Xigduo

What is Xigduo?

Xigduo is part of a group of medicines used to treat diabetes. It comes in tablet form and contains both metformin and dapagliflozin. Xigduo is usually prescribed when metformin alone is not as effective in controlling high blood glucose (sugar) levels.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition caused by high blood glucose levels over a long period of time. It is commonly found in people who are overweight or obese, who do not usually exercise regularly. There is also a genetic component to diabetes, so people with a family history are more likely to develop the condition in their lifetime.

For the body’s cells to function properly, they need energy in the form of glucose, which we get from the food we eat. Food is converted into glucose by the liver, and a hormone called insulin helps the body’s cells absorb glucose from the blood.

Usually, insulin is produced by the pancreas and released into the blood shortly after we eat to help absorb glucose produced by the liver. However, when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or if the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, glucose will not be absorbed into the cells, leading to high blood glucose levels and causing diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

Over time, untreated diabetes can cause various health complications including eye (retinopathy), nerve (neuropathy) and heart problems (heart attacks and stroke). Diabetes can also cause hearing impairment and damage the kidneys in the long term.

Before you buy Xigduo online, it's important to speak to your doctor about your condition. Your doctor will be able to make informed decisions on the most suitable treatment for you, including safe dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent complications associated with diabetes.

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How does Xigduo work?

Two of the active ingredients in Xigduo work in different ways to reduce blood glucose levels. Metformin works on the liver cells to reduce the amount of glucose the liver produces, therefore reducing blood glucose levels. 

Dapagliflozin works on the kidneys by blocking the pathway used to reabsorb glucose into the body from the kidneys. This allows more glucose to be passed out with urine, leading to a reduction in the levels of glucose in the body.

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How do I take Xigduo?

It is recommended that you swallow one tablet twice daily with a glass of water. However, your doctor will prescribe the right dose for you depending on your condition and if you are taking other antidiabetic medicines.  

You should take Xigduo with food, preferably during breakfast and dinner, to reduce possible side effects on your stomach.

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Side effects and cautions

All medicines pose the risk of side effects. While you are not guaranteed to experience side effects, it's important to remain vigilant of side effects during your course of treatment.

Side effects of Xigduo may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Genital yeast infection (Thrush)
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Rash
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information regarding the safety of this medicine, please consult the patient information leaflet, which comes enclosed with your medicine.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Xigduo online.

Do not take Xigduo if you:

• are dehydrated
• drink large quantities of alcohol
• have a severe infection
• have ever had a diabetic coma
• have liver problems
• have severely reduced kidney function
• have uncontrolled diabetes

If you experience the symptoms of lactic acidosis, stop taking Xigduo and contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lethargy (feeling unwell)
• Muscle cramps
• Reduces body temperature
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain)
• Vomiting

Allergic reaction

Do not take Xigduo if you are allergic to dapagliflozin, metformin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Xigduo, cease taking the medicine and seek emergency medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Xigduo if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Xigduo, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Xigduo while breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Xigduo online.

Do not take Xigduo past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

Always keep medicine out the sight and reach from children and pets.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Xigduo when I should?

If you miss a dose of Xigduo, you can take it as soon as you remember, but if it is closer to the time for your next dose, then forget about the missed dose, and take the next tablet as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Xigduo?

If you have taken more than one dose of Xigduo mistakenly, you may develop a condition known as lactic acidosis which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain and difficulty breathing. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency so you should go to the nearest hospital and take your medicines with you.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Xigduo?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while on Xigduo as this may increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. 

Will Xigduo impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Taking Xigduo alone should not affect your ability to drive or work, however, if you are also taking other antidiabetic medicines, you may experience symptoms of very low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) such as dizziness, weakness, problems with vision and poor concentration. In this case, you should not drive or use machinery or tools. 

Does Xigduo cause weight loss?

Xigduo may help you lose weight. If you notice significant or unexplained changes in your weight, speak to your doctor.

Is it safe to buy Xigduo online?

Yes - it is safe to buy Xigduo online from registered online pharmacies.

You will need to answer a couple of medical questions so that our medical team can determine whether Xigduo is safe for you.

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Table of contents

What is Xigduo?

How does Xigduo work?

How do I take Xigduo?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions