Cetapin V (metformin, voglibose) is an antidiabetic medication useful for type 2 diabetics who need more than a single medication to reduce blood glucose. Each Cetapin V tablet contains two medications, which are:

• Metformin, which lowers blood sugar by reducing its production in the liver, inhibits glucose absorption, and increases glucose uptake by muscle and fat.
• Voglibose, which inhibits the digestion of carbohydrates and delays the absorption of glucose, preventing glucose spikes after meals.

Cetapin V can be used with other medications, including insulin, if needed. Given the volume of antidiabetic medications available, a doctor should be aware of all medications taken. Some ingredients do not combine well, and can lead to disruptive or even harmful side effects.

Patients should be careful to avoid confusing Cetapin V with Cetapin P. Though the names are similar and both contain metformin, Cetapin P contains pioglitazone instead of voglibose. Pioglitazone increases the body's sensitivity to glucose, making its use more effective while reducing overall blood glucose.

Taking Cetapin V

As mentioned above, Cetapin V comes in tablets. A tablet should always be taken with food; on an empty stomach, metformin is somewhat notorious for the abdominal discomfort it can produce.

Dosage and frequency of administration depends somewhat on personal variables---age, other medical conditions, other medications taken, and so forth---as well as the severity of the type 2 diabetes.

Roughly patients are advised to:

• Take a dose two or three times per day. Rarely some patients may be advised to take just dose per day.
• Many patients are started on lower doses, even if it is strongly believed that higher doses will be needed, and dosage is gradually increased to improve tolerability.
• Each dose should be taken with a full meal; metformin can produce uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects if taken on an empty stomach.
• In the vast majority of cases more than 2000 mg metformin per day should not be exceeded with this medication.
• Blood glucose should be monitored closely at the start of treatment and following any dose adjustments.

If other antidiabetic treatments are taken with Cetapin V, be aware that the above administration guidelines may deviate.

As both medications in Cetapin V are used independently, some patients taking both metformin and voglibose on their own may wish to combine them in a single tablet. In these cases, both the dose of metformin and voglibose should be matched as closely as possible in a Cetapin V tablet.

Lifestyle

While Cetapin V---and most other antidiabetic medications---will work without any changes to lifestyle, lifestyle changes are, in the vast majority of cases, the only way to reduce or even eliminate dependency on medications to manage blood glucose. We strongly encourage all patients to make---and stick with---lifestyle modifications to the best of their ability.

Common recommended changes include:

• Get regular exercise
• Improve diet
• Quit smoking
• Avoid stress when possible
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Others

A doctor can recommend changes for a specific individual, and there is an abundance of information available on the internet.

Many patients are---understandably---reluctant to make significant lifestyle changes. They are often difficult and unpleasant to start with. Keep in mind, however, that they start slowly, most individuals quickly adapt, and, perhaps most importantly, they're for the long-term good of the individual making them.

Individuals who do not manage their blood glucose, whether by medication, lifestyle changes, or both, are most likely in for at least a few of the longer-term complications associated with the condition. For example, these can include:

• loss of limbs
• blindness
• kidney failure
• stroke
• heart attack
• Other severe complications

Life itself is also often shortened. The risk of all of these is greatly mitigated by controlling blood glucose and---through lifestyle changes---minimizing or eliminating type 2 diabetes.

Cetapin V Side Effects

Cetapin V is generally well tolerated provided patients follow instructions. Most side effects are gastrointestinal, which, though they may be uncomfortable, are rarely life-threatening.

Both metformin and voglibose can cause:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain

Voglibose is also associated with:

• Abdominal swelling,
• Constipation
• Excess gas

Both medications produce an increased risk of further complications when used in patients with other medical conditions, such as heart failure or hepatic dysfunction. Make sure the doctor is aware of any other medical conditions.

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can develop when taking Cetapin V, or any antidiabetic medication. The risk of hypoglycemia is greatest when treatment starts of dosage is increased. Patients monitoring blood glucose should catch on to this before it becomes dangerous. If hypoglycemia does occur---even if caught and rectified early---a doctor should be consulted regarding medications.

Use of Cetapin V is not advised during pregnancy, but then again diabetes presents complications of its own. Most patients can switch to another medication during pregnancy, but if unable to do so use of Cetapin V will likely continue. Speak with a doctor about options.