DRUG TITLE

Glucophage (Metformin)

APPLICATION

Glucophage is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It can be used alone or with other antidiabetic drugs.

MODE OF APPLICATION

• Use Glucophage as directed by your doctor.
• Glucophage is taken orally during the meal.
• To obtain maximum benefit from the drug, it should be used permanently.
• Continue to take Glucophage even if you feel well. Do not miss a single recommended dose.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Glucophage is a biguanide. It works by reducing the amount of sugar that the liver produces and consumes the intestine. It also helps the patient make the body more sensitive to insulin.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose of Glucophage, you should take it as soon as possible. If this happens during your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule drug administration. Do not take 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

DO NOT use Glucophage if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient of the medicine
• have heart failure
• have a severe infection, low blood oxygen levels, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure or acid levels (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), or severe dehydration
• you had a stroke or heart attack
• you are 80 years or older and do not know the condition of your kidneys
• you are going to have surgery

Consult your doctor if any of that this list applies to you.

Tell your doctor if you have any illness or condition, especially from the list below:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or you nourish;
• if you are taking nonprescription medicines, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances;
• if you have heart problems (e.g., heart failure), lung or breathing problems; thyroid problems, stomach or intestines, adrenal glands or the pituitary gland, or lactic acidosis;
• if you have vomiting, diarrhea, bad health or nutrition, low blood calcium levels and vitamin B12, or anemia, or if there is dehydration;
• if you have an infection, fever, recent trauma or burns;
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse;
• if you have to surgery;
• if you are taking beta-blockers (e.g., Anaprilinum).

Some medicines may interact with Glucophage. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin, or because they may increase the risk of exposure to Glucophage;
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine), corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (e.g. contraceptive pills), insulin, isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine ), phenytoin, sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide), sympathomimetics (e.g., albuterol, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased

SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhea, flatus, headache, upset stomach, nausea, upset stomach, metallic taste, vomiting.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), pain or discomfort in the chest, dizziness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unusual feeling of cold, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, general feeling of malaise, muscle pain or weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat, unusual drowsiness, unusual or persistent stomach pain or discomfort, unusual tiredness or weakness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions about Glucophage, please talk to your doctor.
Glucophage should be used strictly on prescription.