You should not use Xigduo XR if you have severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking Xigduo XR.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
In rare cases, this medicine can cause serious infections in the penis or vagina. Get medical help right away if you have burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, or if you don't feel well.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xigduo XR if you are allergic to dapagliflozin (Farxiga) or metformin, or if you have:
severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
To make sure Xigduo XR is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver or kidney disease;
low blood pressure;
a bladder infection or urination problems;
heart problems, low blood pressure;
problems with your pancreas, including surgery; or
if you are on a low salt diet.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using Xigduo XR if you are pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should not use dapagliflozin and metformin during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Metformin may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
You should not breastfeed while using Xigduo XR.
Xigduo XR is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Xigduo XR?
Take Xigduo XR extended release tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your doctor may perform kidney function tests before you start taking Xigduo XR.
Take with food to prevent an upset stomach.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Xigduo XR.
This medicine is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking Xigduo XR. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
