Metformin
Brand Names
Apo-Metformin, Fortamet, Gen-Metformin, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, GlyconWhat is Metformin
Metformin is an antidiabetic drug used to help patients with diabetes of type 2 to react to insulin. It is usually combined with insulin and other medicaments. Metformin is not used for diabetes (type 1) treatment.
Side effects of Metformin
Metformin can cause both serious side-effects (e.g. flu symptoms, fever, body aches, chills, rapid weight gain, swelling, difficulties with breathing) and less serious side-effects (e.g. weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, gas, and mild nausea, diarrhea, headache or stomach pain).
In case you have symptoms (even mild) of lactic acidosis, call an ambulance. The lactic acidosis symptoms are: feeling dizzy, tired, weak or light-headed; difficult breathing, arms and legs numbness, muscle pain, asthenia, uneven or slow heart rate.
Indication
Used for improving glycemic control by patients over 18 years old with diabetes.
Precautions
Before starting the Metformin intake let your pharmacist or doctor knows if you:
- have liver or kidney problems;
- ever had problems with heart or circulation;
- plan to have a baby, are already pregnant or breastfeeding;
- ever had allergic reaction to Metformin or any other medications;
- ever had a surgery or are going to have one in future;
- you drink a lot of spirits;
- ever had a serious injury;
- ever had an x-ray with a dye being injected;
- have diabetic ketoacidosis;
Dosage forms
Children (10-16 years old) should start with 500 mg of Metformin two times a day. The highest dosing level of Metformin for children is 2000 mg (divided into 2-3 doses) a day.
Adults (17 years old and more) should start with 500 mg of Metformin two times a day or 850 mg once a day. The highest dosing level of Metformin for adults is 2200 mg (divided into 2-3 doses) a day.
If you are taking Metformin together with insulin, it is recommended to start with 500 mg once a day. The highest dosing level of Metformin taken together with insulin is 2500 mg a day. The dose of insulin usually remains the same as before.
