Glumetza

Generic name: Metformin hydrochloride extended release

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 another anti-diabetes medicine called a sulfonylurea or with insulin. Glumetza helps control your blood sugar levels by helping your body respond better to the insulin it makes naturally.

What is the most important information I should know about Glumetza?

Glumetza can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a build up 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, get dehydrated (lose a large amount of body fluids). Dehydration can happen if you are sick with a fever, have diarrhea, or from vomiting. Dehydration can also happen when you sweat a lot with activity or exercise and don't drink enough fluids. You also have a higher chance of getting lactic acidosis if you have certain x-ray tests with injectable dyes used, have surgery, have a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke, or are 80 years of age or older and not had your kidney function tested.

Who should not take Glumetza?

Do not take Glumetza if you have kidney problems, 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, planning 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 of Glumetza is 1000 milligrams (mg) a day, taken with food in the evening. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg a week, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once-a-day with the evening meal. If glycemic control is not achieved with 2000 mg once daily, a trial of 1000 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 after approximately 1 week and by 500 mg every week thereafter until adequate glycemic control is achieved without exceeding the maximum daily dose. The insulin dose should be decreased by 10-25% when plasma fasting glucose concentrations decrease to <120 mg/dL. Further adjustments should be individualized.

How should I take Glumetza?

Take Glumetza once a day in the evening with food. Swallow tablets whole. Never crush, split, or chew Glumetza tablets.

Take Glumetza exactly as prescribed. 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 to.

It is normal to see the tablet shell and a soft mass of the inactive ingredients in your stool.

While you are on Glumetza therapy, 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?

Avoid excessive alcohol use 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, corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics (eg, furosemide); estrogens, isoniazid; morphine, nicotinic acid, nifedipine, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, sympathomimetics, thyroid medications, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin

What 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, and upset stomach

Symptoms of lactic acidosis: dizziness, feeling cold, irregular/slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, muscle pain, stomach problems, tired or uncomfortable, 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?

Treatment with Glumetza is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing, talk to your doctor about your therapy options.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Glumetza?

If you miss a dose of Glumetza, resume dosing according to schedule.

How should I store Glumetza?

Store at room temperature.