About Glucophage
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Glucophage.
Glucophage is a medication used to control type 2 diabetes. Glucophage helps reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by suppressing glucose formation by the liver. Glucophage carries a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia than some other type 2 diabetes medications. Glucophage is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Glucophage is usually taken with a meal. Glucophage XR is usually taken at dinner. Do not crush or break open a Glucophage XR tablet; this tablet is coated for extended release. Some people on Glucophage may be instructed to take a certain amount of Vitamin B12; follow the instructions given by your doctor exactly. Do not drink alcohol while taking Glucophage, as this can result in hypoglycemia.
People with type 2 diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels often and may have to adjust their diet and exercise habits, as directed by their doctor, to control their blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before taking Glucophage; these medications may affect the efficacy of Glucophage, cause adverse drug interactions or affect blood sugar levels.
Side effects of Glucophage include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, gas, weakness, headache and muscle aches. Glucophage can cause lactic acidosis, a serious medical condition in which the blood becomes too acidic due to a buildup of lactic acid. Signs of lactic acidosis include trouble breathing, feeling dizzy, muscle weakness, muscle pain or soreness, slow heart rate, vomiting and numbness in the limbs. Seek medical attention immediately if you have signs of lactic acidosis. Glucophage may also cause shortness of breath, weight gain and flu-like symptoms.
| Form: |
Tablets and extended-release tablets taken orally. |
| Strength: |
500 mg, 850 mg or 1000 mg tablets; 500 mg or 750 mg extended-release tablets. |
| Storage: |
Room temperature. Keep away from moisture, light and heat. |
| Contraindications: |
Patients allergic to metformin, patients with ketoacidosis, patients with liver disease, patients with heart disease or personal history of heart disease.
|
| Generic Name: |
Metformin |
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a generic equivalent of Glucophage and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same active ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Metformin.
