gargoyl replied: "Most important fact about this drug
Glucophage could cause a very rare--but potentially fatal--side effect known as lactic acidosis. It is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. The problem is most likely to occur in people whose liver or kidneys are not working well, and in those who have multiple medical problems, take several medications, or have congestive heart failure. The risk also is higher if you are an older adult or drink alcohol. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
* Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include:
Dizziness, extreme weakness or tiredness, light-headedness, low body temperature, rapid breathing or trouble breathing, sleepiness, slow or irregular heartbeat, unexpected or unusual stomach discomfort, unusual muscle pain
How should you take this medication?
Do not take more or less of this medication than directed by your doctor. The drug should be taken with food to reduce the possibility of nausea or diarrhea, especially during the first few weeks of therapy.
If taking Glucophage XR, be sure to swallow the tablet whole; do not crush it or chew it. The inactive ingredients in the tablet may occasionally appear in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store it at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Glucophage.
If side effects from Glucophage occur, they usually happen during the first few weeks of therapy. Most side effects are minor and will go away after you've taken Glucophage for a while.
* More common side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weakness
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Glucophage is processed primarily by the kidneys, and can build up to excessive levels in the body if the kidneys aren't working properly. It should be avoided if you have kidney disease or your kidney function has been impaired by a condition such as shock, blood poisoning, or a heart attack.
You should not use Glucophage if you need to take medicine for congestive heart failure.
Do not take Glucophage if you have ever had an allergic reaction to metformin.
Do not take Glucophage if you have metabolic or diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breastbone, and fruity breath). Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.
Special warnings about this medication
Before you start therapy with Glucophage, and at least once a year thereafter, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function. If you develop kidney problems while on Glucophage, your doctor will discontinue this medication. If you are an older person, you will need to have your kidney function monitored more frequently, and your doctor may want to start you at a lower dosage.
You should not take Glucophage for 2 days before and after having an X-ray procedure (such as an angiogram) that uses an injectable dye. Also, if you are going to have surgery, except minor surgery, you should stop taking Glucophage. Once you have resumed normal food and fluid intake, your doctor will tell you when you can start drug therapy again.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking Glucophage. Heavy drinking increases the danger of lactic acidosis and can also trigger an attack of low blood sugar.
Because poor liver function could increase the risk of lactic acidosis, your doctor may decide to check your liver function before prescribing Glucophage and periodically thereafter. If you develop liver problems, your doctor may stop treatment with Glucophage.
If you are taking Glucophage, you should check your blood or urine periodically for abnormal sugar (glucose) levels. Your doctor will do annual blood checks to see if Glucophage is causing a vitamin B 12 deficiency or any other blood problem.
Glucophage does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, it remains a possibility, especially in older, weak, and undernourished people and those with kidney, liver, adrenal, or pituitary gland problems. The risk of low blood sugar increases when Glucophage is combined with other diabetes medications. The risk is also boosted by missed meals, alcohol, and excessive exercise. To avoid low blood sugar, you should closely follow the diet and exercise plan suggested by your doctor.
If your blood sugar becomes unstable due to the stress of a fever, injury, infection, or surgery, your doctor may temporarily take you off Glucophage and ask you to take insulin instead.
You should stop taking Glucophage if you become seriously dehydrated, since this increases the likelihood of developing lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you lose a significant amount of fluid due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or some other condition.
The effectiveness of any oral antidiabetic, including Glucophage, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Glucophage is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Glucophage with the following:
Amiloride (Moduretic)
Calcium channel blockers (heart medications) such as Calan, Isoptin, and Procardia
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Decongestant, airway-opening drugs such as Sudafed and Ventolin
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Estrogens such as Premarin
Furosemide (Lasix)
Glyburide (Micronase)
Isoniazid (Rifamate), a drug used for tuberculosis
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine
Morphine
Niacin (Niaspan)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Oral contraceptives
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Quinine
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
Thyroid hormones such as Synthroid
Triamterene (Dyazide, Dyrenium)
Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
Vancomycin (Vancocin)
Water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL, Dyazide, and Moduretic
Do not drink too much alcohol, since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar and alcohol enhances some effects of this drug.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Glucophage should not be taken during pregnancy. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe insulin injections instead.
It is not known whether Glucophage appears in human breast milk. Therefore, women should discuss with their doctors whether to discontinue the medication or to stop breastfeeding. If the medication is discontinued and if diet alone does not control glucose levels, then your doctor may consider insulin injections.
Recommended dosage
Your doctor will tailor your dosage to your individual needs.
