Metformin (By Mouth)

Metformin (met-FOR-min)

Used with diet or other medicines to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Glucophage XR, Glucophage, Metformin HCl, Riomet
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metformin, if you have kidney disease or metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis), or if you are also taking medicine for congestive heart failure.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take the tablet with food.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• 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 take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of 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.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with metformin. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using, especially Tagamet®, Dilantin®, isoniazid, vancomycin, nicotinic acid (niacin), estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, diuretics (water pills), heart medicine, steroids such as prednisone, or any cold medicines.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metformin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, or an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• You may need to stop using this medicine several days before and after having medical tests or surgery. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
• You may have low blood sugar if you are also taking other medicines for diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, weakness, anxiety, drowsiness, extreme hunger, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, confusion, or a headache that won't go away.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If you get sick, call your doctor for instructions, especially if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Extreme thirst, changes in urination, or hot, dry skin
• Muscle pain, trouble breathing, upset stomach, slow or irregular heartbeat, or feeling dizzy, cold, uncomfortable, or weak
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain after you have been taking this medicine for a long time

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite when starting treatment or changing doses

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.