Glucophage
Generic Name: Metformin
What is Glucophage?
Glucophage is used in addition to diet and exercise to control blood sugar in adults and children with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent). Glucophage also comes in an extended-release form called Glucophage XR, which allows the medicine to be released slowly in your body over 24 hours.What is the most important information I should know about Glucophage?
In rare cases, Glucophage can cause a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis has occurred mostly in people whose kidneys were not working normally. Stop using Glucophage and call your doctor right away if you have signs of lactic acidosis: feeling very weak, tired or uncomfortable; unusual muscle pain; trouble breathing; unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; feeling cold; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; or suddenly developing a slow or irregular heartbeat.Glucophage and Glucophage XR rarely cause low blood sugar by themselves. However, hypoglycemia can happen if you do not eat enough, if you drink alcohol, or if you take other medicines to lower blood sugar.
Who should not take Glucophage?
Do not take Glucophage if you have kidney or liver problems, or heart failure treated with medicines such as digoxin or furosemide. Anyone with a serious condition, such as heart attack, severe infection, or a stroke should not take this drug.Do not take this drug if you drink alcohol, are dehydrated, are going to have an x-ray procedure with injection of dyes (contrast agents), or surgery.
Do not take Glucophage if you have ever had an allergic reaction to metformin.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Glucophage?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver problems, heart failure, drink a lot of alcohol, are severely dehydrated or have a disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, or plan to have surgery or an x-ray procedure with injection of a dye.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Glucophage
Adults: The usual starting dose is 500 milligrams (mg) twice a day or 850 mg once a day, taken with meals. Your doctor may increase your dose as appropriate.
Children 10-16 years: The usual starting dose is 500 mg twice a day, taken with meals. Your doctor may increase your dose as appropriate.
Glucophage XR
Adults: The usual starting dose is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose as appropriate.
How should I take Glucophage?
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and when to take it. You should take Glucophage and Glucophage XR with meals.Glucophage XR must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed. Occasionally, the inactive ingredients of Glucophage XR may be eliminated as a soft mass in your stool that may look like the original tablet; this is not harmful and will not affect the way Glucophage XR works to control your diabetes.
What should I avoid while taking Glucophage?
Do not drink alcohol while taking Glucophage.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Glucophage?
If Glucophage is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining this medication with the following: albuterol, alcohol, amiloride, certain blood pressure medications, cimetidine, chlorpromazine, other diabetes medicines, digoxin, estrogens, insulin, isoniazid, morphine, niacin, nifedipine, pseudoephedrine, birth control pills, phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, steroids, thyroid products, trimethoprim, vancomycin, and verapamil.What are the possible side effects of Glucophage?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, weakness, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, headache
Can I receive Glucophage if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Glucophage during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Glucophage?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Glucophage?
Store at room temperature.