ADULTS
Glucophage
The usual starting dose is one 500-milligram tablet twice a day, taken with morning and evening meals. Your doctor may increase your daily dose by 500 milligrams at weekly intervals, based on your response up to a total of 2,000 milligrams.
An alternative starting dose is one 850-milligram tablet a day, taken with the morning meal. Your doctor may increase this by 850 milligrams at 14-day intervals, to a maximum of 2,550 milligrams a day.
The usual maintenance dose ranges from 1,500 to 2,550 milligrams daily. If you take more than 2,000 milligrams a day, your doctor may recommend that the medication be divided into three doses, taken with each meal.
Glucophage XR
The usual starting dose is one 500-milligram tablet once daily with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose by 500 milligrams at weekly intervals, up to a maximum dosage of 2,000 milligrams a day. If a single 2,000-milligram dose fails to control your blood sugar, you may be asked to take 1,000-milligram doses twice a day. If you need more than 2,000 milligrams a day, the doctor will switch you to regular Glucophage.
CHILDREN
Glucophage
For children 10 to 16 years old, the usual starting dose is one 500-milligram tablet twice a day with meals. The dosage may be increased by 500 milligrams at weekly intervals up to a maximum of 2,000 milligrams daily. Glucophage has not been tested in children younger than 10.
Glucophage XR
This form of the drug has not been tested in children younger than 17.
OLDER ADULTS
Older people and those who are malnourished or in a weakened state are generally given lower doses of Glucophage because their kidneys may be weaker, making side effects more likely.
Overdosage
An overdose of Glucophage can cause lactic acidosis (see "Most important fact about this drug"). If you suspect a Glucophage overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.
I think my dads on this, and possibly my sister's father in law...
Me - I'm a type I
-dh"
ALICIA B replied: "I took Meltormin and didn't have any side effects. I lost alot of weight during this time but I do not believe this drug caused it as my diabetes were out of control. MY advice is to be sure to take it everyday as it is to preserve pancreatic function.
Good Luck and keep a close eye on this disease.
Alicia"
TeriR replied: "I've been taking it for a few years now. It's really helped with my glucose levels. The only side effect I has was diarrhea for a few days. That stopped as my body get used to it. Your pharmacist should have given you an information sheet if you want to read about other potential side effects. You can also find info on metformin and other diabetes meds at. Good luck!"
mickeymouselover replied: "I have been taking Metformin for about 2 1/2 years. Alone, it doesn't work all that well for me. I started taking 500 mg twice a day. My blood sugars did not drop all that much. My doctor changed my medicine by stopping the Metformin and putting me on glyburide/metformin 5mg/500mg twice a day. This medication is a combination of metformin (which is a slow acting medicine) and glyburide (which is a faster acting medicine). I kept having low blood sugar reactions while I was taking this combination drug twice a day. Right now, I take one glyburide/metformin 5mg/500mg upon waking and I take one metformin 500mg at bedtime. My blood sugars have been OK. I did not notice any side effects upon starting the medication.
I am currently on many medications including Premarin (I had a hysterectomy in 2004), furosemide ( generic Lasix--for fluid retention), and blood pressure and allergy medicines. I have no drug interference.
I do drink alcohol on occasion; but I never overdo it, and I haven't had any adverse reactions by mixing the alcohol and the metformin. You should, however, follow your doctor's orders about mixing alcohol and your medications.
I have benign (non-cancerous) tumors in my liver and every once in a while when my doctor checks my liver function tests they are abnormal. This has not caused any problems for me; and the doctor hasn't told me to stop taking the metformin.
I think a lot of the warnings that are posted are just to cover the drug company. I am sure you will do fine, as long as you take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and follow all his instructions about diet and exercise."
Jenn replied: "My doctors have tried it on me on and off for 10 years. One of the biggest side effects is severe diarrhea. This is the side effect I had. I would take the pill and within 20 Min's would be on the toilet. They tried waiting a couple years and trying it again even on low doses and the same. I wish I could take it because I am resistant to most all diabetic meds and this one was one that did work for me. its a great drug if you can handle it. BUT remember to have your kidneys checked often as it has been known to hurt the kidneys."
Rock Quarry replied: "I was taking Metformin and other diabetes drugs,but i didn't like the uncertainty and the constant monitoring.I learned through my own experimentation effective ways of controlling blood sugar without meds.If you re interested i would be happy to share info.E mali me at"
♫Just Ducky♫ replied: "I've been taking it from the beginning with absolutely no problem at all."
♥Peachy♥™ replied: "I've been taking it for three years. It works very well when combined with weight control, healthy diet, exercise and a few supplements. In fact, the combination worked so well, that my recent HbA1C was 5.8 (non-diabetic), see my printout:"
Sara I replied: "You might want to check out for diabetic supplies"
Have you considered Gastric Bypass Surgery for weight loss? Here's some tips!? Gastric bypass: Is this weight-loss surgery for you?
