Glumetza (Metformin Hydrochloride ER)

Do’s

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before commencing Glumetza and every time you receive a refill. If you have any questions, seek guidance from your healthcare provider.
• Take this medication orally as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily with the evening meal. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
• Consume ample fluids while taking this medication, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• The dosage of Glumetza is determined based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Your healthcare provider may advise starting this medication at a low dose and then gradually increasing it to minimize the risk of side effects. Carefully follow their instructions.
• Take this medication regularly at the same time each day to derive the maximum benefit from it.
• If you are already taking another diabetes drug, such as chlorpropamide, carefully follow your healthcare provider's directions for discontinuing/continuing the previous drug and initiating Glumetza.
• Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as instructed by your healthcare provider, maintaining a record of the readings to share with them. Notify your healthcare provider if your blood sugar levels are excessively high or low, as adjustments to your dosage or treatment may be necessary.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew Glumetza tablets, as this can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Similarly, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your healthcare provider specifically advises you to do so. 

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Weight loss

These side effects typically diminish over time, especially when the medication is taken with the evening meal. 

Inform your healthcare provider if you experience side effects that persist, return after subsiding, or begin later in the course of treatment. They may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative options. 

Always seek the advice of your health provider with any questions or concerns regarding the side effects of Glumetza.

If you need to undergo surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking Glumetza. Inform your healthcare providers ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Glumetza may interact with other drugs you are taking. Consult a healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any course of treatment, as well as before making changes to your medication or diet.

Discontinue Glumetza if your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below a certain level. Additionally, if you have a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure, or if you will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast, discontinuing Glumetza may be necessary. Re-evaluating eGFR after an imaging procedure and restarting Glumetza if renal function is stable are also important considerations.

Glumetza can lead to a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Patients should be informed about the risks, symptoms, and conditions that predispose to its development. If unexplained symptoms occur, such as hyperventilation, myalgias, or malaise, discontinue Glumetza immediately and promptly notify a healthcare provider. Regular testing of renal function while receiving Glumetza is also advised.

Patients should be informed about the potential for hypoglycemia when Glumetza is coadministered with oral sulfonylureas and insulin. Understanding the symptoms, treatment, and conditions that predispose to the development of hypoglycemia is crucial.

The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding the use of Glumetza.