Metformin Hydrochloride/Sitagliptin — Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Metformin Hydrochloride/Sitagliptin is an active pharmaceutical ingredient found in 2 FDA-approved drug products. Forms: TABLET:FILM COATED, TABLET, TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE, TABLET, COATED. Routes: FILM COATED.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Metformin Hydrochloride/Sitagliptin (2 brand names, 4 dosage forms, 1 route)

Available dosage forms: TABLET:FILM COATED, TABLET, TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE, TABLET, COATED.

Routes of administration: FILM COATED.

Brand Names

  • METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE AND SITAGLIPTIN PHOSPHATE
  • SITAGLIPTIN AND METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Boxed Warning

Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Interactions (7), and Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7)]. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Indications and Usage

Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets have not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Contraindications

Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m2 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets, sitagliptin, or metformin, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7); Adverse Reactions (6.2].

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Lactic Acidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Vitamin B12 Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Severe and Disabling Arthralgia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8 )] Bullous Pemphigoid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Drug Interactions

Table 4 presents clinically significant drug interactions with sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets: Table 4: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors frequently cause a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Intervention: Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. Examples: Topiramate, zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide. Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Intervention: Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use with sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets. Examples: Ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine. Alcohol Clinical Impact: Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Intervention: Warn patients against alcohol intake while receiving sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets. Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Clinical Impact: Coadministration of sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Intervention: Patients receiving an insulin secretagogue or insulin may require lower doses of the insulin secretagogue or insulin. Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Clinical Impact: Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. Intervention: When such drugs are adm

Mechanism of Action

Sitagliptin and Metformin hydrochloride Sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets combines two antihyperglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and metformin HCl, a member of the biguanide class. Sitagliptin Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones. Concentrations of the active intact hormones are increased by sitagliptin, thereby increasing and prolonging the action of these hormones. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day, and levels are increased in response to a meal. These hormones are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme DPP-4. The incretins are part of an endogenous system involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis. When blood glucose concentrations are normal or elevated, GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells by intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclic AMP. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to reduced hepatic glucose production. By increasing and prolonging active incretin levels, sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner. Sitagliptin demonstrates selectivity for DPP-4 and does not inhibit DPP-8 or DPP-9 activity in vitro at concentrations approximating those from therapeutic doses. Metformin Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing p

Overdosage

In the event of overdose with sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets, contact the Poison Control Center. In the event of an overdose, it is reasonable to employ supportive measures, e.g., remove unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, employ clinical monitoring (including obtaining an electrocardiogram), and institute supportive therapy as indicated by the patient’s clinical status. Sitagliptin is modestly dialyzable. In clinical studies, approximately 13.5% of the dose was removed over a 3- to 4-hour hemodialysis session. Prolonged hemodialysis may be considered if clinically appropriate. It is not known if sitagliptin is dialyzable by peritoneal dialysis. Overdose of metformin has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Hypoglycemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin overdose cases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected.

⚠ Caution
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.