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Metformin (generic), Glucophage: Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have special instructions for Glucophage® (Glucovance® /Metformin)?

Glucophage® (Metformin) may be taken the day of your exam. It should not be taken for 48 hours following the exam. Your blood should be drawn to check the function of your kidneys before resuming the medication. If you start the Glucophage too soon, before the bloodwork and okay from your doctor, it may damage your kidneys.

Can I take the Insulite System formula if I am on Glucophage® (Metformin)?

Yes, the Insulite System is safe to combine with Glucophage. The effect of Glucophage is to decrease your liver’s production of glucose in order to control blood sugar. In our experience, people who take Glucophage alone may or may not succeed in losing weight and controlling their blood sugar. The Insulite System includes guidelines that will definitely help you control your blood sugar and the formula will reverse your Insulin Resistance. ...

What is the maximum dosage of Metformin?

The maximum recommended dose of Metformin is 2550 mg per day (3 x 850 mg pills). Studies with Metformin for patients with PCOS usually use 500 mg three times a day or 850 mg twice daily.
The maximum recommended dose of metformin is 2550 mg per day (3 x 850 mg pills). The usual dose in diabetics is 1000 mg twice daily. Studies with metformin for patients with PCOS usually use 500 mg three times a day or 850 mg twice daily.
The maximum recommended dose of metformin is 2550 mg per day (3 x 850 mg pills). The usual dose in diabetics is 1000 mg twice daily. Studies with metformin for patients with PCOS usually use 500 mg three times a day or 850 mg twice daily. TOP RoseWaddles 04-29-2004 03:43 PM

Problems with Metformin?

Riomet - The Only Liquid Metformin Effectively Treats Diabetes www.Riomet.com

Can Metformin be taken during pregnancy?

Although there was a fear earlier that insulin sensitizing medications taken during pregnancy would harm the baby, recent studies have all shown that these drugs are perfectly safe to use in pregnancy. In fact not taking them greatly increases the chances of abortions.

What are the advantages of combining PRANDIN ® with metformin?

PRANDIN ® and metformin work together to control glucose levels. Because diabetes is a dual-impairment disease, it makes sense to treat it with two complementary agents such as these when monotherapy with Metformin or Prandin ® does not result in adequate glycemic control.

Why is metformin not recommended in renal impairment?

Metformin in those with a GFR less than 60 can cause diabetic lactic acidosis which although rare carries a very high risk of death. We would recommend an alternative such as gliclazide.

Can metformin be used along with one of the glitazones?

Because metformin and glitazones work in different ways to improve insulin utilization, they may have a synergistic effect when used together. Treatment with more than one medication often increases side effects, costs, and necessary monitoring, so should only be considered after use of a single medication fails to get the desired result (lowering of insulin and androgen levels, and restoration of cycles).

Is it safe to consume alcoholic beverages while on metformin?

Drinking alcohol while on metformin is not recommended, though not completely banned either. One may feel the effects of the liquor sooner and become intoxicated more easily. It also increases the risks of hypoglycemia. Alcohol may work with metformin to increase blood lactate levels, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.

How much Metformin should I take?

This will depend entirely on your condition, and your doctor will be able to tell you how much Metformin to take, when you should take it, and how you should take it. Usually, diabetics start out on a low dose of Metformin, and this is slowly increased until blood sugar responds. Doctors often put diabetics on combination courses with other medication, including insulin.

What are other side effects of taking Metformin?

Other side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, upset stomach and flatulence. Taking Metformin with meals can help to diminish these side effects. Some diabetics experience an unpleasant metallic taste when taking Metformin.

Can young diabetics take Metformin?

Metformin has been proven in clinical trials to lower glucose levels amongst children between 10-16 years of age suffering from type 2 diabetes. Research is less conclusive about children under 10 and children taking Metformin alongside other treatments, but your diabetes health care team should be able to elaborate on this.

What is the procedure for handling patients who are being treated with Metformin?

The SPC, section 4.4 “Special warnings…” GEHC write: “ To reduce the risk of lactic acidosis, serum creatinine level should be measured in diabetic patients treated with metformin prior to intravascular administration of iodinated contrast medium .” Depending on results of SCr measurements, the SPC gives recommendations for normal SCr/renal function, abnormal SCr/renal function and emergency cases. See also recommendation on the ESUR Web site . ...

