Metformin is employed in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise regimen, and possibly along with other medications, to manage elevated blood sugar levels. It is utilized in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The regulation of high blood sugar aids in the prevention of kidney damage, vision impairment, nerve issues, limb loss, and sexual function complications. Effectively managing diabetes can also diminish the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
Metformin operates by facilitating the restoration of your body’s appropriate response to the insulin it naturally produces. Additionally, it curtails the production of sugar by your liver and the absorption of sugar by your stomach and intestines.
Instructions for Using Metformin Oral:
Review the Patient Information Leaflet, if provided by your pharmacist, prior to commencing metformin and each time you obtain a refill. Should you have any inquiries, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication orally as instructed by your doctor, generally 1 to 3 times daily in conjunction with meals. Ensure adequate fluid intake while consuming this medication, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The prescribed dosage hinges on your medical condition, your response to treatment, and any other medications you might be using. It’s important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all products you utilize, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
In order to minimize the potential for side effects (like stomach discomfort), your doctor might instruct you to initiate this medication at a lower dosage and gradually elevate it. Adhere closely to your doctor’s guidance.
Consistently take this medication as prescribed to derive the maximum benefit from it. Make a point to use it at the same times daily.
Pooping out Metformin pills
This occurrence is considered typical. The outer layer of the tablet might appear intact in your stool. There is no need for alarm regarding this. However, if you anticipate undergoing surgery, an MRI, a CT scan, or any other medical procedure, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider that you are currently using this medication.
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Side Effects:
You might experience nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, weakness, or a metallic taste in your mouth. If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly notify your doctor or pharmacist.
Should your stomach symptoms recur later on (after consistent dosing for a few days or weeks), it’s important to inform your doctor without delay. Stomach symptoms that manifest after the initial days of treatment could potentially indicate lactic acidosis.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they have determined that the benefits outweigh the risks of potential side effects. A significant number of individuals using this medication do not experience severe side effects.
Metformin generally does not lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, there is a possibility of low blood sugar if this drug is prescribed alongside other diabetes medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the dosage of your other diabetes medication(s) needs adjustment.
Indications of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, increased hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling sensations in the hands or feet. It’s advisable to keep glucose tablets or gel on hand to counteract low blood sugar. If these forms of glucose aren’t available, you can quickly raise your blood sugar by consuming a rapid source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, candy, or fruit juice or non-diet soda.
Notify your doctor promptly about your reaction. The likelihood of low blood sugar increases if you consume substantial amounts of alcohol, engage in unusually strenuous exercise, or fail to consume enough calories from food. To minimize the risk of low blood sugar, adhere to regular meal timings and avoid skipping meals. If you miss a meal, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate course of action.
Signs of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) encompass increased thirst, frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and a fruity odour on your breath. If you experience these symptoms, promptly inform your doctor. Adjustments to your diabetes medication(s) may be necessary.
Cease using this medication immediately and notify your doctor urgently if you encounter a highly serious side effect: lactic acidosis (refer to the Warning section).
Although it is rare, an extremely severe allergic reaction to this medication can occur. Seek medical assistance right away if you observe any indications of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), intense dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Precautions:
Before starting this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to metformin or if you have any other allergies. It’s possible that this product includes inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications. For more comprehensive information, consult your pharmacist.
Ahead of using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have severe breathing problems (like obstructive lung disease or severe asthma), blood-related issues (such as anaemia or vitamin B12 deficiency), kidney disease, or liver disease.
Before undergoing surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure that involves iodinated contrast, notify your doctor or dentist about all the products you are using, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. It might be necessary to briefly discontinue this medication for the surgery or procedure. Prior to your surgery/procedure, obtain instructions from your doctor or dentist.
Low or high blood sugar levels might lead to blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Abstain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you are confident in your ability to safely perform these tasks.
Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption while taking this medication as it can heighten the risk of lactic acidosis and the development of low blood sugar.
Elevated body temperature, the use of “water pills” (diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide), excessive perspiration, diarrhoea, or vomiting may lead to dehydration and raise the chances of lactic acidosis. If you experience prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting, cease taking this medication and promptly inform your doctor. It’s essential to maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
During periods of stress, such as when encountering fever, infection, injury, or undergoing surgery, managing blood sugar levels might become more challenging. Consult your doctor, as increased stress may necessitate adjustments to your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar monitoring.
Older adults may be more vulnerable to side effects like low blood sugar or lactic acidosis.
If you’re pregnant, this medication should only be used when absolutely necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor might advise you to use insulin instead of this product during pregnancy. Adhere closely to your doctor’s guidance.
Metformin can influence the menstrual cycle (facilitate ovulation) and increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding reliable birth control methods while using this medication.
Metformin enters breast milk in minor quantities. Consult your doctor prior to breastfeeding.
Interactions:
Interactions between drugs can influence how your medications function or heighten the risk of severe side effects. This document doesn’t encompass all potential drug interactions.
It’s recommended to maintain a record of all the products you are using, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and to communicate this list with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not initiate, halt, or modify the dosage of any medications without obtaining approval from your doctor.
Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, and glaucoma eye drops like timolol) might obstruct the rapid or forceful heartbeat that typically arises when your blood sugar declines significantly (hypoglycemia). However, these drugs do not affect other indications of low blood sugar, like dizziness, hunger, or sweating.
Numerous drugs can impact your blood sugar levels, making their regulation more challenging. Prior to commencing, discontinuing, or altering any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss how the medication may influence your blood sugar.
Adhere to your doctor’s guidance to regularly monitor your blood sugar and communicate the outcomes to them. If you experience symptoms of elevated or diminished blood sugar, promptly inform your doctor. (Refer also to the Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or dietary plan.