Tenlicret M 500mg/20mg Tablet

How to use Tenlicret M 500mg/20mg Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Tenlicret M 500mg/20mg Tablet is to be taken with food.
Tenlicret M 500mg/20mg Tablet may cause stomach upset if taken on empty stomach.

How Medicine Works

Tenlicret M 500mg/20mg Tablet is a combination of two antidiabetic medicines: Metformin and Teneligliptin. Metformin is an antidiabetic medication (biguanide). It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying glucose absorption from intestines and increasing the body"s sensitivity to insulin. Teneligliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor which works by increasing the release of insulin from pancreas and decreasing the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This reduces both fasting and postmeal sugar levels. Together, they provide better control of blood sugar.

Expert Advice

• You have been prescribed this combination medicine as it can control blood sugar better than metformin alone.
• Take it in addition to regular exercise and healthy diet to lower levels of blood sugar.
• Chances of weight gain and low blood sugar are lesser as compared to other diabetes medicines. 
• Take it with food to lower your chance of having an upset stomach.
• Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine. 
• Inform your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have surgery under a general anaesthetic.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain as Tenlicret M 500mg/20mg Tablet may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Tenlicret M?

Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.

Q. What is Tenlicret M?

Tenlicret M is a combination of two medicines: Metformin and Teneligliptin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It improves blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Teneligliptin inhibits the enzyme DP4 inhibitor and increases the release of insulin from the pancreas. This combination is not indicated for the patients below 18 years of age.

Q. What are the possible side effects of Tenlicret M?

The use of Tenlicret M is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious, but rare side effect like lactic acidosis. On long-term use it can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Q. Are there any specific conditions in which Tenlicret M should not be taken?

The use of Tenlicret M should be avoided in patients with known allergy to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. The use of this medicine is also considered to be harmful for patients with severe kidney impairment, liver impairment, congestive heart failure, lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Q. Is it safe to take alcohol while I am also taking Tenlicret M?

No, it is not safe to take Tenlicret M along with alcohol. It can increase the chances of lactic acidosis, particularly in cases of fasting, malnutrition or hepatic impairment.

Q. Can the use of Tenlicret M cause hypoglycemia?

The use of Tenlicret M does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). However, hypoglycemia may occur if there is insufficient supplementation of calories while taking this medicine. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your meal, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, regular monitoring of blood sugar level is important. Always carry glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.

Q. Can the use of Tenlicret M lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes, the use of Tenlicret M can cause vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use as it interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems and the patient can feel a tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.Show moreShow less