| Why
is Glucophage
prescribed?
Glucophage is used to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes
(formerly 'adult-onset'). Glucophage helps your body to regulate
the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount
of glucose you get from your diet and the amount made by your liver;
it also increases your body's sensitivity to insulin. Glucophage
is not used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly
'juvenile-onset').
Metformin
hydrochloride is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Glucophage
be used?
Glucophage comes in tablets to take by mouth. It usually is taken
two or three times a day with meals. Follow the directions on your
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take Glucophage exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release
tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew, or crush.
Continue
to take Metformin hydrochloride even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking Metformin hydrochloride without talking to your doctor.
Glucophage
: Full Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Glucophage, -
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Glucophage
or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet), diuretics
('water pills'), nifedipine (Procardia), and vitamins.
in addition to the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section,
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, pituitary,
or thyroid disease; adrenal insufficiency; a severe infection; or
hormone problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Metformin
hydrochloride, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Glucophage.
What
side effects can Glucophage
cause?
Although side effects from Metformin hydrochloride are not common,
they can occur. If you have any of these symptoms, eat or drink
a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit
juice, and call your doctor immediately; symptoms of low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia) include:
- shakiness
- dizziness
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating or confusion
- blurred vision
- headache
- numbness or tingling of the mouth
- weakness
- fatigue
- pale color
- sudden hunger
If
you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately; symptoms
of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) i-nclude:
- thirst
-dry mouth
- tiredness
- flushing
- dry skin
- frequent urination
- loss of appetite
- trouble breathing
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in
the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
- skin rash
- itching or redness
- exaggerated sunburn
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- light-colored stools
- dark urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- fever
- sore throat
What storage conditions are needed for Glucophage?
Keep Metformin hydrochloride in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Metformin hydrochloride.
To
monitor the effectiveness of Metformin hydrochloride, measure the
amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood or urine (when blood sugar
is above a certain high level, you will have sugar in your urine).
For these measurements, you will need special paper tapes, tablets,
or plastic strips that change color depending on how much sugar
is present. You also can use a blood glucose meter to measure the
amount of sugar in your blood. Your doctor also may ask you to test
your urine for ketones (substances present when diabetes is not
under control). Follow your doctor's directions for testing your
urine and blood and for recording the results. If your blood sugar
is high or if sugar or ketones are present in your urine, call your
doctor.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have.
Glucophage
: Full Prescribing Information |