Glucophage

Generic Glucophage Description

Generic Glucophage (Metformin) is one of the most effective diabetes medications used individually or in combination with other prescription drugs, for controlling blood sugar. An oral antihyperglycemic drug, generic Metformin restricts the presence of free blood sugar in the blood. It reduces the glucose quantity absorbed by the patient from his food, as well as the glucose quantity produced by the patient’s liver.

Glucophage Side Effects

Glucophage users should report any uncommon reactions caused after generic Metformin use. A small proportion of users may suffer from certain serious reactions like: aching chest or skin irritation. Other side effects of Metformin include: loose motions; nail deformities; metallic taste in mouth; headaches; sneezing; heartburn; abdominal pain; swelling; skin reddening; gas and aching muscles.

There is possibility of Hypoglycemia as well as Hyperglycemia when taking Glucophage. Hypoglycemia, if left untreated, may have very serious implications like convulsions, falling unconscious, etc. Hypoglycemia symptoms include: perspiration; uneasiness; loss of strength; trembling; agitation; loss of coordination and hunger.

Patient should be checked for Hyperglycemia, if the patient shows the following symptoms: feeling starved; feeling very thirsty; improper eyesight; loss of strength and the need to urinate more times than usual. Untreated Hyperglycemia can cause fatal diabetic ketoacidosis, which is given away by presence of symptoms such as parched mouth; uneasiness and throwing up; breathlessness; fruity smelling breath and increased bouts of unconsciousness.

Glucophage Interaction

Users should disclose all medications being used, as there is a possibility of interaction with generic Glucophage (Metformin). Users of the following drugs should certainly discuss concomitant Glucophage use with their physicians: beta-blockers; hormone replacement therapy; diabetic drugs; cold and asthma drugs; medications for thyroid disease; penicillin and sulfa antibiotics; antihistamines; morphine; nicotinic acid; 'birth control pills'; aspirin and NSAIDs; cancer chemotherapy medications; water pills; HIV or AIDS medicines; calcium channel blockers; amiloride; nitrates and herbal medication like Aristolochia. Users should disclose to their physicians, every other product being taken for health related issues apart from their regular diet. Physicians will be best able to judge whether these products can have a negative effect on the health, based on individual patient’s condition.

Glucophage Notes and Precautions

• Metformin can result in fatal lactic acidosis. Users should inform their physician if they have a medical history of low red blood cell count; hypertension; surgical procedure related to small intestine; diabetic ketoacidosis or coma; or cardiovascular, hepatic, lung, or renal diseases.

• Users that suffer from serious infection or extreme case of any ailment which can cause severe dehydration, are not advised to take Glucophage until they completely recover from their ailment or infection.

• Excess alcohol users should discuss Glucophage use as well as alcohol limits when drinking, while under Metformin medication.

• Users should mention Metformin use while getting an x-ray taken or similar procedures. Users would have to keep off Metformin for 2 days at least.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss Glucophage use with their physician.

• Exercise routine and diet regimen should be discussed with the physician and modified according to advice.

• There is a possibility of the extended release tablet shell appearing in the patient’s stool. This is normal and has no bearing on the medication’s potency.

Glucophage Uses

Glucophage is used in treating type 2 diabetes.

How to use Glucophage

Users should buy glucophage only when prescribed by a physician. Available as a normal and extended release tablet, it is usually prescribed twice or thrice a day with food when taken normally and just once with dinner when taken in the extended release form. Usually the patient is started on lower doses and the dosage amount is increased later, after every 7 – 15 days, depending on the patient’s response.

The physician usually keeps a check on the blood sugar levels to ascertain the impact of Glucophage. Since it controls diabetes, patients should not stop its usage even though they start feeling completely normal. The use of Metformin should be stopped only on a physician’s advice.

Glucophage Overdose

Generic Metformin overdose patients may display the following symptoms: exhaustion, uneasiness, loss of hunger, breathlessness, throwing up, erratic respiration and heartbeats, aching muscles etc.

Generic Glucophage overdose should be immediately intimated to the local poison control center on 1-800-222-1222. In case of serious reactions like lack of breathing or losing consciousness, immediately call up the local emergency services on 911.

Glucophage Missed Dose

Users should try and take Glucophage at the same timings every day. In case of the realization that the user has missed a dose, the dose should be taken immediately. If the next Glucophage dose is supposed to be in a very short time, users should ignore the missed dose and just take their usual Glucophage dose. Do not double dose on Glucophage to make up for the missed dosage.

Glucophage Other Uses

Physicians may quite possibly suggest other uses for Glucophage apart from the ones mentioned earlier.

Glucophage Storage

Glucophage should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture. It should not be accessible to pets or children. Users should dispose off outdated Glucophage and ensure its proper disposal.