Metformin tablets
Metformin tablets
What is this medicine?
METFORMIN (met FOR min) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise. This medicine can be used alone or with other medicines for diabetes.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Take it with meals. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
muscle aches or pains
signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness
slow or irregular heartbeat
unusual stomach pain or discomfort
unusually tired or weak
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
heartburn
metallic taste in mouth
nausea
stomach gas, upset
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
dofetilide
gatifloxacin
certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
acetazolamide
certain medicines for HIV infection or hepatitis, like adefovir, emtricitabine, entecavir, lamivudine, or tenofovir
cimetidine
crizotinib
digoxin
diuretics
female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
glycopyrrolate
isoniazid
lamotrigine
medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
memantine
midodrine
methazolamide
morphine
nicotinic acid
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
phenytoin
procainamide
propantheline
quinidine
quinine
ranitidine
ranolazine
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
thyroid medicines
topiramate
trimethoprim
trospium
vancomycin
vandetanib
zonisamide
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
become easily dehydrated
heart attack
heart failure that is treated with medications
kidney disease
liver disease
polycystic ovary syndrome
serious infection or injury
vomiting
an unusual or allergic reaction to metformin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.
Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.
If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
Updated:  
September 30, 2017