Metformin
Metformin
Drugs.com
Generic Name: Metformin Tablets (met-FOR-min)
Brand Name: Glucophage
Metformin may rarely cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called lactic acidosis. Most of these cases have occurred in diabetic patients who also have certain kidney problems. The risk of lactic acidosis may be greater if you have liver problems, kidney problems, or heart failure. The risk may also be greater in patients who are elderly or drink alcohol. Lab tests, including kidney function, may be performed while you take Metformin .
Do not begin to take Metformin if you are older than 80 years old unless lab tests show that you do not have decreased kidney function. Do not take it if you have a severe infection, have low blood oxygen levels, or are dehydrated. Tell your doctor you take Metformin before you have any surgery or lab procedures.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as muscle pain or tenderness; unusual drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness; slow or irregular heartbeat; fast or difficult breathing; unusual stomach discomfort; or unusual weakness or tiredness. Contact your doctor right away if you start to feel unusually cold, or if you have a general feeling of being unwell.
Metformin is used for:
Treating type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.
Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar that the liver produces and the intestines absorb. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.
Do NOT use Metformin if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Metformin
you have congestive heart failure that is treated by medicine
you have a severe infection, low blood oxygen levels, kidney or liver problems, high blood ketone or acid levels (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis), or severe dehydration
you have had a stroke or a recent heart attack, or you are in shock
you are 80 years old or older and have not had a kidney function test
you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Metformin :
Some medical conditions may interact with Metformin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure), lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, or lactic acidosis
if you have vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, or anemia, or if you are dehydrated
if you have an infection, fever, recent injury, or moderate to severe burns
if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
if you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures
if you take a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Metformin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, or vancomycin because they may increase the risk of Metformin 's side effects
Calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), insulin, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, phenothiazine (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because the risk of high or low blood sugar may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Metformin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
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