Xigduo® (Dapagliflozin/Metformin XR) Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes

What Xigduo® Is and How It Works

Xigduo is a combination of dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and metformin extended-release (a biguanide). It is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Common strengths include xigduo xr 5 mg 1000 mg, 10/1000 mg, 5/500 mg, and 10/500 mg. Xigduo XR is taken once daily with food. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Dapagliflozin helps the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine by blocking sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). Metformin lowers hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. Together, these ingredients address fasting and post‑meal glucose. The combination may also support modest weight and blood pressure reductions.

Xigduo tablets are not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Dosing is individualized based on current therapy and kidney function. Learn more about type 2 diabetes care in our Type 2 Diabetes resource and see our overview of SGLT2 agents in Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Sglt2 Inhibitors Drugs.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual dosing: once daily with the evening meal to reduce stomach upset. Strengths include 5/1000 mg, 10/1000 mg, 5/500 mg, and 10/500 mg.
• Initiation: choose a dose that matches the current dapagliflozin and metformin regimen. Typical dapagliflozin dose is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily.
• Titration: metformin XR may be increased in 500 mg steps at weekly intervals, as tolerated. Maximum recommended daily metformin is 2000 mg with dapagliflozin 10 mg.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew. A ghost tablet in stool can occur with XR formulations.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Hydration: maintain adequate fluid intake, especially during illness, heat, or exercise.
• Temporary interruption may be needed for surgery, prolonged fasting, or iodinated contrast procedures.

• Storage: keep tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place. Protect from moisture. Keep the desiccant in the original bottle.
• Travel: carry your tablets in the original labeled container. Keep a backup supply in hand luggage. Do not store in a hot car.
• Handling: keep out of reach of children. Check expiration dates before travel and reorder early if needed.

Benefits and Savings

Xigduo combines two proven agents in one tablet, which can simplify therapy and support adherence. Clinical studies show meaningful A1C reductions when dapagliflozin is added to metformin. Many people also see small decreases in weight and systolic blood pressure. The XR formulation allows once-daily dosing with food.

Using one co-formulated tablet can replace separate dapagliflozin and metformin tablets. That reduces pill burden and streamlines refills. Dapagliflozin has a low intrinsic risk of hypoglycemia when not used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. See our promotions page for current offers, including any xigduo coupon if available.

We source through licensed, vetted partner pharmacies that supply authentic brand medications, with a broad selection and value-focused pricing.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: increased urination, thirst, urinary tract infections, and genital yeast infections.
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach discomfort, and indigestion, especially during metformin dose increases.
• Other: headache, dizziness, mild dehydration, and back pain.
• Laboratory: small decreases in eGFR at initiation may occur; vitamin B12 levels can fall with long-term metformin.
• Hypoglycemia is more likely when used with insulin or sulfonylureas; dose adjustments of those agents may be needed.

Serious but less common risks include ketoacidosis (which can occur even with moderate glucose levels), lactic acidosis with metformin (higher risk in severe kidney or liver disease, hypoxia, or alcohol misuse), severe urinary tract infections, acute kidney injury, volume depletion, and rare cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene). Avoid use in severe renal impairment or dialysis. Discuss surgery, prolonged fasting, or contrast imaging plans in advance.

Onset Time

Some blood glucose improvements can appear within 1–2 weeks as dapagliflozin increases urinary glucose excretion. A1C reduction builds over 8–12 weeks as doses stabilize. Gastrointestinal effects from metformin XR often lessen after the first 1–2 weeks. Weight and blood pressure changes are typically gradual and may be noticeable over 2–3 months.

Compare With Alternatives

Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide) is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist taken once daily. It lowers A1C and supports weight loss, but has specific fasting administration steps and gastrointestinal tolerability considerations.

Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is a weekly GLP‑1 injection that reduces A1C and weight with convenient once‑weekly dosing. It may suit those preferring a non‑daily schedule.

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP‑1 injection given weekly. It offers strong A1C lowering and weight effects, with a gradual dose escalation to improve tolerability.

Choice depends on clinical goals, route preference, tolerability, and background therapy. Combination with insulin or other oral agents is common in type 2 diabetes when additive control is needed.

Combination Therapy

• Metformin background: Xigduo supplies metformin XR plus dapagliflozin in one tablet; avoid duplicating metformin with other products.
• Insulin: combining with basal or basal‑bolus insulin can improve control. Reducing insulin doses may lower hypoglycemia risk.
• Sulfonylureas: consider lowering the sulfonylurea dose to reduce hypoglycemia.
• GLP‑1 receptor agonists: often paired with SGLT2 inhibitors for complementary effects on A1C, weight, and cardiometabolic measures.
• Blood pressure and lipid therapies: commonly co‑prescribed in comprehensive type 2 diabetes care.

For background reading on insulin options, see Premixed Insulin How It Works And What To Know.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with type 2 diabetes who require additional A1C reduction beyond lifestyle measures and single‑agent therapy, or those already using separate dapagliflozin and metformin tablets. It is not for type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or dialysis. Consider medical history, kidney function, and infection risk.

Use caution in settings that increase dehydration or hypoxia. Extra monitoring may be needed in older adults. Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans for iodinated contrast procedures. Avoid excessive alcohol. Report symptoms of urinary or genital infections promptly.

To lower overall costs, consider multi‑month quantities when appropriate and plan refills early to avoid urgent shipments. Explore strength options, such as xigduo xr 10 500 or xigduo xr 10 1000 mg, to match prescribed doses efficiently. Educational details on this medicine are also available in Xigduo Uses Dosage And Side Effects.

Authoritative Sources

Xigduo XR Prescribing Information (AstraZeneca)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Xigduo

FDA Label and Medication Guide for Xigduo XR

Order Xigduo® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This material is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and personalized guidance.