Metformin

About metformin

Insulin is made naturally in the pancreas. It maintains the correct amount of sugar in the blood. If the body does not make enough insulin to meet its needs, or does not properly use the insulin it makes, this results in the condition called diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Metformin allows the body to make better use of the lower amount of insulin that occurs in sugar diabetes.

Because no two people with sugar diabetes are alike, treatment is carefully chosen to meet the needs of the individual person. Metformin can be used on its own along with a diet, or used in combination with other antidiabetic medicines.

Before taking metformin

Before taking metformin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
• If you have a severe infection or recent injury.
• If you have ever had a heart problem or circulatory problems.
• If you have recently had an x-ray where a dye was injected.
• If you have had serious problems with your diabetes in the past called "diabetic ketoacidosis". When you have this you lose weight quickly and feel sick or are sick.
• If you drink a lot of alcohol.
• If you have recently had an operation or are about to have one.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take metformin

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Take metformin with or immediately after a meal.
• Try to take metformin at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food) and continue taking it at the usual time. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose; never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Swallow metformin modified release tablets whole and do not crush or chew them, otherwise you may absorb too much drug too quickly.
• If you have been given sachets, pour the powder from the sachet into a glass and add 150 ml of water. Stir the solution if necessary and then drink the solution straight away.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or diabetic nurse.
• Check with your doctor before taking up any new high level physical exercise, as this will have a long lasting effect on your blood sugar levels.
• You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or diabetic nurse so that your progress can be monitored.
• If you experience excessive thirst, passing urine (water) frequently, tiredness, weakness or lethargy, then let your doctor know. Your dose of metformin may need adjusting.
• Your doctor may recommend that you test for sugar in the blood or urine regularly to check that your diabetes is being controlled.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, as this may affect the control of your blood sugar.
• Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist or other medical professional that you are taking metformin.

Can metformin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store metformin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines