metformin hcl
Key item features
Specs
- Drug brand nameGlucophage
- Medicine strength500mg
- Pharmacy product statusActive
- Medicine formTABLET
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About this item
Product details
What is this drug used for?
It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).
Specifications
Drug brand name
Medicine strength
Pharmacy product status
Medicine form
Medication Information
Hazard Precautions
There are no specific precautions required when handling this medication unless you are allergic to it. Wash your hands after handling any medication.
Description
Antidiabetic Agent
Storage Instructions
Store this medication in the original prescription bottle or an approved dosage reminder container (ie, pill minder) at room temperature and protected from light.
If your veterinarian or pharmacist has prepared (compounded) a special formulation for your animal, follow the storage recommendations and expiration date for the product.
Keep away from children and other animals.
Medication Usefulness
Metformin may be used to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes in cats, but there is limited information available regarding this use. This drug may also be used to treat insulin resistance associated with equine metabolic syndrome in horses, but it is unclear how well it works.
The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans, but it is not officially approved for use in animals. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe and use human products containing this drug in animals in certain situations. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.
Directions
Instructions
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.Take with meals.Take with a full glass of water.This drug may be used alone or with other high blood sugar (diabetes) drugs.To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time unless your doctor tells you to do something else.Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Warnings
Warning Text
Rarely metformin may cause an acid health problem in the blood lactic acidosis The risk of lactic acidosis is higher in people with kidney problems and in people who take certain other drugs like topiramate The risk is also higher in people with liver problems or heart failure in older people 65 or older or with alcohol use The risk is also higher in people who are having an exam or test with contrast surgery or other procedures If lactic acidosis happens it can lead to other health problems and can be deadly Lab tests to check the kidneys may be done while taking this drug If you have questions talk with the doctorDo not take this drug if you have a very bad infection low oxygen or a lot of fluid loss dehydrationCall your doctor right away if you have signs of too much lactic acid in the blood lactic acidosis like fast breathing fast or slow heartbeat a heartbeat that does not feel normal very bad upset stomach or throwing up feeling very sleepy shortness of breath feeling very tired or weak very bad dizziness feeling cold or muscle pain or cramps
