What is Riomet?
Riomet is an oral diabetic medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Riomet is used in conjunction with diet and exercise for adults with type II diabetes mellitus to improve blood glucose control.
Metformin and Riomet are sometimes combined with insulin, but not to treat type I diabetes.Riomet comes as an oral suspension or oral solution with extended release.
Warnings
Riomet should not be used if you suffer from severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis. Consult your doctor to get treatment. Riomet may be temporarily stopped 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 can be an acutely dangerous condition caused by excess accumulation of lactic acids in the blood. If you experience unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, dizziness, or feel cold or very tired, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Riomet should not be used if:
- Severe kidney disease
- Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis should always be evaluated by your healthcare provider immediately; for treatment seek medical advice immediately.
Riomet may be temporarily stopped if you are scheduled for surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan that uses a dye injected directly into your veins. Tell your caregivers that you're taking this medication in advance.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney disease (your kidney function will need to be tested before you use 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 instructions for using Riomet. 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 unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor regarding your risks. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Riomet is not recommended for children younger than 10 years of age.
Similar/related drugs
Metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Victoza, Tresiba, and Levemir
How to take Riomet?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. 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. Take Riomet along with your meal. Riomet Oral solutions should be measured carefully. Use the provided dosing syringe or a medicine dosage measuring device (not a spoon). Shake Riomet ER oral suspension before measuring a dose. Use the provided dosing syringe or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). 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. Riomet is part of a comprehensive treatment program, which may include other elements such as diet, exercise, and weight control. Regular blood sugar tests, special medical care, and regular testing are also included. You should follow your doctor's advice.Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light to preserve their quality and to keep an appropriate room temperature environment for storage.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.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
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
Comment: Metformin is preferred as the first pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Divide the doses and take them 2 to 3 times per day with meals. Titrate slowly to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. In general, doses below 1500 mg/day do not produce significant effects.
The usual pediatric dose for diabetes type 2 is:
If you are 10 or older,
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 minimize side effects, titrate slowly.
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 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?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Side effects of Riomet
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance.
Riomet 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, tired, or very weak.
- Stomach pain, vomiting,
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Riomet may cause side effects such as:
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea, upset stomach,
- Diarrhea.
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.
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 include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
