Oxramet IR 5/1000mg contains two prescription medicines, dapagliflozin and metformin, for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps to improve blood sugar control when used along with diet and exercise. Dapagliflozin works to remove excess sugar from your body via urine and lowers the amount of blood sugar. This helps prevent heart complications associated with diabetes. Metformin inhibits glucose production in the liver. The combination medicine is given when treatment with either dapagliflozin or metformin has not controlled your blood sugar.

Regular use of Oxramet IR as prescribed by the doctor reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. This medicine is not for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine).

The starting dose is based on the patient’s current condition. Taking one tablet twice a day with the evening meal is usually recommended. Swallow the tablet whole, do not cut, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the pill with a glass full of water. Take the antidiabetic tablet with food. This helps to reduce the risk of side effects in the stomach. You may take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. Do not exceed the daily recommended dose that your doctor advises. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild kidney problems; however, if you have a serious kidney disorder, you may not be advised with this antidiabetic medicine.   

Do not take Oxramet IR 5/1000 mg if you have a history of hypersensitivity to metformin or dapagliflozin. Whether Oxramet IR is safe and effective in children under 18 is unknown. Dapagliflozin should not be used in patients with active bladder cancer. It should be used carefully by patients with a history of bladder cancer before initiating the treatment, in patients with low blood pressure, and on diuretics. Check for signs and symptoms during the treatment. Stop taking this combination of medicine if you are dealing with a condition that may be linked to dehydration (loss of body fluids), such as fever, severe vomiting, exposure to heat, or drinking less fluid than normal. You should immediately stop taking this combination medicine if you develop lactic acidosis, which may lead to coma.

The symptoms of lactic acidosis include muscle cramps, vomiting, stomach ache, trouble breathing, reduced body temperature and heartbeat, and severe tiredness. Lactic acidosis is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor for advice before taking this antidiabetic agent. Pregnant women should discontinue treatment since taking it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is not recommended. Discuss with your healthcare specialist; they may advise you on controlling blood sugar during pregnancy.   

The most common side effects of dapagliflozin and metformin are headache, diarrhea, loss of appetite, urinary tract infection, and nasopharyngitis. Stop taking the medicine and speak to your doctor if you notice any serious side effects.