Metformin

Metformin is a medicine used together with diet to lower high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin works by lowering the amount of glucose absorbed from intestines, decreasing how much glucose is made in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.

Introduction

Generic name: Metformin

Brand names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza

Drug class: Non-sulfonylureas

Uses

Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Directions for use

  • Take metformin 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. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

  • Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

  • Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

  • Measure liquid medicine carefully. Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

  • Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Benefits

In Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glycomet 500 SR Tablet belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying the absorption of sugar (glucose) from the intestines, and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Lowering blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If you can control the level you will reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Taking this medicine regularly along with proper diet and exercise will help you live a normal, healthy life.

How it works

Glycomet 500 SR Tablet is an anti-diabetic medication (biguanide). It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying the absorption of sugar (glucose) from the intestines, and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Side effects

Some people using this medicine develop lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as:

  • Unusual muscle pain

  • Feeling cold

  • Trouble breathing

  • Feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak

  • Stomach pain, vomiting

  • Slow or irregular heart rate.

Common metformin side effects may include:

  • Low blood sugar

  • Nausea, upset stomach

  • Diarrhea.

Warnings

  • You should not use metformin if you have severe kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis.

  • 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 metformin.

  • Though extremely rare, 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.

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