Metformin 500MG (ELCEPHASE 500 )

What is Metformin for:

This medication is an oral antidiabetic agent, prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels.

How does Metformin work:

Metformin lowers sugar and helps insulin work better.

How should Metformin be used:

Take Metformin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. - Metformin must be taken regularly for it to work well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor. - Metformin must be taken with food. - If you are taking an extended-release type of Metformin, swallow the tablet whole with food. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Common side effects of Metformin :

Low blood sugar signs include, anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar. - Belly pain. - Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. - Loose stools (diarrhea). - Not hungry. - Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal. - Too much acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. - If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. - Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. - Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Metformin :

Metformin may not be suitable for you if you suffer from heart, liver, kidney, adrenal or pituitary disease. - Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. - If you are going for an operation, dental work or any X-ray procedure in which a dye is injected, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Metformin. - You may need to stop taking Metformin before the procedure and wait 48 hours to restart your medicine.

Can I take Metformin with other medicines:

A type of heart medicine called beta-blockers may mask the symptoms of hypoglycaemia when taken with Metformin. Some examples of beta-blockers are metoprolol, atenolol and propranolol. - Inform your doctor if you are taking diuretics (medicines to remove excess water) such as hydrochlorothiazide; a group of heart medicine such as captopril or enalapril; a type of gastric medicine called cimetidine or birth control pills. - Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Are there any food restrictions

It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control. - Avoid alcohol.

How do I store Metformin :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Therapeutic Classification

Antidiabetic Agents