How does Glucophage work?
- Glucophage helps your body produce less glucose from the liver. It
does not cause the body to make more insulin, therefore, it rarely causes
low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) when used alone. Hypoglycemia may occur
when Glucophage is taken in combination with insulin or other diabetes
pills such as Prandin or sulfonylureas.
- Glucophage has been found to lower blood fat levels and possibly contribute
to minor weight loss.
Guidelines for use:
- Take with meals, once, twice or up to three times a day. Be sure to
check with your health care provider about how often and how much to
take.
- Your health care provider may want you to combine Glucophage with
another type of diabetes pill or insulin to further improve your control.
Since it works differently than the other diabetes medications, it will
not interfere with their action. Your health care provider will determine
the best treatment for you.
What should I do if I forget to take my dose?
If you have forgotten to take your diabetes pills and it is less than
2 hours from the time that you should have taken them, then take them.
If it is more than 2 hours, contact your health care provider. Do not
take 2 doses at the next meal. If you miss a dose, note it in your
record book.
Can I take Glucophage with other medicines?
Most medicines interact safely with Glucophage. However, always remind
your health care provider what medicines you are taking and when there
is a change in your medications, so that (s)he can make sure the combination
is safe. Ask if the new medication will affect your diabetes.
What are the side effects of Glucophage?
Minor side effects:
These side effects usually go away after your body gets used to taking
the medicine for several weeks. These include mild diarrhea, nausea,
or upset stomach. Taking Glucophage with meals can lessen side effects.
Call your health care provider if you experience severe discomfort or
if the side effects last longer than a few weeks.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is less likely to occur when Glucophage
is taken alone. Hypoglycemia may occur when Glucophage is taken in combination
with insulin, sulfonylurea agents or Prandin (repaglinide). (Sulfonylurea
agents and Prandin are other types of diabetes pills.)
Major side effects:
Serious side effects are very rare and occur mostly in people whose
kidneys or liver are not working normally. The most serious side effect
is lactic acidosis. It may be life threatening. Your health care
provider will check your kidney and liver function to determine if you
are at risk.
Are there situations where it is necessary to temporarily stop taking Glucophage?
Yes, there are situations that may affect your kidneys or liver function
and thus put you at risk for developing lactic acidosis. To reduce
this risk, your health care provider may need to stop the medication for
a period of time. It is important that your health care provider know
when the following problems or situations occur:
- You have an illness resulting in dehydration (significant loss of
body fluid): severe vomiting, diarrhea and/or fever, inability to keep
fluids down.
- You are going to have any surgery or special x-ray procedures that
require an injection of iodine contrast dye.
Who should NOT take Glucophage?
- People who have kidney or liver problems
- People who drink alcohol excessively
- People with serious conditions such as a heart attack or severe infection
- The safety of using Glucophage in pregnant women has not been established.
Women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should tell their
healthcare provider immediately so the right medication can be prescribed.
How will I know if it is working?
Check your blood glucose at the times specified by your health care provider.
If your blood glucose or HbA1c is within target most of the time, the dose
is working. If not, review the amount and types of food eaten or
if you have forgotten to take the right dose of your medication.
If glucose remains high for a few weeks, contact your health care
provider. A change in dose may be needed.
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