Metformin belongs to biguanide class of antidiabetic medicines. It is an excellent drug in treatment type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people.

Manufacture: Healing Pharma Pvt. Ltd.

Brand Names: Glycoheal, Glucophage, Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza, Obimet, Dianben, Diabex, Diaformin.
Generic Name: Metformin.
This medication is not meant for treatment without a specialist's intervention.
Common Uses
Metformin belongs to biguanide class of antidiabetic medicines. It is an excellent drug in treatment type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people.

How to Take
Before you start taking any new medicine, please consult a doctor. The usual starting dose for adult patients is 500 mg two times a day, taken with morning and evening meals. The doctor may increase your daily dose after several weeks up to a total of 2,000 mg day. Also an alternative starting dose exists - it is 850 mg a day, taken with the morning meal. The maximum dose may be 2,550 mg a day. If you take more than 2,000 milligrams a day, you should divide them on three smaller doses and take with meal.

Warning and Precautions
If you are diabetic, carry ID card all the time. To achieve better results while using Metformin, you should follow an appropriate diet and do special exercise. It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk to your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Use effective birth control while taking Metformin. Before receiving any medical help, tell your doctor that you are taking Metformin. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster, change your vision or make you more hungry. To increase blood sugar you may carry reliable source of glucose or you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals. You should not take Metformin for 2 days before and after having an X-ray procedure.

Important
Metformin should not be used while pregnant. If you are pregnant, stop taking Metformin. If you are planning to become pregnant, make sure your doctor knows that you are taking Metformin. It also appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.

Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you have missed one, take the missed dose as soon as you have remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Overdose
Almost any medicine taken in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include fainting, lightheadedness or dizziness, very fast or slow heart rate. If you suspect an overdose, contact your emergency room immediately.

Storage
Metformin should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect it from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store the medicine in the bathroom. Keep it away from pets and children.

Possible Side Effects
Any medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur, seek medical attention or consult your doctor. Such common side effects may bother you: diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, headache, indigestion, muscle pain, sore throat, weight gain, nausea, tiredness, vomiting. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain, dark urine, vision problems, lactic acidosis.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor can provide more information about Metformin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medication for other health conditions. Do not store Metformin with an end term of its storage.