What is Metformin Extended-Release?
Simply put, Metformin is a medication that is used to control Type 2 Diabetes . It mainly controls your blood sugar level, that is, the amount of glucose in your blood. It also helps the hormone insulin in your body to work properly. Now, what is "Extended-Release"? This means that this pill is designed so that the medicine is released into the body gradually throughout the day, rather than being absorbed all at once . The advantage of this is that you don't have to take the medicine several times a day, which can sometimes happen when you take it at one meal. However, you need to take it exactly as your doctor tells you. Most of the time, when you are given this medication, doctors advise you to control your diet and exercise. Because medication alone is not enough to control diabetes, you also need to make changes in your lifestyle. Doctors sometimes use this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or the person at the pharmacy.What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start taking metformin, you need to be clear about some things with your doctor. Because that information is what will help your doctor decide how appropriate this medication is for you and what the dosage should be.Do you have situations like this?
If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor :- Anemia means lack of blood .
- Dehydration , which means if there is water retention in the body.
- Heart disease .
- If you are a regular drinker .
- Kidney disease . This is very important because metformin is excreted from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are weak, the medicine can build up in the body and cause problems.
- Liver disease.
- A condition called polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) .
- If there is a serious infection or injury .
- If you vomit frequently.
- If you have had a previous allergic reaction to metformin, another medication, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
How should I use this medicine?
Okay, now let's see how to take this medicine exactly. You should take the medicine exactly as it says on the prescription label that your doctor gave you. You should swallow this pill by mouth with a glass of water . The most important thing is to take this medicine with a meal . Some people take it after breakfast, some after dinner. Your doctor will tell you when to take it. It is usually said not to take it on an empty stomach. Taking it with food can also reduce minor stomach discomfort (for example, nausea). Take your medicine at the right time, in the order that your doctor tells you. Never take more than the doctor tells you, or take it more often than you should . Also, do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.Should this medicine be given to children?
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should take special care. Talk to your doctor and follow his instructions exactly.What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
Imagine you accidentally took too many pills. If that happens, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call a poison control center immediately . Don't waste time.Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason .What other things can interact with this medicine? (Interactions)
Metformin is a medication that can interact with other medications or other things you are taking, meaning it can have side effects. So it is very important to be aware of this as well.Do not take metformin with these!
There are some medications that are not recommended to be taken with metformin.- Contrast medications . For example, if you are having an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, it is not recommended to take metformin with some contrast medications. That is why you should tell your doctor about the medications you are taking before such a test.
- A drug called Dofetilide .
These things can also affect
There are other medications and things that can interact with metformin, so tell your doctor if you are taking any of these:- Acetazolamide
- Alcohol
- Some antiviral medications for HIV or hepatitis
- Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat
- Cimetidine
- Dichlorphenamide
- Digoxin
- Diuretics, also known as water pills
- Estrogens, progestins, or birth control pills
- Glycopyrrolate
- Isoniazid
- Lamotrigine
- Memantine
- Methazolamide
- Metoclopramide
- Midodrine
- Niacin
- Phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine)
- Phenytoin
- Ranolazine
- Steroid medications (e.g. prednisone or cortisone)
- Stimulants for attention deficit disorder, weight loss, or to stay awake
- Thyroid medications
- Topiramate
- Trospium
- Vandetanib
- Zonisamide
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
You need to be a little more careful about your health while taking Metformin. See your doctor regularly to check how you are doing. A test called HbA1C is done every 2-3 months to see how well your diabetes is being controlled. This is a simple blood test.About blood sugar levels
If you take metformin with insulin or a sulfonylurea diabetes medicine, you are at increased risk of having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) . Therefore, learn how to test your blood sugar at home (with a glucometer). Know the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and how to manage them.Always carry some sugar (e.g., a piece of candy, glucose tablets, or a sugary drink) with you in case of an emergency . If your blood sugar drops too low, you may have a seizure or lose consciousness, and your family should be informed that you may choke if you give them food or drink at that time. If this happens, you should seek immediate medical attention.If your blood sugar level is consistently high (hyperglycemia), tell your doctor about it. Your medication dose may need to be adjusted. You may also need to adjust your medication dose when you are sick or if you exercise more than usual. Don't skip meals . Ask your doctor about drinking alcohol. Some cough and cold medicines you buy from pharmacies may contain sugar or alcohol. They can affect your blood sugar levels.
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
In premenopausal women who have irregular menstrual periods, taking metformin may cause ovulation. This may increase the chance of pregnancy. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant.One more thing: about the pill cover.
Sometimes you may notice that the tablet shell does not dissolve and comes out with your stool. Don't worry about it, it's normal . The medicine has been absorbed into the body, and only the shell comes out. There is no problem with that.Before surgery or other tests
If you are going to have surgery, or a test such as an MRI or CT scan, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking metformin. You may be asked to stop taking the medication a few days before the test/surgery. Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace , and always carry a card with you that lists your medical history, medications, and dosages.Think about vitamins too
Some people may experience a decrease in folic acid and vitamin B12 levels while taking metformin. Therefore, be sure to get enough of these vitamins while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you eat.What are the possible side effects of this medicine? (Side Effects)
Like any medicine, metformin can cause some side effects, although not everyone gets them.Side effects that need to be reported to the doctor immediately
If something like this happens to you, tell your doctor immediately :- Allergic reactions : skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- High lactic acid level : This is a more serious condition. If you feel a stabbing pain or aching, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, a feeling of weakness, or general discomfort.
- Low vitamin B12 level : Pain, numbness, or loss of sensation in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, confusion.
Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist
These side effects usually go away within a few days, but if they persist or bother you too much, tell your doctor:- Diarrhea
- Bloating/Gas
- Headache
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Nausea
How should you store your medicine?
It is also very important to store your medicine properly. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) away from light. Do not use any medicine after the expiration date .What do you do with unused and expired medicines?
Don't just throw unused, expired medicine in the trash.- Give them to a medication take-back program. You can ask your pharmacy or the police about such places.
- If that's not possible, check the medicine packet or the label to see if you should throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or the pharmacy.
- If you can throw the medicine in the trash, take it out of the packet, mix it with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put it in a bag or container, seal it, and throw it in the trash.
The most important things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so we've talked a lot about Metformin Extended-Release tablets. Finally, here are some important things you need to remember:- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as the doctor says. It is best to take it with food.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications you take and any illnesses you have.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)And be ready for it.
- If you experience any unusual side effects or reactions to the medication, tell your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- See your doctor regularly and check your condition.
` Metformin, diabetes, blood sugar, insulin, side effects, medication, health
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