* Generic Name: metformin hcl
* Brand Name: Glucophage, Glucophage XR
* What is metformin?
* What are the possible side effects of metformin?
* What is the most important information I should know about
metformin?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
metformin?
* How should I take metformin?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking metformin?
* What other drugs will affect metformin?
* Where can I get more information?
What is metformin?
Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood
sugar levels.
Metformin used together with diet and exercise to improve blood
sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin is
sometimes used together with insulin or other medications, but
metformin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of metformin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Early
symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get
emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as:
* muscle pain or weakness;
* numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs;
* trouble breathing;
* feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak;
* stomach pain, nausea with vomiting; or
* slow or uneven heart rate.
Common side effects may include:
* low blood sugar;
* nausea, upset stomach; or
* diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about metformin?
You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is
injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking
metformin.
This medicine may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Get
emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle
pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble
breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart
rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin?
You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
* severe kidney disease; or
* metabolic or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for
treatment).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is
injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking
metformin.
To make sure metformin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* kidney disease (your kidney function may need to be checked before
you take this medicine);
* high ketone levels in your blood or urine;
* heart disease, congestive heart failure;
* liver disease; or
* if you also use insulin, or other oral diabetes medications.
Some people taking metformin develop a serious condition called lactic
acidosis. This may be more likely if you have liver or kidney disease,
congestive heart failure, surgery, a heart attack or
stroke, a severe infection, if you are 65 or older, if you are
dehydrated, or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Talk with your doctor
about your risk.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are
pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and
your dose needs may be different during each trimester of pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking metformin.
It is not known whether metformin passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
medicine.
Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old.
Some forms of metformin are not approved for use by anyone younger than
18 years old.
How should I take metformin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening
meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
whole.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Some tablet forms of metformin are made with a shell that is not
absorbed or melted in the body. Part of the tablet shell may appear in
your stool. This is a normal side effect of metformin and will not
make the medication less effective.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other
blood tests at your doctor's office.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes.
Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness,
nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat
low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you
such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.
Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use
in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be
sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection
in an emergency.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery,
exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before
changing your dose or medication schedule.
Metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also
include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.
Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are
taking metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your
doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the
medicine with food). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your
next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed
dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222. An overdose of metformin may cause lactic acidosis,
which may be fatal.
What should I avoid while taking metformin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your
risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.
What other drugs will affect metformin?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time.
Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which
may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may interact with metformin, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your
doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or
stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about metformin.
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