for you.
- Dehydration, which can result from vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, should be avoided while taking Xigduo.
- If you experience any of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, excessive thirst, or unusual fatigue), contact your doctor immediately.
- Xigduo is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and you should inform your doctor right away if you plan to become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.
- You should not breastfeed while taking Xigduo, as the safety of the medication in breast milk is not known.
- Xigduo is not suitable for children and adolescents under the age of 18.
- If you are over 65 years old, your doctor may need to test your kidney function before starting Xigduo, as older individuals are more likely to have kidney issues.
- Use caution when driving or operating machinery while on Xigduo, as it can cause dizziness or light-headedness, especially when combined with insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as certain drugs can interact with Xigduo and increase the risk of side effects, especially those that lower blood sugar.
- Xigduo can increase your risk of developing urinary tract infections or yeast infections. If you have a history of these conditions, notify your doctor.
- Be aware that Xigduo can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications, so your doctor may need to adjust your insulin or other blood sugar-lowering treatments.
- Rare but serious infections like Fournier’s gangrene (a severe infection in the groin area) have been reported in some patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors like Xigduo, so seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms.
- Xigduo can cause a decrease in vitamin B12 levels, which may lead to nerve damage or anemia, so regular monitoring of vitamin levels may be necessary.
Xigduo Drug Interactions
Xigduo can interact with several other drugs. These interactions can affect how well Xigduo works or increase the risk of side effects.
Below is a list of drugs that may interact with Xigduo:
- Drugs used to treat diabetes (glyburide, gliclazide, glimepiride, or insulin)
- Drugs that raise blood sugar:
- Thiazide diuretics
- Phenytoin
- Nicotinic acid
- Isoniazid
- Corticosteroids (prednisone)
- Phenothiazines
- Thyroid drugs (levothyroxine)
- Estrogens
- Oral birth control pills
- Sympathomimetics
- Asthma treatments (salbutamol, formoterol)
- Diuretics (water pills like furosemide, amiloride, triamterene)
- Nifedipine, ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril)
- Lithium
- Drugs for irregular heartbeats (procainamide, quinidine)
- Medications for heart failure and irregular heartbeats (digoxin)
- Pain relievers (morphine, NSAIDs like ibuprofen)
- Stomach acid reducers (ranitidine, cimetidine)
- Quinine
- Antibiotics (trimethoprim, vancomycin)
- Blood thinners (phenprocoumon, Vitamin K anticoagulants)
Alternative Medications to Xigduo
If you are looking for an alternative to Xigduo, there are several medications available that can help manage type 2 diabetes.
These alternatives may have different ingredients but work in similar ways to control blood sugar levels. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best option based on your specific health needs.
Here are some common alternatives for Xigduo:
Affordable Xigduo Available at Pharma Giant
Pharma Giant helps you afford your diabetes medication. Many patients worry about high prices, but we make Xigduo affordable and stress-free.
Pharma Giant offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. You can buy up to a 3-month supply of your prescription at a lower cost. We ship fast across the United States, delivering your order to your door in just a few days.
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Every prescription is filled by a US doctor and checked by a licensed Canadian pharmacist. This ensures that your medication is safe and of high quality.
How to Order Xigduo Online?
- Search for Xigduo, select the correct strength, and click ‘Buy’ to add it to your cart. If you need more items, you can continue shopping and add them too.
- When your cart is ready, click ‘Continue Checkout’ and then fill in your name, address, and payment information. Use PGSAVE10 to get a 10% discount on your first order.
- After placing your order, send us your prescription. You can upload it directly to the website, email it to info@pharmagiant.com, or fax it to 1-888-562-8159.
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Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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