Metformin online

Metformin is used to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. Metformin works in three ways: first, it reduces the amount of glucose produced by your liver; second, it reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from food through your stomach; and third, it makes the insulin that your body produces work better to reduce the amount of glucose already in your blood. Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin may be used alone or together with insulin or other diabetes medicines.

Generic name:

metformin (generic producer)

Brand names:

Glucophage 

Item info:

Metformin is used to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. Metformin works in three ways: first, it reduces the amount of glucose produced by your liver; second, it reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from food through your stomach; and third, it makes the insulin that your body produces work better to reduce the amount of glucose already in your blood. Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin may be used alone or together with insulin or other diabetes medicines.

Drug class:

Oral antidiabetic agent

Interactions:

Metformin can interact with many other medicines and many medications may affect your condition. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal products without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects:

Stop taking metformin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

A small number of people who have taken metformin have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis that has been fatal in up to 50% of cases. Lactic acidosis has occurred most often in people whose kidneys were not working properly.

Liver problems may also increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Stop taking metformin and call your doctor immediately if you experience a feeling of general discomfort or sickness; weakness; sore or aching muscles; trouble breathing, unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; unusual or unexplained stomach upset (after the initial stomach upset that may occur at the start of therapy with metformin); or the sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat. These may be signs of lactic acidosis.

Metformin does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Nevertheless, hypoglycemia may occur in the treatment of diabetes, as a result of skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, which include hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a non-dietetic candy or glucose tablets to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take metformin and talk to your doctor if you experience

•   nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea at the start of therapy; 
•  abdominal bloating or increased gas production; or 
•  decreased appetite or changes in taste (metallic taste in your mouth).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Prescription needed / OTC:

Prescription only

Dosage:

Take metformin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

Take the tablets with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break the Glucophage XR tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the metformin solution with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Take metformin with a meal to reduce nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach that may occur with metformin therapy. These symptoms may be more likely to occur during the first few weeks of therapy. Occasionally, inactive ingredients in the metformin extended-release (Glucophage XR) tablets may pass through your body undissolved and appear in the stool as a soft mass. This is not harmful, and the medication has been absorbed by your body.

It is important to take metformin regularly to get the most benefit.

A decrease in vitamin B12 may also occur during metformin therapy. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood levels of vitamin B12 and you may need to take B12 supplements. A vitamin B12 deficiency may rarely cause anemia. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests.

Contraindications:

Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you

•   have kidney disease; 
•  have liver disease; 
•  have congestive heart failure; 
•  have acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis; 
•  have had a heart attack or a stroke; 
•  have a serious infection, illness, or injury; 
•  need to have surgery; 
•  need to have x-rays or other procedures using injectable contrast agents; 
•  are dehydrated (have lost water from your body) due to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, heat stroke, decreased fluid intake, or any other cause; 
•  drink alcohol; or 
•  are 80 years of age or older and have not had your kidney function tested.

You may not be able to take metformin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, require surgery, or if you experience a serious injury. Illness or injury may cause a loss of blood sugar control and insulin (or an adjustment of a current insulin dose) may be required for a period of time.

Metformin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Generally, insulin is the drug of choice for controlling diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Metformin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over the age of 65 years, there may be an slight increase in the risk of developing lactic acidosis due to a natural decline in kidney function with advancing age. A lower dose or special monitoring may be necessary during your treatment.

Storage:

Store metformin tablets and oral solution at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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• Actos
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• metformin