Metformin is used with a proper dieting and exercise program and perhaps with other medicines to manage high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, neurological problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function dilemmas. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart assault or stroke. Metformin works by assisting to restore your body's appropriate response to the insulin you naturally produce. It decreases the quantity of sugar that your particular liver makes and that the stomach/intestines absorb.
DIFFERENT USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are perhaps not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that can be recommended by the wellness care professional. Utilize this medication for a state of being which is listed in this area only if this has been so recommended by your health care professional.
Metformin may be used with lifestyle changes such as for instance diet and exercise to prevent diabetes in people who are at high risk for becoming diabetic. It is also used in women with a certain disease of the ovaries (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Metformin may make menstrual cycles more regular and increase fertility.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking metformin and each time you get a refill. If you have any relevant questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medicine by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1-3 times a time with dishes. Take in lots of liquids while taking this medicine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The dosage is according to your condition that is medical to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects (such as upset stomach), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and slowly increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Take this medication regularly so that you can get the benefit that is most from it. Remember to use it at the same times each time.
Check your bloodstream sugar regularly as directed by the doctor. Keep track of the total results, and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are too high or too low. Your dosage/treatment might have to be changed.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness, or a taste that is metallic the mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If belly symptoms return later (after taking the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor right away. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment might be indications of lactic acidosis.
Remember that your doctor has recommended this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Metformin does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other medications that are anti-diabetic. Consult with your physician or pharmacist about whether the dosage of your other diabetic medication(s) has to be lowered.
Signs of low blood sugar include unexpected sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or hands/feet that is tingling. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have these reliable types of glucose, rapidly elevate your bloodstream sugar by eating a quick supply of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or soda that is non-diet. Tell your doctor about the reaction right away. Low blood sugar is more likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not digest enough calories from meals. To simply help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to discover just what you should do if you skip a meal.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, quick respiration, and fruity breathing smell. If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor straight away. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication(s).
Stop using this medication and tell your physician right away if this very serious part impact happens: lactic acidosis (see alert section).
a really serious reaction that is allergic this drug is rare. However, get help that is medical away in the event that you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially for the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty respiration.
In Canada - Phone your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You might report adverse effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Record metformin adverse effects by chance and severity.
Before using this medication, tell your medical professional or pharmacist if you are allergic to metformin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain ingredients that are inactive which trigger allergic reactions or other dilemmas. Speak to your pharmacist to get more details.
Before by using this medication, tell your medical practitioner or pharmacist your medical background, especially of: severe breathing problems (such as for example obstructive lung illness, severe asthma), blood problems (such as anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), kidney disease, liver illness.
Before having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure utilizing injectable iodinated contrast material, inform your doctor that you are taking this medication. You will need to temporarily stop this medication before the right time of your surgery/procedure. Consult your physician for further directions.
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness because of extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision you can perform such activities safely until you are sure.
Limit liquor while using this medicine because it can increase your risk of lactic acidosis and developing blood sugar that is low.
High temperature, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), a lot of sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of a lot of body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lactic acidosis. Stop taking this medication and inform your doctor appropriate away if you have prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to drink enough liquids to stop dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because increased stress may require a noticeable change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar levels testing.
Older grownups are at greater risk for side-effects such as low blood sugar levels or acidosis that is lactic.
During pregnancy, this medication must be utilized only once clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits together with your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to instead use insulin of this item during your pregnancy. Follow your physician's guidelines carefully.
Metformin may cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist concerning the use of reliable birth control while using this medication.
Just what should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering metformin to children or the elderly?