Description
Metformin is a drug used to treat diabetes mellitus. This is type II diabetes. This type of diabetes involves the production of insulin by pancreas but doesn’t get sugar into body cells. This makes the body not too function properly. The use of Metformin together with an anti-diabetic drug known as sulfonylurea, or with insulin is a good way of lowering blood sugar when it is in large quantities. This will help in the metabolism of food to produce energy for the body.
Type II diabetes can be controlled by diet alone. The use of exercises can also control it. There are specified diets and exercises that one can follow when diagnosed with diabetes. This is diet and exercises that you can take part in even when under medication. For effective results, it is good to ensure that the quantity of Metformin you take is balanced with the food you take and the amount of exercises you engage in. when you alter exercises, diet or both, it is good to test the blood sugar level to know how well you are doing. If it is low, consult your doctor to know what to do to have it back to normal.
It is normal that at one point, this drug may let you down hence making the glucose level in the blood to rise. It is good o know when this happens so that you curb it. Consult your doctor instead of increasing the intake of this drug. Your doctor may opt to give you a different anti-diabetic drug. If this option equally fails, then the doctor may opt to stop giving you this medicine and opt for insulin injections.
Glucophage (Metformin) is not recommendable for patients who have type I diabetes or those who depend on insulin. This is because their pancreas gland cannot produce insulin on its own. Insulin injection is the only way of controlling their glucose levels.
Before you use Glucophage (Metformin)
It is good to gauge on the effects of using Glucophage before deciding to use it. Weigh the bad and good side of this drug. This is a decision you should make in conjunction with your doctor. It is good to consider some factor:
Allergies: It is good to be open and let your doctor know if you have had any allergic reactions to this drug in the past. It is also to inform your doctor if your body is allergic to foods, dyes and preservatives.
Pregnancy: Metformin can lead to birth defects in children or other problems in human beings. This is why Glucophage should be used during pregnancy. It is good for your health care professional to use diet or insulin to regulate your blood sugar. This will be important to your health and that of your child. It is good to closely control your blood sugar levels. In order to avoid your child gaining too much weight, it is good to control your blood sugar. This will also guard the child against birth defects or having low or high blood sugar. If you think you are pregnant or you are planning to be, tell your doctor.
Breast-feeding: There is a speculation that Metformin can get into the breast milk of mothers. There are a number of drugs that enter the breast milk in small quantities. Some of them can be safe while others can be dangerous to the health of the baby. This is why it is advisable for the breast-feeding mothers to consult their doctors to discuss on what to do during this period.
Children: Metformin tablets should not be used in children of below ten years. If taken in recommended doses, they are as effective as when used in adults.
Older adults: The use of Metformin in older adults is the same as it’s used in younger adults. If an individual has disorder of the blood vessels, or kidney problems, consult your doctor so that your dose is adjusted. If necessary, you will be advised to stop using this drug.
Other medicines: There are some medicines that should not be used together with Metformin. When these drugs interact, they may have adverse reactions on the body. This is why it is recommendable for you to consult your doctor. It is not recommendable to take any other drugs that have not been approved by your health care provider.
Proper Use of Glucophage
It is beneficial to use Glucophage as prescribed even if you feel better. Some people will stop using this drug when their blood sugar comes to normal. This is not recommendable. It is not good to overdose Glucophage and never take it more frequent than advised by the doctor. This is because overdose can lead to severe side effects. It is good to remember that the aim of Glucophage is not to cure diabetes but reduce its pangs. This is why you need to continue using it as recommended by the doctor so that your blood sugar level is balanced. Some people have taken anti-diabetic medicines for the whole of their lives. High blood sugar level can be dangerous if not taken care of. It can lead to heart attacks, eye diseases, kidney problems and blood vessel disorders.
Dosing: Depending on the patients, the quantity of Metformin taken will vary. It is beneficial to follow the dose given by the doctor. There are average doses for Metformin use that are discussed below. It is good to adhere to your dose. For those taking the tablets of Metformin:
Missed dose: If you forget to take the medicine, it is good to take as soon as you remember. If you remember when you are about to take your next dose, then you should avoid taking it and instead embark on your normal routine.
Storage: When it comes to storing this drug, you should: Keep it a place far from children. Keep the drug from cold temperatures. Keep it away from direct light and heat. Do not store medicine that has gone beyond expiry date. Any medicine that has expired should be properly disposed.
Precautions When Using Glucophage
It is good to regularly visit your doctor so that your progress is checked. This should take place during the first few weeks when you take this medicine.
It is good to carefully follow the instructions of taking Glucophage regarding:
Side Effects of Glucophage
Glucophage if not used as recommended can lead to adverse effects. These effects will not occur in all users but in case they show up, immediate medical attention is recommended. In case the following side effects are seen, you should consult your doctor.
Some of the rare side effects include: diarrhea, muscles pains, breathing problems, cramping, abnormal sleepiness, unusual fatigue, low blood sugar, anxiety, feelings of drunkenness, blurred vision, pale skin, lack of concentration, confusion, sweating, excessive hunger, drowsiness, nausea, headache, nightmares, slurred speech, and shakiness.
There are other effects that will not medical attention. These ones will wear out during your treatment as the body copes with the drug. However, it is good to see your doctor if the following symptoms occur: loss of appetite, passing of gas, stomach ache, weight loss, vomiting, and metallic metal test.
There are other side effects that may occur but are not listed above. If they occur, it is good to visit your doctor.
Additional Information
Not all drugs that have been approved for medical use are effective. A drug that is in the market can be used for other purposes. Metformin is one of those drugs that can be used in patients who are suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a use that has not been labeled on the drug. This is additional information regarding the use of this drug.
Create a Ticket
View Your Ticket
