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Glucophage is a prescription drug that is prescribed to patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Due to the content of metformin, it contributes to lowering blood glucose levels. Check out how Glucophage works.
Glucophage – action
The properties of the drug are due to the active substance Glucophage. Metformin contributes to the inhibition of gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis, which leads to a reduction in the production of glucose in the liver.
In addition, it increases the transport capacity of proteins responsible for glucose transport. Due to the fact that the active substance does not stimulate insulin secretion, taking the preparation does not lead to hypoglycaemia.
Glucophage – doses
The manufacturer of Glucophage is Merck Sante SAS The preparation is available in tablets of various dose levels:
- pills; 1000 mg; 30 tables
- pills; 1000 mg; 60 tables
- pills; 500 mg; 30 tables
- pills; 850 mg; 30 tables
- pills; 850 mg; 60 tables
Glucophage is available by prescription.
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Glucophage – composition
The active substance in Glucophage is metformin hydrochloride. Each tablet contains 500 mg of the substance, corresponding to 390 mg of metformin.
Glucophage – indications
Glucophage is a medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in obese patients whose diet and exercise do not help to achieve adequate blood glucose levels.
Adults can use Glucophage at a dose of 500 mg metformin as monotherapy or in combination therapy with other oral preparations for diabetes, as well as with insulin. In turn, in adolescents and children over 10 years of age, the drug can be used alone or in combination with insulin.
In addition, overweight adults with type 2 diabetes who are treated with metformin hydrochloride as first-line treatment when diet is ineffective, a reduction in diabetes complications has been observed.
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Glucophage – dosage
Take Glucophage as prescribed by your doctor. The doses are determined individually – taking into account the patient’s age and the purpose of treatment.
Dosage of Glucophage for adults looks like this:
- in monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic drugs – 500-850 mg 2-3 times a day – the initial dose is 1 tablet 2 to 3 times a day during or after a meal. The amount of the next dose is determined after about 10-15 days, based on the blood glucose level. Gradually increasing the dose increases tolerance to the drug. The maximum dose of Glucophage is 3 g per day. It should be taken in 3 doses. If the doctor changes the current drug to Glucophage, the use of the current drug should be discontinued;
- in combination therapy with insulin – 500-850 mg 2-3 times a day – the simultaneous use of Glucophage and insulin helps to control blood glucose levels. Initially, one tablet is taken 2-3 times a day, and subsequent doses are determined based on the current blood glucose level.
The dose for the elderly is based on the results of kidney function tests, as there is a higher risk of kidney problems in this group of patients. After the introduction of Glucophage, it is also necessary to undergo check-ups.
For children over 10 and adolescents:
- as monotherapy or in combination with insulin: 500-850 mg once a day. After 1-10 days, the doctor determines a new dose based on the results of blood glucose tests.
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Glucophage – contraindications
The Glucophage leaflet informs about contraindications to the use of the drug. The preparation should not be used in patients:
- showing hypersensitivity to any component of the drug,
- with ketoacidosis in the course of diabetes – pre-coma in diabetes;
- with renal disorders (moderate or severe) – renal disorders with a clearance above 60 ml / min, as well as dehydration, infections, intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents, shock;
- with decompensated heart failure;
- with respiratory failure;
- who have recently had a heart attack or stroke;
- alcoholism or alcohol poisoning.
The drug must not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Glucophage – warnings
Warnings for taking Glucophage:
- in some cases, lactic acidosis may develop – this is a rare but serious metabolic complication. Cases of acidosis in people taking drugs with metformin mainly concerned people with renal failure, so it is worth assessing the risk of its occurrence (poorly controlled glycemia, ketosis, starvation, alcohol abuse or liver failure) beforehand. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include acidic dyspnoea, abdominal pain, hypothermia and even coma;
- Renal function should be monitored regularly during treatment – the active substance Glucophage is excreted by the kidneys, therefore serum creatinine levels should be checked before and during treatment. The risk is much higher in the elderly;
- iodine-containing intravascular contrast agents may lead to renal failure, therefore treatment should be discontinued prior to testing. The drug may be taken again only 48 hours after the examination. Prior to that, kidney function should be assessed;
- surgical procedures – Glucophage should be discontinued 48 hours before elective surgery. Treatment can be resumed only 48 hours after the procedure, and the kidney function should be assessed first;
- if the drug is used in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, there is a risk of hypoglycaemia that may impair psychophysical efficiency;
- Children and adolescents – the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes should be confirmed prior to administration of Glucophage. It has not been found to affect growth and maturation, but there are no long-term studies, therefore, monitoring of patients is recommended. This is especially true of children in adolescence.
People using the drug should follow the recommendations of a diabetic diet, and people who are overweight should continue to follow a low-calorie diet. Laboratory tests prescribed for people with diabetes should be performed.
Previous studies have not shown any negative impact on the course of pregnancy, child development or the course of childbirth. Despite everything women planning pregnancy and pregnant should not use drugs with metformin. In order to take care of the correct level of glucose, you should take insulin. In this way, we will minimize the risk of fetal malformations resulting from abnormal blood sugar levels.
The use is also not recommended Glucophage while breastfeeding.
Glucophage – drug interactions
- Before starting treatment, please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- You should not drink alcohol or take alcohol-based medications while you are taking metformin.
- Taking iodine-containing contrast agents may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Diuretics, sympathomimetics, and glucocorticoids (systemic or topical) may have a hyperglycaemic effect.
Glucophage – side effects
Glucophage, like any other drug, can cause side effects, but it should be remembered that the benefits of using the drug most often outweigh any possible side effects. Moreover, side effects do not occur in every patient.
Side effects of Glucophage concern, among others disorders related to the nervous system, as taste disturbances may occur. Moreover, most of the side effects are related to the digestive system. Very common occurrences: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea – especially at the beginning of treatment. Very rare side effects are: skin reactions, vitamin B12 deficiency.
It should also be remembered that these symptoms disappear on their own with use. They can be alleviated by taking Glucophage in 2 or 3 doses during the day at a time, or immediately after a meal. By gradually increasing the dose, the gastrointestinal tolerance to the drug can be significantly improved.
The most commonly reported skin reactions are erythema, pruritus and urticaria. Lactic acidosis may also develop. However, if a patient develops megaloblastic anemia, the etiology should be analyzed.
Some patients have also reported liver test abnormalities or hepatitis that resolved after stopping Glucophage.