What is Glucophage?
Glucophage, an oral diabetic medicine, helps to control blood sugar levels.The use of Glucophage in conjunction with diet and exercise can improve blood sugar control for adults with type II diabetes.Metformin and glucophage are sometimes combined with insulin, but not to treat type I diabetes.
Warnings
Glucophage should not be used if you suffer from severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis. Consult your doctor to get treatment.You may need to temporarily stop using Glucophage if you are going to undergo an x-ray, CT scan, or any other type of test that uses a dye injected directly into your veins.You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood. If you experience unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, nausea, or feel cold or very tired, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Glucophage should not be used if:
- Severe kidney disease
- Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
You may have to temporarily stop using glucophage if you are going to undergo surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan that uses a dye injected directly into your veins. Make sure you let your carers and doctors know that you're taking this medication.
Inform your physician immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease (you may need to have your kidney function checked before taking this medication);
- High ketone levels are found in the blood or urine.
- Heart failure is
- Liver disease
- If you are also taking insulin or any other oral diabetes medication,
You can develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood. You may be at greater risk if there are other medical conditions or chronic alcoholism. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.If you are pregnant or become pregnant, follow your doctor's directions for using glucophage. It is important to control diabetes during pregnancy. High blood sugar can cause complications for both the mother and the baby. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor.Metformin can stimulate ovulation and increase the risk of unintentional pregnancy in premenopausal women. Speak to your physician if you are worried.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.Glucophage is not recommended for children younger than 10 years of age. Glucophage XR should not be used by children younger than 10 years of age.
Similar/related drugs
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Victoza, and Tresiba
How to take Glucophage?
Follow your doctor's instructions and take Glucophage only as directed. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Glucophage should be taken with food, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Glucophage XR should only be taken once daily, with your evening meal. Please follow your doctor's advice.Do not chew or crush an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.The Glucophage XR tablets are made of a shell that is not absorbed by the body or melted. Some of the shell may be found in your stool. This is not a problem, and the medication will still be effective.If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel hungry, dizzy, or confused. You might also be anxious or shaken. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).If you suffer from severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe an injection kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection.Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.Glucophage may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as regular blood sugar tests and medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.You may be prescribed extra vitamin B12 by your doctor if you are taking metformin. Only take the prescribed amount of vitamin B12 as directed by your doctor.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if you overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Side effects of Glucophage
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
Metformin can cause lactic acidosis. This condition is fatal. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience even mild symptoms, such as:
- Unusual muscle pain;
- Feeling cold
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, tired, or very weak
- Stomach pain, vomiting,
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Glucophage may cause side effects such as:
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea, upset stomach,
- Diarrhoea.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Immediate-release:
Initial dose: 500mg orally twice daily or 850mg orally once per day.
Dose titration: Increase by 500 mg per week or 850mg every two weeks, as tolerated.
Maintenance dose: 2000mg daily, divided into two doses
Maximum dose: 2550 mg/day
Extended-release:
Initial dose: 500–1000 mg orally, once daily.
Dose titration: Increase by 500 mg per week as tolerated.
Maintenance dose: 2000 mg daily.
Maximum dose: 2500 mg daily.
Comments:
If not contraindicated by other pharmacologic agents, metformin is preferred as the first pharmacological agent to treat type II diabetes.
Immediate release: Take divided doses, 2 to 3 meals a day. Titrate slowly to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. In general, doses below 1500 mg/day do not produce significant effects.
If you are still not able to achieve glycemic stability with 2000mg once daily, then consider taking 1000mg twice daily.
Use: As an adjunct to diet, exercise, and glycemic management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The usual paediatric dose for diabetes type 2 is:
If you are 10 or older,
Immediate-release:
Initial dose: 500mg orally, twice daily.
Dose titration: Increase by 500 mg per week as tolerated.
Maintenance dose: 2000 mg daily.
Maximum dose: 2000 mg daily.
Comments: Take 2 to 3 divided doses with meals, two or three times per day. To minimise side effects, titrate slowly.
Glucophage Extended-Release has not been proven to be safe or effective in patients younger than 18 years.
Use: As an adjunct to diet, exercise, and glycemic management in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Interaction with other drug
Metformin can be affected by many drugs, causing it to become less effective or increasing your risk of developing lactic acidosis. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible interactions; be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are currently taking or those which you plan to discontinue or start using in the near future.
