About Metformin
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It reduces the sugar made by the liver and helps the body use insulin better. It is also used in prediabetes and in PCOS when the doctor advises.
How to take it
Take it with food or just after a meal, to reduce stomach upset. Extended-release (SR, XR) tablets are swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. The doctor usually starts with a low dose and increases it slowly.
Common side effects
- Loose stools, gas, nausea or a metallic taste in the first few weeks. These usually settle.
- Low vitamin B12 after long use, which can cause tingling in the feet.
Call your doctor if
- Severe vomiting, diarrhoea or you cannot eat or drink.
- Unusual muscle pain, fast breathing, or feeling very weak and cold.
- Before a CT scan with contrast dye or a surgery. The doctor may pause it for a short time.
Take care
Avoid heavy alcohol. Tell the doctor about any kidney or liver disease.
From our clinic: On its own, metformin rarely causes low sugar. Ask for a vitamin B12 test once a year if you have taken it for many years.
About Empagliflozin
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by passing extra sugar out in the urine. It also protects the heart and kidneys and is used in heart failure.
How to take it
Take it once a day in the morning, with or without food. Drink enough water.
Common side effects
- Passing more urine.
- Fungal infection or itching around the private parts.
- Urine infection.
Call your doctor if
- Nausea, vomiting, belly pain or fast breathing, even with normal sugar. Get a ketone test the same day.
- Pain or swelling in the area between the legs.
- Before a surgery or on sick days.
Take care
Avoid very low-carbohydrate (keto) diets and heavy alcohol.
From our clinic: Keep the private area clean and dry. Pause it on sick days when you cannot eat or drink.
About Linagliptin
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, in the same family as sitagliptin.
How to take it
Take it once a day, with or without food. The dose does not need to change for kidney disease.
Common side effects
- Usually well tolerated. Some people get a sore throat or stuffy nose.
Call your doctor if
- Severe stomach pain going to the back, with vomiting.
- Large blisters on the skin.
Take care
Tell the doctor about any past pancreatitis.
From our clinic: Often chosen when the kidneys are weak, because the dose stays the same.
General information for patients, not a substitute for your doctor's advice. Your dose and plan may differ.
Details are taken from the maker's pack listing and our billing system. Prices are MRP and may change. This page is not medical advice: do not start, stop or switch a medicine without your doctor. Page updated 23 Oct 2026.