RISTABEN belongs to a class of medicines that lowers blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM. Your doctor has prescribed RISTABEN to help lower your blood sugar, which is too high because you have type 2 diabetes.
WHAT RISTABEN IS USED FOR
BEFORE YOU TAKE RISTABEN
Do not take RISTABEN:
- If you are allergic to sitagliptin or any of the other ingredients in RISTABEN. A list of ingredients can be found at the beginning of this leaflet under “WHAT RISTABEN CONTAINS”.
- If you have type 1 diabetes
Take special care with RISTABEN: There are some things your doctor should know before you get the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have or have had:
- any allergies
While taking RISTABEN Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported in patients receiving RISTABEN. Pancreatitis can be a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition. Stop taking RISTABEN and call your doctor if you experience severe and persistent stomach pain, with or without vomiting, because you could have pancreatitis.
HOW TO TAKE RISTABEN
Do not share RISTABEN prescribed for you with others. Always take RISTABEN exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. The recommended dose is to take: One 100 mg tablet once a day by mouth, with or without food. If you have the impression that the effect of RISTABEN is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe lower doses. Your doctor may prescribe RISTABEN along with certain other medicines that lower blood sugar. Diet and exercise can help your body use its blood sugar better. It is important to stay on your doctor recommended diet, exercise and weight loss program while taking RISTABEN.
Use in Children
RISTABEN has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.
Use in the Elderly
No dosage adjustment is necessary based on age.
If you take more RISTABEN than you should: In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, seek help at the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
If you forget to take RISTABEN: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of RISTABEN.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
RISTABEN may cause side effects. Not all side effects reported for RISTABEN are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen while taking RISTABEN, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice. If any of the following happen, stop taking RISTABEN and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
- Allergic reactions which may be serious including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking RISTABEN and call your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to treat your allergic reaction and a different medication for your diabetes.
- Severe and persistent stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition. Stop taking RISTABEN and call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms.
These are very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalization. Some patients have experienced kidney problems (sometimes requiring dialysis) while taking RISTABEN. The following are side effects of RISTABEN that are seen frequently. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- low blood sugar; signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: headache, drowsiness, irritability, hunger, dizziness, confusion, sweating, feeling jittery, weakness and fast heart beat
- nausea
- flatulence
- foot swelling
- headache
- upper respiratory infection
- stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
- arm or leg pain
- painful joint disease, most frequently affecting the hips, knees and spine
- flu-like symptoms
- swelling of the arms and legs
The following are side effects of RISTABEN that are seen less frequently. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- runny nose
- dry mouth
- upper respiratory infection
- stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
- constipation
- vomiting
- headache
- joint pain
- muscle aches
- arm or leg pain
- back pain
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you develop any unusual side effect or if any known side effect does not go away, or gets worse. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
STORING AND DISPOSING OF RISTABEN
Store at or below 30 °C. Do not use RISTABEN after the month and year shown following Exp./Verv.: on the container. Keep all medicines out of reach and sight of children. Protect from moisture. The blister should be kept in the carton until required for use. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).