Glucophage pills p/o 1000mg №15x4

Glucophage 1000mg Tablets: Control Your Type 2 Diabetes Effectively

Description:

Glucophage tablets contain metformin hydrochloride, a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about Glucophage, including its mechanism of action, indications, dosage, side effects, and precautions.

How Glucophage Works:

Glucophage helps lower blood sugar levels without causing hypoglycemia. It works by:

• Increasing insulin sensitivity: Making your body more responsive to insulin, improving glucose uptake by cells.
• Reducing liver glucose production: Inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, decreasing the amount of glucose released into your bloodstream.
• Delaying glucose absorption: Slowing down the absorption of sugar from your gut, further controlling blood glucose levels.
• Improving lipid metabolism: Reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and potentially supporting weight management.

When to Use Glucophage:

Glucophage is prescribed for:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: As monotherapy or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, particularly in obese patients.
• Management of diabetes complications: Reducing the severity of diabetes complications in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight, acting as a first-line treatment for ineffective diet therapy.

Dosage and Administration:

The dosage of Glucophage is tailored to each individual's needs and varies based on factors like:

• Renal function: Your doctor will assess your kidney function to determine the appropriate dose.
• Type of treatment: Monotherapy, combination therapy with other oral agents, or with insulin.
• Age and weight: Dosage may be adjusted for children and elderly patients.

Important Precautions:

• Lactic acidosis: A rare but serious complication. Patients should be aware of the risk factors and symptoms, and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
• Renal function monitoring: Regular monitoring of kidney function is essential, especially in the elderly and patients with pre-existing renal conditions.
• Surgery: Glucophage should be discontinued before surgery and resumed only after recovery and stable kidney function.
• Iodine-containing contrast agents: Glucophage should be stopped before and after imaging procedures using contrast agents.
• Alcohol consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol intake, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Potential Side Effects:

Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal upset: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite. These symptoms often subside over time.
• Taste disturbances: A temporary change in taste perception.
• Visual disturbances: Transient visual impairment may occur at the beginning of treatment.

Serious side effects are rare but possible, including lactic acidosis and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Contraindications:

Glucophage is not recommended for:

• Severe renal failure (GFR < 30 ml/min)
• Acute conditions with a risk of impaired kidney function
• Severe liver failure
• Acute alcohol intoxication
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Lactic acidosis

Storage and Disposal:

Store Glucophage at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children. Dispose of unused medication safely as directed by your pharmacist.

Consult Your Doctor:

This information should not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on using Glucophage. They can help you understand the risks and benefits and ensure safe and effective treatment for your type 2 diabetes.