Metformin
Generic name: metformin
Brand name: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza. Riomet
Drug class: Non-sulfonylureas
How does metformin work?
Metformin is an oral diabetic medication that aids in controlling the blood sugar level.
Metformin is used in conjunction with exercise and diet to increase blood sugar control in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metformin can be used alongside insulin, or with other medicines However, it isn’t used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Metformin is also available off-label for treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).¶
Warnings
You shouldn’t take metformin when you suffer from extreme, kidney disease, on dialysis, metabolic acidosis, and diabetic ketoacidosis (call your physician to seek treatment).
If you require any kind of x-ray or CT scan with an injection of dye into your veins, you might have to stop your medication for a short period of time. metformin.
Although it is extremely rare, there is a possibility of developing the condition known as lactic acidosis. This is which is a risky build-up of lactic acid within your blood. Consult your doctor or seek urgent medical attention when you experience strange muscle pains, difficulty breathing and stomach discomfort, dizziness or feeling cold, or feeling tired or weak.
Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor.
It is not recommended to use metformin If you’re allergic to the drug, or suffer from any of the following:
- severe kidney disease
- Diabetes ketoacidosis, metabolic acidosis (call your doctor to seek treatment).
If you have to undergo surgery, or any other imaging procedure such as an x-ray or CT scan with dyes that are injected into your veins, you might require a temporary stop of metformin. It is important to inform your medical professionals beforehand that you’re taking this medicine.
Speak to your doctor if were ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney illness (your kidney function could need to be assessed prior to you starting taking this medication);
- the levels of ketone in your urine or in your blood;
- heart disease congestive heart failure
- liver disease liver disease
- If you are also taking insulin or any other oral diabetes medication.
There is a chance that you will be diagnosed with an illness called lactic acidosis. This is an extremely dangerous accumulation of the acid lactic within your blood. It’s more likely in the event of another medical issue or a serious infection, persistent alcoholism, or you’re 65 or over. Talk to your doctor about the chances of developing the disease.
Follow the instructions of your physician about taking metformin in case you are expecting or get expecting. Controlling diabetes is essential during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar could cause problems for both the mother and the infant. Talk to your doctor if get pregnant while you are taking metformin.
Metformin could stimulate ovulation for premenopausal women and increase the chance of unintentional pregnancy. Consult your doctor about the risks.
You shouldn’t feed your baby while taking this medication.
Metformin should not be administered to a child who is less than 10 years of age. Certain types of metformin aren’t permitted for use by people less than 18 years old.
What should I do to take metformin?
Follow the exact dosage of metformin as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and review all medication manuals or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medicine precisely as directed.
Use metformin in conjunction with meals, unless your physician tells you to take it differently. Certain forms of metformin should be taken once a day in the evening with a meal. Follow the instructions of your physician.
Do not chew, crush or break the extended release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Make sure you measure the liquid medicine cautiously. Shake the suspension in the mouth before measuring the amount. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or use a dosage-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).
Certain tablets contain an outer shell that isn’t absorbed or melting in the body. A small amount of the shell could be present in the stool of your patients. The normal course of things is that this does not reduce the effectiveness of the medication. efficient.
It is possible that you have lower levels of blood sugar(hypoglycemia) and you feel extremely hungry, dizzy or irritable. It can also make you feel confused and anxious. You may also feel shaky, agitated, or nervous. To help treat hypoglycemia fast consume or drink a rapid-acting sugar source (fruit juice crackers, hard candy or raisins, or any non-diet beverage).
Your physician may recommend the glucagon injection kit in the event that you suffer from severe hypoglycemia. Make sure that your family members or friends know the procedure to give you this injection in the event of an emergency.
The blood sugar levels may be affected by illness, stress surgical procedures, exercise alcohol, stress, or eating infrequently. Consult your physician prior to altering your dosage or medication schedule.
Metformin is a small part of a full treatment program which may include diet and exercise, weight management as well as regular blood sugar testing and medical treatment. Follow the instructions of your physician carefully.
Maintain at room temperature free of heat, moisture, and light.
The doctor could have you take additional vitamin B12 when you take this medication. You should only take what amount of vitamin B12 is prescribed by your physician. prescribed.
If I don’t take the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can, however, do not take any missed doses if it’s close to the time of the next dose. Don’t have two doses at one time.
How do I react if consume too much?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.
What should you be aware of
Do not drink alcohol. It reduces blood sugar levels and increases the chance of contracting lactic acidosis.
Metformin side effects
Contact a medical professional immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to metformin, such as symptoms of hives; difficulty breathing or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Certain people who take this medication suffer from lactic acidosis, which could be fatal. Seek medical attention immediately If you experience even minor symptoms, such as:
- unusual muscle pain;
- experiencing coldness;
- trouble breathing
- experiencing lightheadedness, dizziness exhausted, fatigued, or weak;
- stomach pain, vomiting; or
- Heart rate that is irregular or slow.
Common side effects of metformin are:
This isn’t a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs can have an effect on metformin?
Many medications can interfere with metformin, which can make it less effective, or raise the risk of lactic acidosis. This includes over-the-counter and prescription supplements, vitamins, as well as herbal supplements. The interactions of all medications are not included in this article. Discuss with your physician all of your medications as well as any new medication you are about to start or stop taking.