Drug Name

Glucophage (Metformin)

Drug Uses

Glucophage 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.

How Taken

Use Glucophage as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with Glucophage . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take Glucophage by mouth with food.
Take Glucophage on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Glucophage at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Glucophage even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Glucophage 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Glucophage , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Glucophage if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucophage
• 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.

Some medical conditions may interact with Glucophage . 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 Glucophage . 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 Glucophage '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

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach upset; temporary metallic taste; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or discomfort; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast or difficult breathing; feeling of being unusually cold; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; general feeling of being unwell; muscle pain or weakness; slow or irregular heartbeat; unusual drowsiness; unusual or persistent stomach pain or discomfort; unusual tiredness or weakness.

More Information

If you have any questions about Glucophage , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Glucophage is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.