Did your doctor prescribe you a new medication because you have Type 2 Diabetes? Its name is probably a combination of two medications called Empagliflozin and Linagliptin. In Sri Lanka, this medication may come under brand names like GLYXAMBI. Don’t be alarmed when you see these two names. Simply put, this is a medication that helps control your blood sugar levels. So today, let’s talk about this medication, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
It's very simple. The two ingredients in this medicine control your body's sugar levels in two ways. One is by causing your kidneys to excrete more sugar in your urine. The other is by slightly increasing the activity of the hormone system that naturally controls sugar in your body.
But this is not magic . Taking this medicine alone will not help. It is essential to follow the diet and exercise instructions given by your doctor exactly. Only when all of these things come together can you get the best results. This medicine is only given to people with type 2 diabetes. It is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| The situation that concerns you | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney or liver disease | Since the drug is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it is important to know how it works. |
| If you have had pancreas problems or pancreatitis | Because this medicine can sometimes affect the pancreas, it is important to know the ancient history. |
| If you have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or genital yeast infections | Because the medication increases sugar in the urine, the risk of infection may be slightly increased. |
| If you have previously had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) | This medication may increase the risk of DKA, so the doctor should be aware of it. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This must be communicated as the safety of this medicine has not been established during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and the way medication works. |
| If you have a scheduled surgery, have a loss of appetite due to illness, or are on a low-salt diet | In such cases, the dosage of medication may need to be adjusted, as the body may become dehydrated or blood sugar levels may change. |
| If you are taking other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies | Tell your doctor about everything you are taking, as this medicine may interact with other medications. |
How do you use this medicine?
Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed time.
- It is usually said to be taken in the morning .
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- It doesn't matter if you take it before or after meals. But make it a habit to take it at the same time every day .
- Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
- Never take more than the prescribed dose.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If this happens, don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time .
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you should, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
The most important thing is to pay attention to your body. If you notice any new symptoms, don't ignore them.
- Blood Sugar Testing: Learn how to test your blood sugar levels at home. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) and how to deal with them.
- If your blood sugar drops: If you experience symptoms like sweating, shaking, extreme hunger, or dizziness, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is low. Always keep something like a sugar cube, glucose tablet, or toffee nearby for use in such cases.
- HbA1C test: Your doctor will test your blood sugar every 2-3 months. This will show how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past few months.
- Don't skip meals: Eating at the right time is very important.
- Medical ID: Wearing a card or bracelet that states that you are diabetic and the types and doses of medications you take can be very useful in an emergency.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Diabetic Ketoneism (DKA) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fruity breath odor. This is an emergency, seek medical advice immediately. |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Urinary tract infection, frequent urination, blood in the urine, back or pelvic pain. |
| Dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain (especially radiating to the back), fever, nausea, vomiting. |
| Heart Failure Symptoms | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | Coughing like a cold. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Cold-like symptoms | Runny nose, sore throat. |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, allergies, and all other medications you take.
- Be aware of the signs of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating) and high blood sugar (excessive thirst).
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of severe side effects such as DKA occur.
- Avoid stopping the medication or changing the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- Regular medical tests (especially HbA1C) and medical advice are essential to managing your diabetes well.
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