Diabetes >> Metformin

Metformin

Active Ingredients:

• Metformin

Other names used:

• Glucophage®

How does Metformin work?

Metformin belongs to biguanides and is a hypoglycaemic agent for oral administration. In patients with diabetes Metformin reduces concentration of glucose in the blood by suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver, reducing glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and enhancing its utilization in the tissues. It reduces the concentration of serum TAG, cholesterol and LDL (defined on an empty stomach) and does not change the concentration of lipoproteins of other densities. Metformin stabilizes or reduces body weight. In the absence of insulin in the blood, the therapeutic effect is not observed. Glucopahge does not cause hypoglycemic reactions.It improves the fibrinolytic properties of blood.

When Metformin is prescribed?

Diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults (including cases with ineffectiveness of sulfonylureas), especially in cases involving obesity.

Before taking Metformin

You should not take Metformin if any of these conditions apply to you:

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug
• hyperglycemic coma
• ketoacidosis
• chronic kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• chronic heart failure, acute myocardial infarction
• respiratory failure, dehydration
• infectious diseases
• extensive surgery and trauma
• alcoholism
• low-calorie diet (less than 1000 kcal / day)
• lactic acidosis (including history)
• pregnancy, lactation
• The drug is not prescribed 2 days before surgery, radioisotope, radiological investigations with the introduction of contrast agents and within 2 days after them.

Metformin should be used with caution in the following conditions:

• age over 60 years
• heavy physical work (increased risk of the onset of lactic acidosis)

Application during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

FDA pregnancy category B. It is not recommended to take Metformin by pregnant and nursing women. It is not known whether Metformin passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby.

How Metformin is taken?

You should take Metformin exactly as indicated by your physician. Do not exceed recommended dosages. Follow the directions of your prescription.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the double dose and go on taking the drug as scheduled.

What should I do if I overdose?

Seek immediate medical attention if you overdose. Sometimes the Metformin overdose may cause a dangerous condition called lactic acidosis with the symptoms being weakness, increased need of sleep, low heart beat, muscle pain, stomach pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting.

Which Metformin side effects are possible while the treatment?

As with any drug, there are some side effects while may occur while taking Metformin. However, not everyone who takes Metformin will experience side effects. In fact, most patients taking Metformin tolerate it well. During clinical trials there were reported the following Metformin side effects:

• digestive system: nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, flatulence, abdominal pain
• metabolism: in some cases - lactic acidosis (weakness, myalgia, respiratory disorders, drowsiness, abdominal pain, hypothermia, low blood pressure, reflex bradycardia), in long-term treatment - hypovitaminosis B12 (malabsorption)
• hematopoiesis: in some cases - megaloblastic anemia
• allergic reactions: skin rash

This is not a complete list of Metformin side effects. When side effects do occur make sure to inform your health care provider.

Which other medicines can interact with Metformin?

• diuretics
• ethanol (high risk of lactic acidosis)
• indirect anticoagulants
• histamine H2-receptor antagonists
• sulphonylurea derivatives
• insulin
• hypoglycemic agents
• MAO inhibitors
• antibiotics
• ACE inhibitors
• hypolipidemic agents
• anti-tumor agents
• salicylates
• glucocorticosteroids
• oral hormonal contraception
• adrenoceptor agonists
• insulin antagonists
• thyroid gland hormones
• cationic agents secreted in tubules

Make sure to inform your health care provide about prescription and over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements, and other medical preparations you are currently taking. Do not begin a new medication without letting your doctor know.

How Metformin should be stored?

The drug should be stored at room temperature (15- 25 C)

Additional information

You should not share this medicine with others. Do not take Metformin on your own initiative without your doctors approval. Keep the drug as well as any other disposable material out of the reach of children.