Glumetza
Generic Name: Metformin
What is Glumetza?
Glumetza is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Glumetza may also be used with a sulfonylurea (another diabetes medication) or with insulin. Glumetza helps control your blood sugar levels by helping your body respond better to the insulin it makes naturally, and by modifying sugar production and absorption.What is the most important information I should know about Glumetza?
Glumetza can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a buildup of an acid in the blood) that can be potentially fatal. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in the hospital. Stop taking Glumetza and call your doctor right away if you feel very weak or tired; have muscle pain; have trouble breathing; have stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; have a slow or irregular heartbeat; or if a medical condition suddenly changes.You have a higher chance for getting lactic acidosis with Glumetza if you have kidney or liver problems, have congestive heart failure that requires treatments with medicines, drink a lot of alcohol, or get dehydrated (lose a large amount of body fluids). You also have a higher chance of getting lactic acidosis if you have certain tests with injectable dyes; have surgery; have a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke; or are ≥80 years of age and have not had your kidney function tested.
Who should not take Glumetza?
Do not take Glumetza if you have kidney problems, have heart failure that is treated with medicines, are allergic to Glumetza or to any of its ingredients, or have a condition called metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Glumetza?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Glumetza. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems; drink a lot of alcohol; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.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.Adults: The usual starting dose is 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day. Dosage increases should be made in amounts of 500 mg a week, up to a maximum of 2,000 mg once a day with the evening meal. If glucose control is not achieved with 2,000 mg once daily, 1,000 mg twice daily should be considered.
Glumetza plus Insulin Therapy
Adults: Continue your current insulin dose upon starting Glumetza. Glumetza should be started at 500 mg once daily in patients also receiving insulin therapy. For patients not responding adequately, Glumetza should be increased by 500 mg a week until adequate glucose control is achieved, without exceeding the maximum daily dose. The insulin dose may need to be reduced if your blood sugar levels decrease.
How should I take Glumetza?
Take Glumetza exactly as prescribed, once a day in the evening, with food. Swallow the tablets whole. Never crush, split, or chew them.Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and increase your dose slowly. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
It is normal to see the tablet shell and a soft mass of the inactive ingredients in your stool.
While you are on Glumetza, stay on your diet and exercise program, and test your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Glumetza?
Do not drink a lot of alcohol while taking Glumetza. This means you should not binge drink for short periods or drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis. Alcohol can increase the chance of getting lactic acidosis.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Glumetza?
If Glumetza 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 Glumetza with the following: amiloride, calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem), cimetidine, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), diuretics (such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide), digoxin, estrogens, isoniazid, morphine, nicotinic acid, nifedipine, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine), phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, sympathomimetics, thyroid medications, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycinWhat are the possible side effects of Glumetza?
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, upset stomach
Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include: dizziness, feeling cold, irregular/slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, muscle pain, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, tiredness or discomfort, trouble breathing
Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in the hospital.
Can I receive Glumetza if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Glumetza 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 Glumetza?
If you miss a dose of Glumetza, skip the dose you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Glumetza?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
