What is Metformin?
Metformin has been approved by the FDA as an anti-diabetic medication that helps control high glucose levels in the blood in Type 2 diabetic patients. It lowers the rate of glucose absorption through the intestines, reduces the production of glucose in the liver, and enhances the sensitivity of insulin. Metformin is suggested with diet adjustments and exercise for improved outcomes.
Monitoring blood sugar levels through drugs such as metformin can reduce the risk of complications like kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, or amputations, as well as sexual dysfunction. Effective control of diabetes may also reduce the chance of suffering from strokes or heart attacks.
Cautions
It is not recommended to use metformin in the case of an extreme kidney condition such as metabolic acidosis or diabetes ketoacidosis (call your physician to seek treatment).
If you are required to undergo any kind of x-ray or CT scan that uses an injection of dye into the veins of your body, you might require a temporary stop to taking metformin.
Although it is very rare, you could be diagnosed with lactic acidosis. It is a risky buildup of lactic acid within your blood. Consult your physician or seek medical assistance immediately if you are experiencing unusual muscle pains, breathing issues, stomach pains, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling fatigued or weak.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use metformin. If you're allergic to the drug or suffer from
- Kidney disease that is severe or
- Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you have to undergo surgery or any other imaging procedure such as an x-ray or CT scan with the injection of a dye into the veins in your body, you could have to temporarily stop your treatment with metformin. It is important to inform your medical professionals beforehand that you're taking this medication.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Renal illness (your kidney function could be tested before you begin taking this medicine);
- High levels of ketone concentrations in your urine or blood;
- Heart disease heart disease, congestive cardiac failure;
- Liver disease or
- If you are also taking insulin or any other oral diabetes medications.
It is possible to suffer from the condition known as lactic acidosis. It is a risky buildup of acid within your blood. It is more likely if you suffer from any other medical condition, such as a serious infection or persistent alcoholism, or are over 65. Consult your physician about the risks.
Follow the directions of your doctor concerning the use of metformin when you are pregnant or get pregnant. Controlling diabetes is crucial during pregnancy, and high blood sugar can cause problems for both the mother and the child. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant while you are taking metformin.
Metformin could stimulate ovulation in women who are premenopausal and increase the chance of an unintentional pregnancy. Consult your doctor regarding your potential risk.
It is recommended not to breastfeed when taking this medication.
Metformin shouldn't be given to children younger than 10 years of age. Certain types of metformin aren't permitted for use by people younger than
How to Take Metformin?
Follow the exact dosage of metformin as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication manuals or instruction sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.
Consume metformin during a meal unless your physician tells you to do so. Certain forms of metformin can only be taken daily in the evening with a meal. Follow the instructions of your physician.
Don't crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Take measurements of the amount of liquid medication with care. Make sure to shake your oral suspension before measuring the amount. Utilize the dosing syringe that comes with it or use a dosage measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).
Certain tablets contain an outer shell that doesn't absorb or melt in the body. A small amount of the shell could be found in the stools of your patients. The normal course of things is that this does not reduce the effectiveness of the medication. efficient.
There is a possibility that you may experience lower glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and feel extremely hungry, dizzy, or anxious. or even shaky. To help treat hypoglycemia fast, take a snack or drink a quick-acting source of sugar (fruit juice crackers, hard candy raisins, or other non-diet drinks).
The doctor might prescribe an injection kit of glucagon in the event that you suffer from severe hypoglycemia. Make sure that your family or close family members know what to do with the injection in case of an emergency.
The levels of blood sugar are changed due to stress illnesses, stress, surgery, or alcohol consumption, as well as eating infrequently. Consult your physician prior to altering your dosage of medication schedule.
Metformin is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that may comprise exercise, diet, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and specialized medical treatment. Follow the instructions of your physician precisely.
Maintain at room temperature and free of heat, moisture, and light.
The doctor could have you take an additional dose of Vitamin B12 during the time you take this medication. Only take the amount of vitamin B12 the doctor has advised.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.
What Should be Avoided?
Beware of drinking alcohol. It can lower blood sugar levels and increase the chances of lactic acidosis.
Side Effects of Metformin
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergy reaction with metformin, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Some patients who are taking this medicine suffer from lactic acidosis, which could lead to death. You should seek medical assistance immediately If you experience even minor symptoms like:
- Unusual muscle pain;
- Experiencing coldness;
- Trouble breathing
- Experiencing lightheadedness, dizziness, being exhausted, fatigued, or weak;
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or
- A heartbeat that is slow or irregular.
Common metformin side effects include:
- Low blood sugar levels;
- Nausea, an upset stomach.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs.
A variety of drugs may interfere with metformin, which can make it less effective or increase the chance of developing lactic acidosis. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions of all drugs are not included in this list. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking as well as any new medications you are about to start or stop taking.
