GLUCOPHAGE
(METFORMIN)
(Metformin)
This
medicine is a biguanide used to treat diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) in
patients who may or may not also require insulin.
Precautions
WARNING:
Metformin can cause a condition called lactic acidosis. Though occurring
rarely, lactic acidosis can be fatal. Stop using this drug and seek immediate
medical help if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:
unusual tiredness (fatigue), weakness, or stomach discomfort; muscle pain,
breathing trouble; feeling cold (low body temperature), dizzy or lightheaded;
or a slow or irregular heartbeat. Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in
patients who: have heart failure, kidney or liver problems; are elderly; use
alcohol excessively; are seriously dehydrated (lack body fluids); will undergo
x-ray procedures that require an injectable contrast drug; will have surgery;
develop a serious infection, heart attack or stroke; are over 80 years of age
and have not had kidney and liver tests. Some medicines or medical conditions
may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history
of acidosis, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure. Additional monitoring
of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver disease.
Directions
follow
the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this
medicine with food or milk. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel
well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.
Cautions
Do
not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Follow the
dietary plan provided by your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory
appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or
dental treatments, emergency care, laboratory tests, or surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Do not drink alcohol
without first discussing it with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new
medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if
this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this
medicine.
Side
Effects
Side
effects, that may go away during treatment, include metallic taste in mouth,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or indigestion. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if
you experience fast, deep breathing; vomiting; stomach discomfort; weakness;
exhaustion; muscle pain; dizziness or lightheadedness; or irregular or slow
heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
Interactions
Drug
interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Please read the package insert for details!
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle
aches, trouble breathing, increased sleepiness, low body temperature, slow
heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Storage
Store
this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Keep this medicine
out of the reach of children!