Drug Uses
Glucophage is primarily used in treating type II diabetes. Glucophage is used along with a proper diet and exercises. Other anti diabetic medicines may be used in tandem with Glucophage. You may use it for treating other condition if prescribed by your doctor.
Usage
Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.
You may choose to take Glucophage with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one.
Please drink a full glass of water with Glucophage.
It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.
Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.
Missed Dose
Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.
Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.
Storage
Store Glucophage at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.
Warning/Precautions
Doctors advise against using Glucophage if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucophage, if you have a history of heart problems, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, or lactic acidosis, if you have vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, or anemia, or if you are dehydrated, have an infection, fever, recent injury, or moderate to severe burns, you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse.
Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.
Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding.
Glucophage may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Glucophage. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).
Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Glucophage. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.
Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Glucophage before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.
Glucophage is not useful for treating type I diabetes. Being a diabetic patient, it is always advisable that you carry an ID card on person that mentions about your condition and Glucophage usage.
For best results, it is important to bring about lifestyle changes and pair it with Glucophage. A healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders with the way you respond to treatment.
Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly and if you find the levels of blood sugar fluctuating despite the treatment with Glucophage, then consult your doctor.
In some cases, it may lead to Low Blood Sugar. Symptoms like rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger are signs of your blood sugar plummeting low. If you notice any of these symptoms then quickly consume a source of sugar (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda) as this will help elevate your sugar levels quickly. Now seek medical attention.
Have your meals on time and you can easily avoid low blood sugar.
If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Glucophage to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.
If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Glucophage as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.
Glucophage commonly causes stomach upset, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea at the beginning. However if these effects persist you should consult your health care provider.
The safety and effectiveness of Glucophage has not been ascertained and therefore it is not to be used in children less than 10 years old.
