Glucophage

Glucophage is a medicine given for diabetes patients, which helps in controlling blood sugar levels.

Drug usage

Glucophage is normally prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug is used in combination with other medications and also insulin. But Glucophage is not prescribed for a type 1 diabetic patient.

How taken

An oral drug, Glucophage should be taken with food. You should have to strictly follow your doctor’s advice while taking Glucophage. You should also understand that the drug is only part of a programme that includes weight control, exercise and dieting. You should have to take this oral medicine continuously unless your doctor asks to stop it.

Care should be taken that the drug is not chewed, crushed or broken, as it has to be released slowly into the body.

Missed dose

It is always better not to miss any dosage. In case you forget to take a dosage of Glucophage, take it as soon you remember it. But if it is almost time for your regular dosage, leave the missed one. Never take two dosages of Glucophage at the same time.

Overdose

Hunger, confusion, drowsiness, headache, weakness, tremors, fast heartbeat, sweating, seizure and fainting are some of the symptoms of overdose. If you come across any of the symptoms, better consult the doctor without any delay. It has also been seen that an overdose may lead to lactic acidosis, a life threatening condition. Slow heart rate, muscle pain, weakness, cold feeling, shortness of breath, stomachache and light-headedness are some of the symptoms of Lactic acidosis.

Precautions /warnings

The doctors stop the drug if you need any x-ray/CT scan using a dye, which is injected into the vein. Never miss appointments and also lab tests as the physician should have to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and also kidney functions.

Alcohol should be avoided while you are on Glucophage medication. Alcohol is known to bring down the sugar levels and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

More information

Before Glucophage is prescribed, it is better to inform your doctor about all your health conditions, including your allergies and your diseases. Do not hide from your doctor if you have any kidney problems, liver diseases and heart problems.

Glucophage is rated FDA pregnancy category B. Though this medicine may not harm the unborn babe, it is better to consult your doctor about the risks and side effects of the drug while taking during pregnancy. It is also not known if the drug will affect the new born. Even then, a breast-feeding mom should have to feed the newborn only after consulting the doctor.

The drug is not prescribed for children who are less than ten years of age.

Side effects

Glucophage comes with many side effects. If you have any allergic reactions like hives, swelling (face, tongue, lips, throat) and breathing difficulty, you have to stop the drug and immediately call the doctor.

Some of the serious side effects are rapid weight gain, chills, fever, body aches and flu symptoms. The lesser-known side effects include headache, muscle pain, mild nausea, weakness, gas, stomach pain and vomiting.