What is Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) used for?

Glucophage Metformin Hydrochloride) is a drug used to lower blood sugar in patients with insulin-independent type of diabetes.

The drug lowers the concentration of glucose (on an empty stomach and after a meal) in the blood and the level of glycated hemoglobin, increases glucose tolerance.

Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) reduces intestinal absorption of glucose, its production in the liver, potentiates insulin sensitivity of peripheral tissues (the absorption of glucose and its metabolism increases). Metformin Hydrochloride does not change insulin secretion by beta cells of pancreatic islets (insulin level, measured on an empty stomach, and the daily insulin response may even decrease).

Also, Metformin Hydrochloride normalizes the lipid profile of blood plasma in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: reduces the content of triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL (determined on an empty stomach) and does not alter the levels of lipoproteins of other densities.

Metformin Hydrochloride stabilizes or reduces body weight.

How should I use Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride)?

Always follow your doctor`s instructions when using Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor individually for each patient. It depends on many factors, such as functioning of the kidneys, severity of diabetes mellitus.

Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) may be used as a start therapy.

What are the side effects of Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride)?

The use of Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• anorexia,
• diarrhea,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• flatulence,
• abdominal pain (decreased by taking the drug during a meal),
• metallic taste in the mouth,
• hypoglycemia,
• rash,
• dermatitis

In rare cases lactate acidosis may develop, which manifests weakness, drowsiness, hypotension, resistant bradyarrhythmia, respiratory disorders, abdominal pain, myalgia, hypothermia.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious or worrying symptoms.

Please Note

In pregnancy, use is possible if the expected effect of therapy outweighs the potential risk to the fetus (adequate and strictly controlled studies on the use during pregnancy have not been conducted).

At the time of treatment should stop breastfeeding.