Metformin

 

How to use

Metformin should be taken orally, usually twice a day with meals. Drink plenty of water or other fluids during treatment. Your prescribed dosage will be determined by your doctor, based on your condition and response to treatment. Follow his instructions exactly. If you are currently already taking some form of anti-diabetes medication, follow your doctor's instructions on how to safely stop taking it and start taking Metformin. You will probably start treatment on the lowest recommended dose to avoid side effects, such as an upset stomach. Your dosage may then gradually be increased.

 

Take this medication regularly and at approximately the same times every day to enjoy its maximum benefits.

 

Overdose

Possible symptoms of a Metformin overdose include:

• Rapid breathing
• Severe drowsiness
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

An overdose can lead to potentially dangerous conditions, such as lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

 

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Metformin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dosage. 

 

Notes

You will need regular medical or laboratory tests to determine your progress and check for side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

 

Metformin works best in combination with certain lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

 

Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Metformin.

 

Storage

Store Metformin at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Important Note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 

 

 

Precautions

Consult your doctor before taking Metformin if you suffer from any of the following medical conditions:

• Any allergies
• Kidney or liver diseases
• Conditions that may cause a low level of oxygen in the blood or poor circulation (e.g. severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke)
• Metabolic acidosis (e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis)
• A serious infection
• Severe loss of body fluids (dehydration)
• Adrenal or pituitary gland problems
• Severe breathing problems (e.g. obstructive lung disease, severe asthma)
• Blood problems (e.g. anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Fertility problems (e.g. ovulation problems)
• Alcohol use or abuse

Extremely low or high blood sugar levels may cause blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while experiencing these side effects. Only start performing such activities again once you are sure you can do them safely.

 

When your body is under stress due to the effects of injury, surgery or illness, it is harder to control your glucose levels. If you are experiencing anything like this, you need to inform your doctor, as he may want to implement changes in your medication, treatment plan or glucose testing.

 

Caution is advised when Metformin is used by elderly people. As you grow older, kidney function naturally declines and this puts you at greater risk of such side effects as lactic acidosis or low blood sugar.

 

Metformin is classed as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA, which means it is not known whether this medication could harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risk and benefits of taking these pills with your doctor if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.

Metformin may pass into breast milk, therefore it is not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding. Discuss your options with your doctor.

This medication may cause changes in your menstrual cycle and increase your chance of getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about reliable forms of birth control.

 

Drug Interactions

Before taking Metformin, you should inform your doctor of all other medication you are currently using, including:

• Medication that may affect the kidneys' ability to remove metformin from the body (e.g. Cimetidine, Cephalexin)
• Diuretics (e.g. Furosemide, thiazide diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Herbal or non-prescription drugs containing sugar or alcohol

Many medicines make it more difficult to control your glucose levels. Talk to your doctor before you start, stop or change any medication and check your levels regularly.

 

Certain medications, such as beta blockers, may mask the fast, pounding heartbeat, which is a classic symptom of low blood sugar. Other side effects of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, hunger or sweating, remain unaffected by Metformin.

 

This is only a partial list and other medicines may interact with Metformin. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medication you use, including herbal pills, dietary supplements, vitamins and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

 

 

The following common side effects of Metformin may occur initially:

• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Metallic taste in the mouth

These side effects are usually only temporary and should disappear after a few days. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if any of these effects persist or worsen. If stomach symptoms return at a later date (after the first few days of treatment), you should contact your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of lactic acidosis.

 

Metformin does not usually cause hypoglycemia. However, if you take other anti-diabetes medication, drink too much alcohol, do not consume enough calories or exercise too heavily, low blood sugar may occur. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Cold sweats
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Shaking
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Fainting
• Tingling of the hands or feet
• Hunger

Carry glucose tablets or sugary snacks with you at all times, in case you experience low blood sugar. To help prevent hypoglycemia, you should eat regularly and not skip meals.

 

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• Thirst
• Increased urination
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Rapid breathing
• Fruity breath odor

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor straightaway, as you may require a dosage increase.

 

Metformin may rarely cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. The risk is increased if you have any of the following health problems:

• Kidney or liver diseases
• Conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g. severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke)
• Heavy alcohol use
• A severe loss of body fluids (dehydration)
• If you need to undergo X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug
• Recent surgery
• A serious infection

Stop taking this medication immediately and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:

• Unusual tiredness
• Severe drowsiness
• Chills
• Blue or cold skin
• Muscle pain
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Unusually slow or irregular heartbeat

In rare cases, you may develop a severe allergic reaction to this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Notify your doctor straightaway if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.

 

How does Metformin work? Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the uptake of glucose by muscle and fat tissues. Diabetes causes a drop in insulin production, which sets a chain reaction in motion - the liver will produce more sugar and less will be removed from the blood by body tissues. Metformin makes the liver, muscle and fat tissues more sensitive to the effects of existing insulin in the body, making it easier for these organs to perform their natural functions. As a result, blood sugar levels are stabilized once again.

Is it safe to take Metformin when pregnant or breastfeeding? Metformin is classed as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA, which means it is not known whether this medication could harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risk and benefits of taking these pills with your doctor if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.   Metformin may pass into breast milk, therefore it is not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding. Discuss your options with your doctor.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Metformin?  It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Metformin. Alcohol lowers the body's blood sugar levels and could cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

What is the difference between Metformin and other diabetes medication? Unlike certain other diabetes medication, Metformin does not increase the amount of insulin present in the body. This is much safer as it drastically reduces the risk of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. In addition, studies have shown that these pills do not cause weight gain, unlike most other diabetes medication.

What is the recommended dosage of Metformin? The recommended starting dosage of Metformin for children from the ages of 10-16 is 500mg twice a day. The maximum recommended amount for people in this age group is 2000mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses.   The recommended starting dosage from age 17 or over is 500mg twice a day or 850mg once daily. The maximum dosage for this age group is 2550mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses.