This Medicine: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe muscle pain or cramps
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Decreased urine output
- Signs of low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is hepexa m tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of Metformin and Ursodeoxycholic Acid used to treat type 2 diabetes in patients with liver conditions like fatty liver disease. It helps control blood sugar and supports liver health.
- Generic Name: Metformin (500mg) + Ursodeoxycholic Acid/Ursodiol (150mg)
- Manufacturer: Eris Lifesciences Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 hepexa m tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मेटफॉर्मिन और अर्सोडीऑक्सीकोलिक एसिड का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग टाइप 2 डायबिटीज और लिवर की समस्याओं जैसे फैटी लिवर के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह ब्लड शुगर को नियंत्रित करने और लिवर की रक्षा करने में मदद करती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, दस्त, पेट दर्द, और धातु जैसा स्वाद शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन लैक्टिक एसिडोसिस या एलर्जी हो सकती है। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। इसे भोजन के साथ लें ताकि पेट की परेशानी कम हो। शराब का सेवन बिल्कुल न करें। गुर्दे और लिवर की कार्यप्रणाली की नियमित जांच कराएं। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 hepexa m tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)","description":"This medicine helps control blood sugar levels while also improving liver function in patients with fatty liver disease.","evidence":"Well-established for metformin; ursodeoxycholic acid has supportive evidence in cholestatic liver conditions."},{"condition":"Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Cholestatic Liver Disease","description":"Used when diabetes coexists with conditions like primary biliary cholangitis or other cholestatic disorders.","evidence":"Ursodeoxycholic acid is well-established for cholestatic liver diseases; metformin manages diabetes."},{"condition":"Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Elevated Liver Enzymes","description":"May be prescribed when liver enzymes are persistently elevated, suggesting liver involvement.","evidence":"Limited to moderate evidence; clinical judgment required."}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)","description":"Ursodeoxycholic acid is sometimes used off-label to improve liver enzymes in NASH, though evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Gallstone dissolution","description":"Ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve small cholesterol gallstones in selected patients, but this is not the primary use of this combination.","evidence":"Well-established for ursodeoxycholic acid alone"}]
Primary treatment for: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with liver dysfunction
Also treats: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Cholestatic liver diseases (e.g., Primary Biliary Cholangitis), Elevated liver enzymes
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Metformin (500mg) + Ursodeoxycholic Acid/Ursodiol (150mg) |
| Brand Name | hepexa m tablet |
| Manufacturer | Eris Lifesciences Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with distinct mechanisms. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, reduces intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Ursodeoxycholic Acid reduces the cholesterol saturation of bile, disperses cholesterol in bile, and protects hepatocytes from the toxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids. Together, they address both glycemic control and liver health.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take hepexa m tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains Metformin 500 mg and Ursodeoxycholic Acid 150 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose is one tablet taken orally one to two times daily with meals, or as prescribed by your doctor. The exact dose and frequency depend on your blood sugar levels, liver function, and kidney function. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-adjust the dose. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may require lower doses due to reduced kidney function. Regular monitoring of renal function is essential. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | Metformin is contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²). In mild to moderate renal impairment, dose reduction or discontinuation may be needed. Ursodeoxycholic acid does not require renal dose adjustment. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Ursodeoxycholic acid is generally safe, but metformin should be avoided in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of lactic acidosis. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose of metformin is 2000-2550 mg depending on formulation. Ursodeoxycholic acid maximum daily dose is typically 15 mg/kg/day. For this combination, do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of hepexa m tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Iodinated contrast media | Major | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Furosemide | Moderate | |
| Corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| ACE inhibitors | Moderate | |
| Cholestyramine | Minor | |
| Antacids (Al/Mg) | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Iodinated contrast media
- Alcohol
- Cationic drugs (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
- Corticosteroids
- ACE inhibitors
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be completely avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication of metformin, and can worsen liver damage. It may also cause hypoglycemia.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Severe renal impairment (eGFR
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication; seek immediate medical help if you experience muscle pain, breathing difficulty, stomach pain, or extreme fatigue.","Regularly monitor kidney function; dose adjustment may be needed if kidney function declines.","Avoid alcohol completely while on this medicine.","Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or imaging with contrast dyes; you may need to temporarily stop this medicine.","Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur with long-term metformin use; periodic monitoring is advised.","Do not use this medicine for weight loss without medical supervision."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Metformin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Ursodeoxycholic acid is likely safe but data are limited. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, or liver toxicity. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis may be considered for metformin overdose.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without medical advice. Always take it with meals to reduce stomach upset. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol completely while on this medicine, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and liver problems. Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. If you have kidney or liver disease, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or monitor you more closely. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of kidney impairment and lactic acidosis. Regular monitoring of renal function is crucial. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor. This medicine is not routinely recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor may switch you to safer alternatives like insulin.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this medicine. It may need to be temporarily stopped before surgery due to risk of lactic acidosis, especially if contrast dyes or kidney-affecting drugs are used.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist about this medicine. No specific precautions are usually needed, but maintain good oral hygiene and monitor blood sugar.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Exercise is beneficial, but monitor your blood sugar before and after exercise, especially if you are on other diabetes medications. Carry a fast-acting sugar source in case of hypoglycemia. Stay hydrated.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or low blood sugar in some people, which can affect driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities if you feel unwell. Otherwise, it should not significantly impact your daily work life.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience serious side effects or your doctor advises discontinuation due to improved condition or other reasons, follow their guidance. Stopping suddenly can cause blood sugar to rise.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine requires regular monitoring of kidney function, liver function, and vitamin B12 levels. Metformin may cause vitamin B12 deficiency over time. Ursodeoxycholic acid is generally safe for long-term use. Periodic review with your doctor is essential to adjust the dose and detect any complications early.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Diet and exercise are cornerstone treatments for diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Evidence: Well-establishedYour doctor may prescribe alternative medications if this combination is not suitable.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific vaccine interactions are known. However, keep your vaccinations up to date, especially for influenza and pneumonia, as diabetes can increase risk of infections.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. If traveling across time zones, adjust your dosing schedule gradually in consultation with your doctor. Store at room temperature and protect from moisture. Declare it to customs if required. Always carry enough supply for your entire trip.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Metformin starts lowering blood sugar within a few days, but full effect may take 1-2 weeks. Ursodeoxycholic acid may improve liver enzymes within 2-4 weeks.
A: It depends on the severity. This medicine is contraindicated in severe kidney disease. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and adjust the dose.
A: Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure diabetes permanently.
Fact: This medicine helps manage blood sugar levels but does not cure diabetes. Lifestyle changes and ongoing medication are usually needed. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone with diabetes.
Fact: It is not safe for people with severe kidney or liver disease, or those who drink alcohol heavily. - Myth: You can stop this medicine once your sugar levels are normal.
Fact: Stopping without medical advice can cause blood sugar to rise again. Always consult your doctor before stopping.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Metformin 500 mg + Ursodeoxycholic Acid 150 mg tablet (generic)