Important Glucophage information for the consumer:
Drug Uses
METFORMIN (Glucophage®) is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Treatment is combined with a balanced diet and exercise. This medicine lowers blood sugar and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently.
Glucophage Directions
Take metformin tablets by mouth, with meals. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Glucophage Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Glucophage.
If side effects from Glucophage occur, they usually happen during the first few weeks of therapy. Most side effects are minor and will go away after you've taken Glucophage for a while.
- More common side effects could include:
Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weakness
- Less common side effects may include:
Abdominal distention, abnormal stools, altered sense of taste, chest discomfort, chills, constipation, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, flushing, increased sweating, low blood sugar, light-headedness, muscle pain, nail disorders, pounding heartbeat, rash, shortness of breath, upper respiratory infection.
Do not take or buy Glucophage without first talking to your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have congestive heart failure;
- have acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis;
- have had a heart attack or a stroke;
- have a serious infection, illness, or injury;
- need to have surgery;
- need to have x-rays or other procedures using injectable contrast agents;
- are dehydrated (have lost water from your body) due to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, heat stroke, decreased fluid intake, or any other cause;
- drink alcohol