Are you a candidate for gastric bypass surgery? Find out what to expect and the benefits and risks involved.
It's always best to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. But if you're among those who have tried and can't lose the excess weight that's causing your health problems, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be an option.
Gastric bypass, which changes the anatomy of your digestive system to limit the amount of food you can eat and digest, is the favored bariatric surgery in the United States. Most surgeons prefer this procedure because it's safer and has fewer complications than other available weight-loss surgeries. It can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if accompanied with ongoing behavior changes.
Gastric bypass isn't for everyone with obesity, however. It's a major procedure that poses significant risks and side effects and requires permanent changes in your lifestyle.
Who is gastric bypass surgery for?
Generally, gastric bypass surgery is reserved for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, are severely overweight, and who have health problems as a result. Gastric bypass may be considered if:
·Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
·Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Gastric bypass surgery doesn't replace the need for following a healthy diet and regular physical activity program. In fact, the success of the surgery depends in part on your commitment to following the guidelines given to you about diet and exercise. As you consider weight-loss surgery, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight
I had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005. I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after 1 year and 7 months. These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or not. I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes. The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away. I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure. I’m down to 2 pills a day. I went from a size 26-28 to a 16-18.
Most people struggle with paying for the surgery. Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass. Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support.
There is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White. He’s a govt. worker and a comedian. He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.
Some other helpful links…
Good luck with your surgery and new life!
What do you think?
boogies71 replied: "Gastric Bypass is a very dangerous surgery, You could die from this!"
p_i_n_k_2_9 replied: "wow i think i am glad i dont need gastric bypass surgery but best of luck to you."
Renate replied: "Yes, but then my cousin's husband died two days after he had it done and all my friends that had it starting gaining the weight back about 18 months to 2 years after they had the surgery, so I decided to forget it and go low calorie low fat"
Tabitha replied: "i love how the answer can't be spam. yet the question is.
Gastric bypas is dangerous, and if people wern't so lazy they wouldn't get so fat.
-something i find ironic about the whole gastric bypass situation: If you are not lazy and choose to loose all the wieght on your own, your insurance company will not cover for your extra skin to be removed, but if you have gastric bypass they will. How messed up is that?"
night breeze 8 replied: "My Dr. and I just discusses this last week. Not all people who go through that are going through it due to being lazy. I have limited things i can do as of exercise as i was a passenger in a car accident that almost broke my neck. My feet are bad and i can't walk much or use a tread mill.
Dr. talked about this due to trying to help me lower my blood pressure, diabetes, high cholestrol, ect.
I will review all the info here and all the sites you listed and talk to my Dr. again. Thank you Ziggy for your information."
Cindy A replied: "I had a Gastric Bypass with a gastrostomy back in 1984. I presently weigh 125 lbs. I went from 261lbs.,down to 112 lbs., too skinny ! I love my weight now, after 22 years, I only gained back weight to 186, but I was on medication, that causes weight gain. I soon took it back off after going off my med. I am 5'4" tall and I wear a size 6, and some 4/5"s. I still can't eat ice-cream, and sweetened drinks of any kind. I do have bouts of diarrhea, and some medications hurt my stomach, but over all, it was the best thing I ever did. Now if I could afford to have all my loose skin removed. I can't work because it sags so on my legs, I get edema and severe muscle and feet cramps, and I have osteoarithis, so I really need to do something soon. Healthy otherwise. :)"
gords_babygirl replied: "Thank you for providing some relevant information on a widely misunderstood topic. I have been giving thought to gastric bypass, after our third baby my weight has been hovering "much higher" than is healthy. I have been doing absolutly everything I can think of to try and take some of it off (I'm not asking to be supermodel thin, I'd just love to get to a healthier weight)
Your "question" has not swayed my decision one way or the other...but has simply given me more to think about.
This "question" actually isn't spam...if it were spam it would be flogging the miracle of one company, website or individual (spam is used generally to generate some type of income...whether it be actual sales or web traffick or whatever...this doesn't, it simply informs and offers far too many and to broad a spectrum of websites to be "working" for the good of any "one" except the good done for the "one" who posted the question, feeling a little better for a little bit after offering their P.O.V. for something that is obviously very personal and of value to them...if it's not of value to you...keep browsing...plenty of other questions in Yahoo, if it is...take it for what it's worth, weigh it against your own personal opinions & values and move on with whatever you learn from that."
ronibug replied: "I'm sure you mean well, but you are doing a very dangerous thing by touting a very dangerous surgery! Bariatric surgery doesn't need an ad agent to get business. And, the decision to have bariatric surgery is strictly up to the individual and their Dr. I have had the surgery and I, too, know the ins and outs of it. But I would never suggest to someone they should have it. It should be a last ditch effort before death and a decision not to be made lightly. We Americans have gotten so used to a "quick fix" for everything that we have forgotten how to really WORK to achieve an end. I include myself here. Obesity is unhealthy, for sure, but encouraging others to undergo a very risky and potentially deadly procedure based on your success is careless, to say the least. Shame on you."
