Fincar Tablet

Fincar Tablet is an oral anti-diabetic medication that contains glimepiride and metformin as its active ingredients. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that cannot be managed by diet and exercise alone. This medication helps to lower these elevated blood glucose levels.

It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine while taking this medication. Fincar should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the recommended doses and for the specified duration. It is advised to take this tablet with food, specifically with the first meal of the day, and at the same time each day to maximize its therapeutic benefits.

Before using Fincar, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, and provide a complete medical history. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk for various health complications, including issues with the eyes, kidneys, and nerves, as well as heart disease and stroke.

Dosage

Overdose

• Overdose of Fincar Tablet may lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and lactic acidosis (excessive lactic acid build-up). This can result in headache, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, restlessness, impaired alertness and reactions, low mood, confusion, dizziness etc.
• If you experience these, immediately take glucose or juice or sugar-containing products (Sugar candy).
• Contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital as you may require close monitoring for the next few hours.

Missed a Dose

• Missed dose may lead to high blood sugar levels, which includes symptoms like feeling thirsty, excessive urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fruity smell from breath etc.
• If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Glimepiride lowers the blood sugar level by increasing release of insulin hormone from pancreas. Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells.
• Metformin decreases the absorption in the intestine and production of sugar by the liver.
• Both of these components are known to increase the insulin sensitivity of the body (allows the cells of the body to use blood glucose more effectively, reducing blood sugar).

Directions for Use

Fincar Tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Take it at a fixed time for optimal results. Do not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Fincar Tablet during pregnancy?

Fincar Tablet should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are planning pregnancy, he might suggest you some other alternative.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Fincar Tablet while breastfeeding?

• There is limited information about the effect of Fincar Tablet on breastfeeding. Thus, you should not take this medicine, unless advised by your doctor.
• If you are taking this medicine while breastfeeding, monitor your child for signs of hypoglycemia such as excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, fits, difficulty in breathing, or decreased body temperature.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Fincar Tablet?

• Fincar Tablet can cause low blood sugar levels which can lead to drowsiness, unconsciousness or confusion. Thus avoid driving. If you experience these symptoms often talk to you doctor.
• Keep a juice or chocolate in the car close to you while driving, in case you start feeling any of the above symptoms of hypoglycemia, immediately have the juice or chocolate

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Fincar Tablet?

It is advisable not to consume alcohol during treatment with Fincar Tablet as alcohol increases the risk of low blood sugar and also lead to serious complications such as ketoacidosis, lactoacidosis.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You experience extreme hunger, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, restlessness, aggression, reduced alertness, confusion, shakiness or dizziness. These could be signs of low blood sugar.
• You are going to have a diagnostic imaging test which involves injection of iodine.
• You have dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting or limited fluid intake.
• You have a planned surgery.
• You have serious kidney and liver problems.
• You have thyroid disorder.
• You are overweight (specific diet restriction may be suggested).
• Long term use of this medicine can cause low level of vitamin B12, which may result in tingling, pins-and-needles sensation, numbness and weakness.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to metformin, glimepiride or any of the ingredient of Fincar Tablet.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have serious kidney failure or liver failure.
• If you have any metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body fluids) like lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic pre-coma
• If you have dehydration, severe infections, shock and injections containing iodine
• If you have had heart or lung failure, recent incidence of heart attack and shock
• If you are alcoholic.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste
• Headache
• Hunger pangs
• Sleepiness
• Restlessness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Especially if you are taking medicines to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, high/abnormal cholesterol levels, blood thinners, anti-infectives, thyroid medicine anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, oral contraceptives, pain killers, immunomodulatory medicines or medicines for the brain-related disorder.
• Medicines used for acidity like ranitidine, anti-hypertensive medicine like atenolol, propanolol, clonidine and anti-pyschotic medicine like reserpine can either increase or decrease the effect of this medicine, thus masking the signs of low blood sugar, thus should be cautious.

Storage and disposal

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Protect it from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What diet should I follow?

• A diet should be high in fibre, low in fat with adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
• Maintain the regular meal timings and try to have soups and salads.
• Diet should include boiled, steamed, or baked food.
• Ensure moderate use of edible oils (groundnut oil, olive oil), very less use of ghee and butter.
• Drink at least 8-10 glass of water daily.
• Carry fruit or low calorie high fibre biscuits while travelling.

What should I avoid being a diabetic patient?

• Do not shop when you are hungry. You could be tempted to buy oily and fried food
• Avoid overeating
• Avoid maida, white bread, potato, noodles, corn flakes, poori, biryani, naan, fried rice, etc
• Stop having daals with ghee, deep-fried pulses
• Avoid cream soups, carrot juice, deep-fried vegetables, vegetable curries with excess oil.

My blood sugar falls too often, what could be the reason?

• Avoid skipping meals, fasting, too much alcohol intake, taking alcohol on an empty stomach and taking double dose. Inform you doctor if you are on any medicines.
• Always keep a juice or sugar candy with you, in case you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia like headache, irritability, drowsiness, reduced alertness or nausea, immediately have the juice or glucose
• Do not have artificial sweeteners in this situation
• If such episodes happen too often, inform your doctor as you may need a decrease in the dose of this medicine.

When should I take Fincar Tablet?

Take Fincar Tablet as prescribed by your doctor for the prescribed duration. This medicine should be taken with food, as a whole with a glass of water. Do not skip the meals as well as medicine.

Can Fincar Tablet cause my blood sugar to drop too low?

Yes, there's a risk of low blood sugar, especially if you drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded, or faint, contact your doctor right away.

What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, your body can't make insulin because the cells that produce it are destroyed. In type 2 diabetes, your body still makes insulin, but it doesn't use it effectively (insulin resistance).

Can I stop taking Fincar Tablet whenever I want?

No, it's important not to stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping it can cause your blood sugar to spike or your symptoms to worsen. If you're having problems, discuss them with your doctor so they can find a solution.

How long do I need to take Fincar Tablet?

Follow your doctor's instructions. They'll tell you how long you need to stay on this medication.

Could Fincar Tablet cause lactic acidosis?

In rare cases, Fincar Tablet can lead to lactic acidosis, which is a build-up of lactic acid in your blood. If you experience stomach pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, trouble breathing, a slow heartbeat, or extreme tiredness, seek immediate medical attention.

What are the common side effects of Fincar Tablet?

Some people experience stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, or a metallic taste. These side effects often go away on their own. However, if they become bothersome or worsen, contact your doctor.

Can I take other medications with Fincar Tablet?

Only take other medications with Fincar Tablet if your doctor says it's okay. To avoid potential interactions, always consult your doctor before combining this medication with other drugs.