:: Health Conditions - Diabetes
- Glucophage (Metformin)
Glucophage - Metformin Tablets
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Glucophage is the brand name of a drug Metformin.
Metformin tablets are used to regulate blood glucose (sugar)
levels. It 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.
Glucophage (Metformin) is used to treat type 2 diabetes that
is not controlled on diet alone. Metformin may be used alone
or together with insulin or other diabetes medicines.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take your Metformin tablets as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. It is available
in several different dosages: metformin 500mg, metformin 850mg
and metformin 1000mg. Do not take a double dose. Take as exactly
as your doctor prescribed to you.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
An overdose of metformin is likely to cause lactic acidosis.
See the "What are the possible side effects of metformin?"
section for symptoms of lactic acidosis.
What are the possible side effects
of metformin?
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 tablets
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.
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