What is Glucophage?
Glucophage, also known by its generic name metformin, is a widely prescribed medication for individuals with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the class of drugs called biguanides and helps manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the liver’s glucose production. Typically taken in pill form, Glucophage is easy to incorporate into a daily routine. It works effectively to lower and stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. Alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, it is a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and undergo regular check-ups to monitor your progress while using Glucophage. Consult your healthcare professional to determine if this medication is the right choice for your diabetes management plan.
Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
| Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Glucophage?
Glucophage is an oral medication prescribed to manage blood glucose levels (blood sugar) in adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and physical activity.
It belongs to the drug class called biguanides. These medications help restore the body’s natural response to insulin, while also reducing the liver’s production of sugar and the stomach’s absorption of it.
Glucophage is not recommended:
- If you are allergic to it or have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.
- For type 1 diabetes.
- For children younger than 10 years of age.
- If you have severe renal impairment.
- If you suffer from acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis.
What are the Indications for Glucophage?
Glucophage is a medication prescribed for adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes alongside a balanced diet and exercise program. It is sometimes prescribed with insulin and other medications.
How is Glucophage used?
Storage
Glucophage should be stored in its original packaging at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) with excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
Keep away from moisture, heat, and light and out of reach of children.
Instruction
Your doctor will tell you how much Glucophage to take and when to take it. It must be taken orally with meals.
If you miss a dose, skip the dose, and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once.
Do not change your dosage, take more than what is prescribed, or stop using without consulting with your doctor. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Dosage
Glucophage is available in tablet form in these strengths: 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1 000 mg.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose initially and slowly increase the dose until your blood sugar is controlled.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Glucophage is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before starting, it is suggested to discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Glucophage, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own.
- Low blood sugar
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while taking Glucophage may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reaction: a rash over your whole body, sweating, extreme drowsiness, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling faint, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or becoming confused.
- Dehydration: feeling dizzy/faint, lightheadedness, or weakness.
- Lactic acidosis: cold hands/feet, dizziness/lightheadedness, slow/irregular heartbeat, weakness/tiredness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, sleepiness/drowsiness, stomach pains, nausea/vomiting.
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using Glucophage, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Lactic acidosis
If you have ever had lactic acidosis, Glucophage can increase your risk of getting lactic acidosis again. Tell your doctor if you:
- Have severe kidney problems, or your kidneys are affected by certain X-ray tests that use injectable dye.
- Have liver problems.
- Drink alcohol often or drink a lot of alcohol in a short time (binge drinking).
- Get dehydrated.
- Have surgery
- Have had a heart attack or stroke.
- Have a severe infection.
These conditions can also increase your chance of developing lactic acidosis.
Dehydration
If you have an illness that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, or you are drinking less liquid than normal, you may have to stop taking Glucophage to avoid becoming severely dehydrated. You can also become dehydrated if you sweat a lot because of physical activity or take water pills.
Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as Glucophage may harm your unborn baby. Your doctor will determine the best way to control your blood sugar levels while you are pregnant.
This medication may stimulate ovulation in premenopausal women and raise the chances of unwanted pregnancy.
Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed
This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm your baby. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to start breastfeeding.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before using Glucophage, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any herbal supplements, diet pills, vitamins, and any other medications you use, especially steroids, heart, thyroid, seizure, or blood pressure medications, or medicines to treat asthma, colds, or allergies.
Patients that are 65 years and older taking this medication have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis and should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider.