GLUCOPHAGE
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING GLUCOPHAGE.
METFORMIN - ORAL TABLET (met-FOR-min)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Glucophage, Glucophage XR
WARNING:
Metformin can cause a condition called lactic acidosis. Though
occurring rarely, lactic acidosis can be fatal. Stop using
GLUCOPHAGE and seek immediate medical help if you develop any of the
following symptoms of lactic acidosis:
unusual tiredness (fatigue), weakness, or stomach discomfort; muscle
pain, breathing trouble; feeling cold (low body temperature), dizzy
or lightheaded; or a slow or irregular heartbeat. Lactic acidosis
is more likely to occur in patients who:
have heart failure, kidney or liver problems; are elderly; use
alcohol excessively; are seriously dehydrated (lack body fluids);
will undergo x-ray procedures that require an injectable contrast
drug; will have surgery; develop a serious infection, heart attack
or stroke; are over 80 years of age and have not had kidney and
liver tests.
USES:
Metformin is used along with diet and exercise programs to control
high blood sugar in diabetic patients.
HOW TO TAKE GLUCOPHAGE:
This is best taken with meals. Try to take GLUCOPHAGE at the same
time(s) each day. The long-acting form of GLUCOPHAGE must be
swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea or metallic taste may occur as your
body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or
become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify Notify your doctor
if you develop:
chills, weakness, change in heart rate, breathing problems,
sleepiness, muscle pain, vomiting. GLUCOPHAGE usually does not cause
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which manifests as dizziness,
weakness, drowsiness, headache, sweating, nervousness, shaking,
tingling of hands or feet, hunger, increased pulse rate or rapid
heart rate. However, should these symptoms occur, drink a glass of
orange juice or non-diet soda or eat a piece of candy to raise your
blood sugar level quickly. Report the incident to your doctor. To
help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule and do
not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include
confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing or fruity breath
odor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
liver disease, lung problems, kidney problems, heart disease,
strokes, major surgery, allergies. Notify your doctor if you become
ill, are injured or acquire a severe infection. Avoid alcohol while
using GLUCOPHAGE. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to
GLUCOPHAGE. Use with caution. Before using GLUCOPHAGE, tell your
doctor if you are pregnant. Metformin may be excreted into breast
milk. Though to date there have been no reports of harm to nursing
infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take. Certain drugs may increase your blood sugar. Inform
your doctor if you are taking:
diazoxide, beta-blockers, diuretics, birth control pills, prednisone-like
drugs, niacin, phenytoin, decongestants, diet pills. If you are
scheduled to undergo any diagnostic procedure using iodinated
contrast material, be sure to inform your doctor that you are taking
metformin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
muscle aches, trouble breathing, increased sleepiness, low body
temperature, slow heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
NOTES:
GLUCOPHAGE is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is
recommended to attend a diabetes education program to understand
diabetes and all aspects of its treatment including diet, exercise,
personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye exams. While
taking GLUCOPHAGE, periodic laboratory tests will be done to monitor
therapy and prevent side effects. Controlling high blood sugar helps
prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and circulation
problems.
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time
for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to
catch up.
STORAGE:
Store GLUCOPHAGE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15
and 30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store
in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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