What is Metformin Used for?
Glucophage (Metformin) is a oral medication that helps one control their blood sugar levels so that they can keep their type 2 diabetes in check. This drug can be used in combination with insulin or other medicine to treat type 1 diabetes.
How should Metformin be stored?
Glucophage (Metformin) should be stored away from moisture, light, and heat.
General Information
How should I take Metformin?
Follow your doctor’s directions and the prescription when taking Glucophage. Be sure to avoid taking larger amounts than prescribed. You can take Glucophage (Metformin) with a meal unless your doctor specifies not to. Treatment will also involve changing your diet, exercise, and weight in addition to taking glucophage. Ensure that your prescription is refilled before you run out because it is important to take Glucophage (Metformin) without any stoppages in dosage. Swallow the pill whole; do not chew or crush the medicine. Have your doctor test your blood on a regular basis to ensure that the drug is working for you. If you become injured, sick, form an infection, or require surgery talk to your doctor about your dosage as it may need to be changed.
When should Metformin not be taken?
Avoid taking Glucophage (Metformin) if you have kidney disease or experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis. Also inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease.
What precautions should I follow when taking Metformin?
Ensure that you do not let your blood sugar get so low that it causes hypoglycemia. Signs of low blood sugar include: hunger, headache, confusion, irritability; drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors; sweating, fast heartbeat; seizure (convulsions); or fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Be sure to keep a source of sugar available on you. In addition, if you need an x-ray or ct scan that requires dye to be injected into your veins you may need to stop taking Glocophage temporarily. Talk to your doctor about this.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Metformin?
In some rare cases, people taking Glucophage (Metformin) have developed lactic acidosis, a life threatening condition. If you believe you have symptoms of lactic acidosis, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms include: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
What are the side effects of Metformin?
Serious Glucophage (Metformin) side effects: feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; swelling or rapid weight gain; or fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious Glucophage (Metformin) side effects: headache or muscle pain; weakness; or mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.
Allergic reactions (Seek medical attention immediately): weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
