metformin

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Pronunciation: met FOR min

Brand: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet

Fortamet 500 mg

slide 1 of 40, Fortamet 500 mg,

round, white, imprinted with LOGO 574

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Glucophage 1000 mg

slide 2 of 40, Glucophage 1000 mg,

oblong, white, imprinted with 10 00, BMS 6071

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Glucophage 500 mg

slide 3 of 40, Glucophage 500 mg,

round, white, imprinted with BMS 6060, 500

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Glucophage 850 mg

slide 4 of 40, Glucophage 850 mg,

round, white, imprinted with BMS 6070, 850

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Glucophage XR 500 mg

slide 5 of 40, Glucophage XR 500 mg,

oblong, white, imprinted with BMS 6063, 500

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Glucophage XR 750 mg

slide 6 of 40, Glucophage XR 750 mg,

oval, red, imprinted with BMS 6064, 750

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Metformin 1000 mg-AMN

slide 7 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-AMN,

oval, white, imprinted with IP 177, 10 00

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Metformin 1000 mg-APO

slide 8 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-APO,

oblong, white, imprinted with APO1000

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Metformin 1000 mg-BAR

slide 9 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-BAR,

oval, white, imprinted with b 387, 10 00

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Metformin 1000 mg-IVA

slide 10 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-IVA,

oval, white, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4432, 10 00

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Metformin 1000 mg-MUT

slide 11 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-MUT,

oval, white, imprinted with MP 753

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Metformin 1000 mg-MYL

slide 12 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-MYL,

oval, white, imprinted with M 244

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Metformin 1000 mg-TEV

slide 13 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-TEV,

oval, white, imprinted with 9 3, 72 14

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Metformin 1000 mg-WAT

slide 14 of 40, Metformin 1000 mg-WAT,

oblong, peach, imprinted with WPI WPI, 2455

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Metformin 500 mg ER-TEV

slide 15 of 40, Metformin 500 mg ER-TEV,

oval, white, imprinted with 7267, 9 3

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Metformin 500 mg-AMN

slide 16 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-AMN,

round, white, imprinted with IP 175, 500

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Metformin 500 mg-APO

slide 17 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-APO,

oblong, white, imprinted with APO500, MET

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Metformin 500 mg-BAR

slide 18 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-BAR,

oval, white, imprinted with b385, 500

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Metformin 500 mg-IVA

slide 19 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-IVA,

oval, white, imprinted with LOGO 4331, 500

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Metformin 500 mg-MAL

slide 20 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-MAL,

round, white, imprinted with Z, 70

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Metformin 500 mg-MUT

slide 21 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-MUT,

round, white, imprinted with MP 751

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Metformin 500 mg-TEV

slide 22 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-TEV,

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 48

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Metformin 500 mg-WAT

slide 23 of 40, Metformin 500 mg-WAT,

oblong, peach, imprinted with 2713, WPI

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Metformin 500mg-UDL

slide 24 of 40, Metformin 500mg-UDL,

round, white, imprinted with M, 234

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Metformin 750 mg ER-BAR

slide 25 of 40, Metformin 750 mg ER-BAR,

oblong, blue, imprinted with 107, b

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Metformin 750 mg ER-TEV

slide 26 of 40, Metformin 750 mg ER-TEV,

oval, red, imprinted with 7212, 93

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Metformin 850 mg-AMN

slide 27 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-AMN,

round, white, imprinted with IP 176, 850

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Metformin 850 mg-BAR

slide 28 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-BAR,

oval, white, imprinted with b386, 850

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Metformin 850 mg-IVA

slide 29 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-IVA,

oval, white, imprinted with LOGO 4330, 850

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Metformin 850 mg-MUT

slide 30 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-MUT,

round, white, imprinted with MP 752

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Metformin 850 mg-MYL

slide 31 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-MYL,

round, white, imprinted with M, 240

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Metformin 850 mg-TEV

slide 32 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-TEV,

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 49

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Metformin 850 mg-WAT

slide 33 of 40, Metformin 850 mg-WAT,

oblong, peach, imprinted with WPI, 2775

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Metformin ER 500 mg-AMN

slide 34 of 40, Metformin ER 500 mg-AMN,

capsule, white, imprinted with IP 178

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Metformin ER 500 mg-APO

slide 35 of 40, Metformin ER 500 mg-APO,

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, XR500

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Metformin ER 500 mg-MYL

slide 36 of 40, Metformin ER 500 mg-MYL,

oval, peach, imprinted with M 352

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Metformin ER 500 mg-PAR

slide 37 of 40, Metformin ER 500 mg-PAR,

oblong, white, imprinted with 500, 6065

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Metformin ER 750 mg-AMN

slide 38 of 40, Metformin ER 750 mg-AMN,

oval, white, imprinted with IP 179

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Metformin ER 750 mg-APO

slide 39 of 40, Metformin ER 750 mg-APO,

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, XR750

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Metformin ER 750 mg-MYL

slide 40 of 40, Metformin ER 750 mg-MYL,

oblong, white, imprinted with M350

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What is the most important information I should know about metformin?

You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin.

This medicine may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

What is metformin?

Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Metformin is for people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but metformin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin?

You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

severe kidney disease; or
if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin.

To make sure metformin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
a history of heart disease or recent heart attack;
if you have recently taken chlorpropamide; or
if you are over 80 years old and have not recently had your kidney function checked.

Some people taking metformin develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. This may be more likely if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a severe infection, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether metformin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. Extended-release metformin (Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet) is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take metformin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.

Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of metformin may cause lactic acidosis, which may be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking metformin?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.

What are the possible side effects of metformin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as:

muscle pain or weakness;
numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs;
trouble breathing;
feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak;
stomach pain, nausea with vomiting; or
slow or uneven heart rate.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; or
diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect metformin?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

digoxin; or
furosemide.

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you take metformin with other drugs that can raise blood sugar, such as:

phenytoin;
birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies;
a diuretic or "water pill";
heart or blood pressure medication;
niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others);
phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others); or
thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of metformin on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metformin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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