Metformin Tablets – Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes, a common chronic condition that occurs when your blood sugar level is too high. It either resists insulin or stops producing enough. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue or blurred vision. In rare cases, there may be no symptoms. It can be treated with the right medication, diet, exercise or insulin therapy.
What is a Metformin?
Metformin (Biguanide Antihyperglycemic) tablet is an antidiabetic tablet to cure high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. It delays the absorption of sugar (glucose) from the intestines and increases the body sensitivity to insulin, called “insulin sensitizer” This drug was first approved in Canada in 1972 and later received FDA approval in the USin 1995. Metformin is often recommended with diet changes and exercise by doctors.
Metformin Dosage Supply
Metformin is available in Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetea classed as Non-Sulfonylureas taken as: 500 mg, 650 mg, 750 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg tablets, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg extended release oral tablets, and 500 mg, 5 ml oral solution.
Beneficial Uses of Metformin Tablets
Metformin works in different ways to help and its uses are:
- Metformin helps with controlling weight gain unlike other antidiabetic medicines.
- It can prevent different complications like kidney damage, nerve issues, blindness and sexual dysfunction.
- It inhibits the growth of different types of tumor cells in breast, liver, bone, endo metrical, kidney, pancreas and lung cancer.
- It can also lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Side Effects of Metformin Tablets
Anything that comes with benefits, has some side effects too. So you should take Metformin by consulting a doctor only.
Taking this medicine can bother you with diarrhea, feeling bloated, nausea or vomiting, feeling unusually weak or tired, stomach pain, metallic taste, common cold symptoms. It can also cause severe allergic reactions such as breathing problems, racing heart, swollen lymph nodes. Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, itching, pale red bumps on the skin called hives.
It might also cause a rare but serious condition called Lactic Acidosis meaning excess of lactic acid in the blood. Prolonged use of this medicine may lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause anemia , causing fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, or headache.
Warnings and Precautions for Metformin Tablets
- This medicine is not recommended for people with kidney, heart or liver disease and if you have or done a surgery or any type of X ray, CT scan using a dye that is injected in your veins.
- Harmful for pregnant as it can lead to birth defects or miscarriage
- Metformin may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and can increase the risk of accidental pregnancies.
- Mothers also cannot take this medicine while breastfeeding.
Right way to use Metformin Tablets
Metformin usually comes with the information provided for the patient. One should read it carefully and make sure you understand it before taking it. If you are not sure, then asking your doctor would be mindful.
For Metformin to work in an appropriate way, you should follow the special meal plan the doctor recommends. It is necessary to supervise the patient’s condition. The medicine should be taken with meals especially during the first week of your treatment only to help reduce stomach or gut side.
Do not crush, break it into pieces or nibble. Only swallow the tablet or extended release tablet whole with a glass full of water. If your doctor has recommended oral liquid, take it only with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe or medicine cup. To estimate the dose, only use a dosing cup. Ask the pharmacist for one if you don’t have or lost it. It would be best for the patient to take only the brand of medicine the doctor recommended.
Other things to keep in your mind
- If mistakenly you miss your dose of Metformin. Take it as soon as possible. Although, if it’s the time of your next dose, then you can skip the missed dose. It is not suggested to double the dose.
- Keep the medicine away from freezing instead store it in a closed container at room temperature. Do not let children touch it.
- Throw away the expired medicine or the one you no longer needed. And it’s best to ask your doctor how to dispose of metformin when it’s no longer in use.
Total Users : 9977