How long do the nausea and diarrhea last after starting metformin?

Usually symptoms lessen over time and go away with long-term use (usually after 3-4 weeks at the same dose). If diarrhea and nausea continue, one should make sure to take the medication in the middle of a meal. Also consider diet — the uncomfortable side effects may be prolonged by a diet that is high in carbohydrates and/or high in fat. Reducing both may lessen symptoms.
Usually symptoms lessen over time and go away with long-term use (usually after 3-4 weeks at the same dose). If diarrhea and nausea continue, one should make sure to take the medication in the middle of a meal. Also consider diet — the uncomfortable side effects may be prolonged by a diet that is high in carbohydrates and/or high in fat. Reducing both may lessen symptoms.

Can metformin reduce the chance of miscarriage?

It appears that continuing metformin use at least through early pregnancy may reduce the chance of miscarriage, especially in patients with recurrent losses . A recent abstract, "Metformin throughout pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome reduces first-trimester miscarriage" (CJ Glueck et al, J Invest Med 2000), revealed a group's experience with 59 pregnant PCOS women. Of these, 23 were kept on metformin for the long haul. The other 36 did not continue metformin in pregnancy. ...

Can I get intravenous contrast if I am taking Glucophage?

Yes. However, you may not take your Glucophage for the 48 hours following the examination. You MUST have a blood test with your referring doctor to check your kidney function to make sure it is safe to restart.

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I am a type 2 diabetic which is treated with Glucophage. Would this cause a problem?

If you have normal blood surgar level with good level of HbA1C, you can have your surgery safely. If your preoperative blood sugar is not in normal limit, you may need to consult endocrinologist at Piyavate hospital to treat your diabetic condition during your hospitalization (there is an extra charge). 4. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Should I avoid anything whilst taking Metformin?

Diabetics taking Metformin should avoid drinking a lot of alcohol, both regularly and in short episodes. Alcohol consumption can up the risk of lactic acidosis.

What are the symptoms of Metformin causing serious side effects?

Diabetics taking Metformin should contact their doctor immediately in the event of dehydration that can be caused by an illness involving vomiting or diarrhoea.

Q Are there any side effects associated with Metformin and Glitazone tablets?

A Metformin tablets can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, stomach pain, weight gain (see below) and very rarely lacto acidosis which is life threatening. Glitazone can also cause weight gain (see below), sinus or respiratory infections, headaches, muscle pain, ankle swelling, tiredness, diarrhoea and should not be prescribed to people with liver or heart problems as liver damage is a very rare, but serious, side effect.

Q Can Metformin and Glitazone tablets cause hypoglycaemia?

A Yes, but this is very uncommon, especially after the user has learned good metabolic control. The term given to this is Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and arises as a result of low blood glucose caused by excessive insulin . Hypoglycemia due to excess insulin is the most common type of serious hypoglycemia.

I AM TRYING TO CONCEIVE. SHOULD I USE METFORMIN?

Metformin, by improving the quality of the egg (ovulation) improves the chances of conceiving if you have insulin resistance and polycystic ovaries. The other benefit of this is that it improves the thickness of the lining of the uterus and the ability of the embryo to implant giving a better mother/baby connection at the very beginning of the pregnancy. ...

DOC : Now,tell me what is the contraindication of Metformin?

ME : GI upset DOC : No No No ... Contraindication... Not side effect.. ME : (taking a deep breath and starting to put on my thinking cap)

Q I take Metformin for my diabetes, do I need to avoid taking this?

A No, but it can interact with some CT contrast agents (not the radioactive compound we use). If in doubt, always ask.

Should metformin be discontinued before doing a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?

Patients should go off metformin for several days prior to any x-ray procedure in which iodinated compounds will be used, including the hysterosalpingogram where contrast dye is injected into the uterus (note: this is a different procedure than a sonohystogram where saline is injected into the uterus before an ultrasound). The reason for this recommendation is that the kidneys clear both the dye and metformin. It should not be a problem if renal function judged by creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) tests is normal. ...

I am pregnant and taking Metformin, what should I do?

Contact your doctor immediately and tell him or her you have become pregnant, or if you are planning your pregnancy let him or her know in advance. Experts advise that pregnant women should not take Metformin during pregnancy. More Information Talk about Metformin in the Diabetes Forum Insulin facts
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