Metformin Oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

Metformin

Uses

Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly other medicines to control high blood sugar. It is used in type 2 diabetic patients. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nervous problems, loss of organs and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Metformin works by helping your body restore proper responses to naturally produced insulin. This reduces the amount of sugar that makes up your liver and absorbs your stomach / intestines.

How To Use Metformin HCL

If you start taking metformin and get refills every time, before you are available from your pharmacist, please read the Patient Information Letter. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Metformin guided by your doctor, usually 1-3 times a day with food. Drink lots of fluids while taking this medication unless directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, treatment response and other medicines you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including Prescription Drugs, nonprescription Drugs and Herbal Products). To reduce your risk of side effects (such as stomach upset), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at low doses and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Take Metformin regularly so that it can get the most benefit. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

If you are already taking another diabetes drug (like chlorpropamide), carefully follow your doctor’s instructions to stop / continue the old medicine and start the metformin.

Regularly check blood sugar guided by your doctor. Take care of the results, and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if the measurement of your blood sugar is too high or too low. Your diet / treatment may need to be changed.

Side Effects

See also the warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach worsening, diarrhea, weakness, or a metal taste may occur in the mouth. If any of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If symptoms of stomach return later (after taking a single dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor immediately. The signs of stomach arising after the first days of your treatment can be signs of lactic acidosis.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has decided that your benefit is higher than the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not have serious side effects.

Metformin is usually not the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If this medicine is prescribed with other diabetes drugs then low blood sugar can occur. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist whether you have low doses of other diabetes medicines.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, tremors, pulsation, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or jerking of hands / feet. It is a good habit to take glucose tablets or gel for the treatment of low blood sugar. If you do not have these reliable forms of glucose, then increase your blood glucose faster by drinking a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about immediate reaction. The possibility of low blood sugar is high if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercises, or do not consume enough calories from food. To help prevent low blood glucose, dine at regular times, and do not leave food. To find out from your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you need to eat.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increase in urine, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication.

Stop taking Metformin and tell your doctor immediately if it is very serious: Lactic acidosis (see warning section).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, if you see any of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, immediately seek medical help: granules, itching / swelling (especially the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you do not list other effects above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can notify the FDA of side effects on 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report the health effects of Canada on 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

See also the warning section.

Before taking Metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to metformin; Or if you have any other allergens. This product may contain passive elements, which may cause allergic or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using Metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: severe respiratory problems (such as lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (such as anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency ), Kidney disease, liver disease

Before conducting surgery or using an x-ray / scanning process using iodine-containing contrast, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products) . You may have to stop this medication for a short time for surgery. Ask your doctor or dentist for instructions before your surgery / procedure.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness due to very little or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any such activity for which you need a vigilance or a clear vision, unless you’re not sure that you can do such activities safely.

Limit alcohol while using Metformin because it can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis and low blood glucose.

Due to high fever, “water pills” (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause excessive body water (dehydration) and can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately if you have had diarrhea or vomiting for a long time. Be sure to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration until your doctor directs you otherwise.

When your body is stressed (such as a fever, infection, injury or surgery), it can be difficult to control your blood glucose. Consult your doctor because increased stress may require a change in your treatment plan, medicines, or blood sugar test.

Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects such as low blood glucose or lactic acidosis.

During pregnancy, Metformin should be used only when explicitly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to use insulin instead of this product during your pregnancy. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Metformin can cause a change in the menstrual cycle (boosting ovulation) and can increase the risk of getting pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using reliable birth control while using this drug.

Metformin passes in a small amount of breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Over Dose

If someone is treated and has serious symptoms such as difficulty in getting out or breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call the Poison Control Center immediately, American residents can call their local toxin control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadians can call a provincial poison control center. Overdose can lead to lactic acidosis. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, severe nausea / vomiting / diarrhea, rapid breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Participate in the Diabetes Education Program to learn more about how to manage your diabetes with medicines, diet, exercise and regular medical examinations.

Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugars and how to treat low blood glucose. Regularly check your blood glucose as directed and share the results with your doctor.

Labs and / or medical tests (such as kidney function, liver function, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood count) should be done before taking this medicine and taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, then take it as you remember with food. If it is near the next dose time, then leave the thesis dose. Take your next dose at regular times. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Until instructed to do so, do not flush the medicines under the toilet or drain them in the drain. When this period expires or is not required, leave this product appropriately. Consult your drug dealer or local waste disposal company to get more information about safely terminating your product.

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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