Is there a natural treatment for diabetic nerve pain? My husband has diabetes and he's been experiencing pain and burning in his legs. The pain is debilitating at times. He's told his doctor, but the ultrasound shows that his circulation is in the normal range.
Would too much sugar in his diet trigger the pain, or is this a cumulative effect of too much sugar too long? (He just told me he's been eating bags of jelly beans at work when he gets stressed. It's not enough that his blood sugar levels are spiking and his A1C's are good - 5.6 to 5.9.)
Is there anything natural he could do to deal with this? I know there are drugs, but the side-effects are pretty scary. He currently takes Glucophage and blood pressure meds.
fretochose replied: "hubby is doing this to himself
he is taking a drug to lower blood sugar and eating bags of jelly beans (pure refined sugar). his doctor, nutritionist, or altmed practitioner cannot help him if he refuses to help himself. if his work is endangering his health, maybe he should consider changing jobs."
forerunner7 replied: "Have a look at this link, It might help.
Anyways, I believe in the power of prayer, I am praying for your husband's complete recovery, God bless!"
vtsztpu replied: "European doctors recommend alpha lipoic acid 300-600 mg daily
Some people get good results from drinking MonaVie juice which is good for inflammation and circulation."
doowopper replied: "you came to the right place...safe and effective with no side effects,take 600 mg per day of alpha lipoic acid.it worked for me. also add like 600 mg of a form of B vitamin thiamin called Benfotiamine. I also take it. Extreme burning and loss of sensation disappeared after a week or so. this was 6 years ago and is still fine. trust me on this"

More Links
Diabetes Monitor: Metformin Questions and Answers
... for the Type 2 diabetes medication sold under the brand name Glucophage. ... provider about type II diabetes as well as GLUCOPHAGE and its side effects. ...
Glucophage Information from Drugs.com
Glucophage information from Drugs.com, includes Glucophage side effects, interactions and indications. ... people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. ...
Metformin Side Effects
Diabetes Health Topics. Disease & Conditions. Tests & Procedures. Drugs & Supplements ... side effects with metformin (Glucophage®) or metformin ER (Glucophage XR® ...
Glucophage patient advice including side effects
Diabetes develops when the body proves unable to burn... If side effects from Glucophage occur, they usually happen during the first few ...
Glucophage Drug Information and Side Effects (Metformin ...
Learn about Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride), including potential side effects and drug interactions. ... Diabetes develops when the body proves unable to ...
METFORMIN - ORAL (Glucophage) side effects, medical uses, and ...
Consumer information about the medication METFORMIN - ORAL (Glucophage), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read ...
Glucophage Oral Precautions and Side Effects
Glucophage side effects, dosage, and drug interactions. All accurate, up-to-date information is written for the consumer by healthcare professionals.
Joslin Diabetes Center | Glucophage®
Joslin Diabetes Center is the world's foremost institution for diabetes research, clinical care and ... Taking Glucophage with meals can lessen side effects. ...
Metformin for PCOS: Discover the Benefits and Side Effects of ...
Discover benefits and side effects of metformin (Glucophage) for PCOS (polycystic ... Glucophage may help to prevent diabetes, according to a study at George ...
Glucophage, Glucophage XR (Metformin Hcl) Drug Information ...
Learn about the prescription medication Glucophage, Glucophage XR (Metformin Hcl), drug uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, and patient labeling.
Popular Tags
diabetes glucophage side effects,
digitek 0.25mg,
1canada cialis,
how often can soma be perscribed,
wellbutrin xl oral,
generic substitute for aciphex,
price of levitra in mexico,
zoloft cognitive,
when does cymbalta start to work,
brethine preterm labor,
dosing ibuprofen caninen,
augmentin and milk,
genetic plavix,
prussian blue and pyridostigmine bromide,
fosamax dental implants jaw death,
ads celebrex its pfizer pull,
cipro and liver damage,
bacterium keflex,
celexa benefits,
possible adverse effects acetyl benzoyl peroxide
Diabetes Glucophage Side Effects © 2009