Warning: next info is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & expertise of youre pharmacist. it should not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your doctor before using this tablet.

Metformin - oral

(met-for-min)

common brand names: Glucophage

Warning: Metformin can rarely cause condition called lactic acidosis, which canbe fatal. Seek immediate medication attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness (fatigue) or severe drowsiness, cold skin, muscle pain, breathing trouble or rapid breathing, unusually slow or irregular heartbeat. Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have: kidney or liver disease, conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), excessive alcohol use, a lack of body fluids (dehydration), X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, surgery, or serious infection. Also at higher risk are those who are elderly, especially if you are over 80 years of age and have not had kidney & liver tests.

Metformin HCL Usage: this drug is biguanide-type medicine that is used along with diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in diabetic patients. this tablet works by helping to restore youre body's proper response to insulin you naturally produce, & by decreasing amount of sugar that your liver makes & that you're stomach/intestines absorb. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness & circulation problems, as well as decreased sexual ability (impotence).

How to use Metformin HCL: this drug is best taken by mouth with meals. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Use it medication regularly in order to get the majority of the benefit from this. Remember to use this at same times each day. your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. it med may come with Patient information Leaflet. Read this carefully & ask some your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have of your medication.

Metformin HCL side effects: Also look Warning section. Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea or metallic taste may occur initially as your body adjusts to med. If stomach symptoms recur later (after you are on the same dose for few days or weeks), tell your pharmacist immediately. late recurrence about stomach symptoms may be due to lactic acidosis. this medication usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but this effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of hands or feet, or hunger. It's good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you do not have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink glass about orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise you're blood sugar level. Tell your physician immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule & do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell you're doctor immediately. your drug dosage may need to be increased. An allergic reaction to it drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or physician.

Metformin HCL Precautions: it medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using it medicine, consult youre doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, conditions that can cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), metabolic acidosis (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), serious infection, lack of body fluids (dehydration). Before using this drug, tell your physician or pharmacist some your medical history, especially of: severe breathing problems (e.g., obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (e.g., anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency), scheduled upcoming surgery, scheduled upcoming x-ray or scanning procedures, fertility problems (e.g., ovulation problems), alcohol use, any allergies. Limit alcohol while using this medication. During times about stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as change in your drug may be required. this medication can cause changes at the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) at women with certain fertility problems, increasing risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist of use of reliable birth control while using this drug. Caution is advised when using it drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to effects of tablet. this medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks & benefits with your healthcare professional. It's not known whether this drug passes in to breast milk. Breast-feeding isn't recommended while using this med.

Metformin HCL drug interactions: Before using this medication, tell your pharmacist or healthcare professional about every prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: birth control pills, high blood pressure medications (beta-blockers such as propranolol, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, ACE inhibitors such as captopril), cimetidine, clomiphene, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), decongestants, other diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, insulin), estrogens, fenugreek, ginseng, isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), phenytoin, thyroid drugs, 'water pills' (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide). If you are scheduled to undergo any x-ray or scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material, be sure to inform youre pharmacist that you are taking this medication. You will need to temporarily stop it drug around clock about you're procedure. Consult your doctor since further instructions. do not start or stop any medicine with-out physician or healthcare professional approval.

Metformin HCL Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: rapid or trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, slow or irregular heartbeat.

Metformin HCL special notes: do not share this pill with others. it is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes & all important aspects of Its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications & getting regular eye, foot, & medical exams. Consult you're pharmacist or pharmacist. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver & kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects & response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by some your doctor or doctor.

If you missed Metformin HCL dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember. If It's near the time of the next dose, skip missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. don't double dose to catch up.

Metformin HCL Storage: Store U.S. product between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. do not store in bathroom. Store the Canadian product between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Medical alert: youre condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.

Active Ingredients : Metformin