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Patient Information for Generic Glucophage
Metformin (met-FOR-min)
Generic Glucophage is used with diet and exercise to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. May be used by itself or with other medicines.
Brand Name(s):Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Metformin HCl, Metformin Hydrochloride, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When Generic Glucophage Should Not Be Used: You should not use Generic Glucophage if you have had an allergic reaction to metformin, or if you have metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis) or kidney disease. How to Use Generic Glucophage: (Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid) Your doctor will tell you how much Generic Glucophage to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more Generic Glucophage or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet or exercise program. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using Generic Glucophage. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. It is best to take Generic Glucophage with food or milk. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets whole. While taking the extended-release form of Generic Glucophage, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. If a dose is missed: If you miss a dose or forget to use your Generic Glucophage, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the Generic Glucophage and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra Generic Glucophage to make up for a missed dose.
Storage and Disposal of Generic Glucophage: Store Generic Glucophage in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated Generic Glucophage or medicine no longer needed. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone. Drugs and Foods to Avoid: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Many other drugs can interact with Generic Glucophage. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially birth control pills, cold or allergy medicine, estrogen, or any heart medicine. Your doctor will need to know if you are using isoniazid, diuretics (water pills), or steroids such as prednisone or Medrol®. Also tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet®), nicotinic acid (niacin), thyroid medicine, vancomycin (Vancocin®, Vancoled®), or phenytoin (Dilantin®). Tell your doctor if you are also using nifedipine (Procardia®, Adalat®), amiloride (Midamor®), digoxin (Lanoxin®, Digitek®), morphine, procainamide (Procanbid®), quinidine, quinine, ranitidine (Zantac®), triamterene (Dyrenium®), or trimethoprim (Proloprim®, Trimpex®). Do not drink alcohol while you are using Generic Glucophage.
Warnings While Using Generic Glucophage: Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, or a history of stroke. Tell your doctor if you get an infection while you are using Generic Glucophage. Some signs of infection are fever, chills, a cough that will not go away, or a stuffy nose. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Generic Glucophage. You may need to stop using Generic Glucophage several days before having surgery or medical tests. Generic Glucophage may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan. Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using Generic Glucophage. Be sure to keep all appointments. If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or below, do one of the following: Drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of fruit juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Re-check your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack or a meal. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, drink one-half cup juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Carry candy or some type of sugar with you at all times, especially if you are away from home. You can take this if you feel that your blood sugar is too low, even if you do not have a blood glucose meter. Always carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to treat your low blood sugar. Learn what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach friends, co-workers, and family members what they can do to help if you have low blood sugar. Generic Glucophage may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis in some people. Call your doctor right away if you get sick, especially if you have unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, fever, or nausea. Your risk of getting this condition is greater the longer you take Generic Glucophage. Possible Side Effects While Using Generic Glucophage: Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing; chest discomfort, or unusually slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat; dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, or decrease in how much you urinate; extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion; fever or chills; lightheadedness or fainting; muscle weakness or pain; rapid breathing, or trouble breathing; stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor: Headache; metallic taste in your mouth; mild stomach pain, nausea, or gas.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Generic Glucophage, tell your doctor.
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