What is Xigduo XR Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayXigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin) is a combination diabetes medication that is manufactured by AstraZeneca. It was approved in 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with diet and exercise to reduce blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
If your doctor has prescribed Xigduo XR to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Xigduo XR is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Xigduo XR used for?
Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin) is a combination medication that is used along with diet and exercise to help lower and control high blood sugar in adults with T2DM. It is also used to reduce the:
- risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure in adults with T2DM and heart disease.
- risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), hospitalization, and death from heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Xigduo XR is not used to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as it may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does Xigduo XR work?
Xigduo XR is the combination of a biguanide (metformin) and a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin).
Metformin works by lowering the amount of glucose your liver produces. It also lowers the amount of glucose your body absorbs and improves how your body responds to insulin.
Dapagliflozin works in your kidneys to increase the amount of glucose that is removed by your urine so it never reaches the bloodstream.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Xigduo XR?
- 2.5mg dapagliflozin/1,000mg metformin extended-release tablet
- 5mg dapagliflozin/500mg metformin extended-release tablet
- 5mg dapagliflozin/1,000mg metformin extended-release tablet
- 10mg dapagliflozin/500mg metformin extended-release tablet
- 10mg dapagliflozin/1,000mg metformin extended-release tablet
Before taking Xigduo XR
Before beginning Xigduo XR, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, including:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Kidney problems or reduced kidney function
- Liver problems
- History of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Heart problems including a recent heart attack or congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Diet changes or if you are eating less than usual
- History of problems with your pancreas
- You frequently drink alcohol or binge drink
- You are going to receive contrast dye for an x-ray
- Low vitamin B12 levels
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Xigduo XR
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, and Medication Guide that comes with this medication.
- Take this medication exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Do not change your dose or stop taking Xigduo XR without discussing it with them first.
- Xigduo XR is taken once a day with a meal. Swallow each tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew Xigduo XR tablets. You may pass an empty shell of a Xigduo XR tablet in your stool.
- It is important to stick to your diet and exercise program while on this medication.
- Make sure you are familiar with the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to treat it. Symptoms include a fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, extreme hunger, and sweating.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take it immediately. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take it at the next scheduled time. Do not take extra doses of Xigduo XR to make up for a missed dose.
- Store Xigduo XR at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) away from light and moisture and out of the reach of children.
Xigduo XR contraindications
You should not use Xigduo XR if you have:
- an allergy to dapagliflozin/metformin or any other ingredients in Xigduo XR.
- severe kidney impairment, end-stage kidney disease, or are on dialysis.
- metabolic acidosis (buildup of acid in your blood).
- diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of ketones in your blood).
Xigduo XR warnings
- Xigduo XR can cause a buildup of lactic acid in your body. You should stop taking Xigduo XR immediately and seek medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, fast breathing, extreme sleepiness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual muscle pain.
- Your doctor should assess and correct any signs of dehydration or volume depletion, especially in elderly patients, patients with kidney disease, and patients on diuretics (water pills).
- You should be monitored for signs and symptoms of UTIs and yeast infections while on this medication and treated if needed.
- You are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia if you are taking Xigduo XR along with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (sulfonylurea).
- Xigduo XR can cause severe infections such as Fournier’s Gangrene in males and females. Notify your doctor if you have pain, fever, tenderness, redness, or swelling in your genital area.
- Metformin can cause a decrease in your vitamin B levels. You should be monitored and treated as indicated.
Xigduo XR drug interactions
When Xigduo XR is taken with other medications, it may change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Discuss with your doctor whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:
- Insulin or oral diabetes medications
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
- Cimetidine
- Digoxin
- Rifampin
- Phenytoin
Xigduo XR side effects
The most common side effects of Xigduo XR include:
- Yeast infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Constipation
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Sore throat
Xigduo XR can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing)
- Increased risk of lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis
- Low vitamin B12 levels
- Severe infections
- Low blood glucose levels, especially if taken with insulin or other diabetes medications
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible side effects you experience while taking Xigduo XR. You can report your adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Xigduo XR alternatives
Your healthcare professional can prescribe other medications for your condition if Xigduo XR is not right for you. These other treatment options will vary by different factors such as the condition being treated, side effects, and costs. Some FDA-approved alternatives to Xigduo XR include:
- Synjardy XR (empagliflozin/metformin)
- Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin)
- Soliqua (insulin glargine/lixisenatide)
- Jardiance (empagliflozin)
- Invokamet XR (canagliflozin/metformin)
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
Xigduo XR FAQs
Can you take Xigduo XR while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Based on animal studies that showed adverse kidney effects, Xigduo XR should not be used during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. It is not known if Xigduo XR is found in breast milk during lactation. Because there is a potential for severe adverse effects on the infant, the use of Xigduo XR is not recommended while breastfeeding. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
How long does it take Xigduo XR to work?
While both medications in Xigduo start working hours after taking a dose, it can take a couple of weeks before you see their full effects.
When is the best time of day to take Xigduo XR?
According to the manufacturer, Xigduo XR should be taken in the morning with food.
What is the cost of Xigduo XR?
The average cost for #60 of Xigduo XR 5mg/1000mg tablets is around $650.
Will you lose weight while taking Xigduo XR?
Although Xigduo XR is not used as a weight loss drug, AstraZeneca claims that people who took this medication lose an average of 3% of their body weight.
Is there a generic for Xigduo XR?
Currently, there is no generic Xigduo XR available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Xigduo XR through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.