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Metformin - pro and contra.

Metformin: uses Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes ( non-insulin-dependent diabetes ) . Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, circulation problems, and decreased sexual ability. Metformin belongs to class of drugs known as biguanides. It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin we naturally produce, and by decreasing amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

Metformin: how to use Read Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before we start using Metformin and each time we get a refill. If we have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Metformin by mouth, usually twice a day with meals or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Carefully measure your dose with a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because we mayn't get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may direct we to take a low dose at first, gradually increasing the dose to lower the chance of side effects such as upset stomach. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels to find best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The usual maximum dose for an adult is 2550 milligrams each day.

If we are already taking another anti-diabetic drug ( e. g. , chlorpropamide ) , follow your doctor's directions carefully for stopping/continuing old drug and starting Metformin.

Use Metformin regularly in order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it at same times each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens ( e. g. , blood sugar levels are high ) . It may take up to 2 weeks before full benefit of Metformin takes effect.

Metformin: side effects See also Warning section.

Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or a metallic taste in mouth may occur while use Metformin at first as your body adjusts to medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If stomach symptoms return later ( after you're on the same dose for several days or weeks ) , tell your doctor immediately. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be a sign of lactic acidosis.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Metformin because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Metformin don't have serious side effects.

Metformin doesn't usually cause low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) . However, low blood sugar may occur while use Metformin, especially if you take other medications for diabetes, drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. Symptoms include cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, headache, fainting, tingling of hands/feet, and hunger. It's a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If we do not have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about reaction immediately. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and don't skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if we miss a meal.

Symptoms of high blood sugar ( hyperglycemia ) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your dosage may need to be increased.

A very serious allergic reaction to Metformin is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Metformin: precautions Before taking Metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Metformin should not be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:

Before using Metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Before having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material, tell your doctor that you're taking Metformin. We will need to temporarily stop Metformin before time of your surgery/procedure. Consult your doctor for further instructions.

We may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any other activity that requires clear vision and alertness.

Limit alcohol while using Metformin to lower your risk of lactic acidosis.

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed ( e. g. , due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery ) . Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be a greater risk for side effects such as lactic acidosis or low blood sugar while using Metformin.

During pregnancy, Metformin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for Metformin during your pregnancy. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Metformin can cause changes in menstrual cycle ( promote ovulation ) and increase risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about use of reliable birth control while using this medication.

It's not known whether Metformin passes into breast milk. Metformin could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding isn't recommended while using Metformin. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Metformin: interactions Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Do not start, stop, or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using Metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:

Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before we start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. ( See also Side Effects section. ) Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication, exercise program, or diet.

Some medications ( e. g. , beta blockers such as propranolol ) may mask fast/pounding heartbeat we would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low ( hypoglycemia ) . Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.

Check labels on nonprescription/herbal products carefully. Some products may contain sugar/alcohol and may affect blood sugars. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using these products safely.

Cimetidine is a nonprescription drug that's commonly used to treat extra stomach acid. Because it may interact with Metformin, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat stomach acid.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Metformin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Metformin: overdose If overdose of Metformin is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Overdose can cause lactic acidosis and low blood sugar. Symptoms of overdose may include: rapid breathing, severe drowsiness, slow/irregular heartbeat.

Metformin: notes Do not share Metformin with others.

We should attend a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and all important aspects of its treatment, including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications, and getting regular eye/foot/medical exams.

Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests ( e. g. , liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts ) should be performed periodically to check for side effects and monitor your response to therapy. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed.

Metformin: missed dose If we miss a dose Metformin, take it as soon as you remember. If it's near time of next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose of Metformin to catch up.

Metformin: storage Store Metformin at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Do not store Metformin in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard Metformin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Metformin: warning Metformin can rarely cause a serious ( sometimes fatal ) condition called lactic acidosis. Stop taking Metformin and seek immediate medical attention if we develop any of following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, unusually slow/irregular heartbeat.

Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have certain medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation ( e. g. , severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke ) , heavy alcohol use, a severe loss of body fluids ( dehydration ) , X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, recent surgery, or a serious infection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these conditions occur or if we notice a big change in your overall health. You may need to stop taking Metformin temporarily. The elderly are also at higher risk, especially those older than 80 years who haven't had kidney tests. ( See also Side Effects and Precautions sections. )

Metformin with US shipping

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