Does anyone take metformin 500mg tabs?!
Question: I am supposed to start this med and was wondering if anyone had a problem after starting it? My first med for high blood sugar, I am a bit nervous.
Answers: I am supposed to start this med and was wondering if anyone had a problem after starting it? My first med for high blood sugar, I am a bit nervous.
Ive been taking it for years. Its very good to balance your blood sugar^__^
Take with food & make sure you don't accidentally take it twice in a day cause it can upset your stomach. Other then that, no problems~
It's a pretty common med for diabetes. Side effects are usually mild, but liver and kidney functions should be monitored. This is done by routine bloodwork
Good luck!
Most people don't have a problem with it. Its one of the safest oral medications for diabetes and has a very good track record.
It might cause some mild stomach problems, it does for some people.
If it does, get some yogurt with live culture in it, one with NO sugar added, so its low carb. Take the yogurt with the metformin, just before meals. That eliminates the digestive problems in most cases.
i take this med.. but in combination for my diabetes.. when i first started it was very strong for my empty stomatch and i learned that i have to take it with food after a while everything was just fine i been taking this med for many many years now.. good luck in controlling ur diabetes..
Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Metformin is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
What is the most important information I should know about metformin?
Do not use metformin if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before taking metformin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.
Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using metformin.
Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin?
Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have congestive heart failure. Older adults may also have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin, if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before taking metformin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
liver disease; or
a history of heart disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use metformin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether metformin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. Extended-release metformin (Glucophage XR) should not be given to a child younger than 17 years old.
How should I take metformin?
Take metformin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from metformin.
Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
metformin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Glucophage XR). Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To be sure metformin is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled appointments.
Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking metformin for a short time if any of these situations affect you.
Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.
Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:
hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;
drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;
sweating, fast heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions); or
fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).
Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.
Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using metformin.
Store metformin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma. An overdose of metformin may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
What should I avoid while taking metformin?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine.
Metformin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Stop using metformin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
swelling or rapid weight gain; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache or muscle pain;
weakness; or
mild nausesa, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
I was diagnosed prediabetic last year by proper diet, and exercise I have stopped using diabetes medcation. My Blood glucose, lipid , cholesterol levels are within the range
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