What is Glucophage XR?
Glucophage is used in combination with diet and physical activity to control blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.This medicine should not be used to treat diabetes type 1.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Glucophage XR.
Side effects of Glucophage XR
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Some users of Glucophage XR can develop lactic acidosis, which is fatal. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any symptoms, even mild ones such as:
- Unusual muscle pain;
- Feeling cold
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling dizzy, fatigued, or weak?
- Stomach pain, vomiting,
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Glucophage xr side effects may include:
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea, upset stomach,
- Diarrhoea.
There may be other side effects. Call your healthcare provider for advice regarding any side effects. Report them immediately by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you are suffering from severe kidney problems, acidosis metabolic, or ketoacidosis, then Glucophage XR should be avoided. Consult your doctor to get treatment.You may have to stop temporarily taking Glucophage XR 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.Lactic acidosis is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when lactic acids build up in the blood. If you experience unusual pain in your muscles, difficulty breathing, nausea, stomach pain, or dizziness, or feel cold or very tired, call a doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to Glucophage XR or if:
- Severe kidney disease
- Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate medical intervention (call your healthcare provider).
You may have to stop using Glucophage XR temporarily if you are scheduled for surgery or if you will be undergoing any type of x-ray or CT scanner that uses a dye injected directly into your veins. Tell your healthcare providers that you're taking this drug.
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease: Before taking this medication, you may have to get your kidney function checked.
- High ketone levels are found in the blood or urine.
- Congestive cardiac failure
- Liver diseases
- If you are also taking insulin or any other oral diabetic medication,
Lactic acidosis is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in the blood. You may have a higher risk if there are other conditions, such as a serious infection or chronic alcoholism. Consult your doctor to determine your level of risk.If you're pregnant, or if you get pregnant in the future, follow your doctor’s advice about this medication.Glucophage® XR can stimulate ovulation and increase the chance of unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor regarding your risks.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.Children younger than 10 should not receive Glucophage. Certain forms of metformin cannot be used by children younger than 18.
How to take Glucophage XR?
Read all of the instructions or guides included with your medication and follow them carefully.. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take your medication exactly as prescribed.If your doctor has not instructed you to do so, take Glucophage XR only with a meal. Metformin is sometimes taken once a day with your evening meal. Please follow your doctor's advice.Do not chew or crush a tablet. swallow it whole.Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosing devices are available, but not spoons.Before measuring a dosage, shake the orally suspended liquid. You can use the dosing device provided or a dose-measuring device.Some tablets have a coating that does not melt or absorb into the body. Some of the shell can be found in your stool. It is not harmful and does not affect the effectiveness of your medicine.If you have hypoglycemia, then you may feel very hungry or dizzy. You might also be confused, anxious, irritable, and shaky. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink sugary foods or drinks (such as fruit juice, candy, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor might prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your close family members or friends are familiar with how to administer this medication in case of an emergency.Stress, illness, surgeries, alcohol, and skipping meals can all affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.Glucophage XR may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood glucose testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor’s advice.Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.You may be prescribed extra vitamin B12 by your doctor if you're taking Glucophage XR. Only take the prescribed amount of Vitamin B12.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I 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?
Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis.
Interaction with other drug
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins (https://www.drugs.com/drugclass/vitamins.html), as well as herbal products. These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan on stopping or starting to use in the near future.
