Product Details: Glucophage (Metformin)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a biguanide antidiabetic used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. FOLLOW THE DIET AND EXERCISE PLAN provided by your doctor. DIZZINESS MAY OCCUR WHILE YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. THIS MEDICINE MAY COMMONLY CAUSE STOMACH UPSET, INDIGESTION, NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR DIARRHEA AT THE BEGINNING OF TREATMENT. If you develop unusual or unexpected stomach problems, or if you develop stomach problems later during treatment, contact your doctor at once. This may be a sign of lactic acidosis. IF VOMITING OR DIARRHEA OCCURS, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions. THIS MEDICINE DOES NOT USUALLY LOWER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS. Low blood sugar may be more likely to occur if you skip a meal, exercise heavily, or drink alcohol. It may also be more likely if you take this medicine along with certain other medicines for diabetes (eg, sulfonylureas, insulin). It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, or blood counts, should be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. IF YOUR BLOOD SUGARS HAVE BEEN UNDER CONTROL AND ARE SUDDENLY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE, contact your doctor as soon as possible. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, LABORATORY TESTS, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. During times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medicine may be required. DO NOT drink large amounts of alcohol while you are taking this medicine. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE YOU DRINK ALCOHOL while you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Low blood sugar levels may be more difficult to recognize in the elderly. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach upset, temporary metallic taste, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain or discomfort; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast or difficult breathing; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; feeling of being unusually cold; general feeling of being unwell; muscle pain or weakness; slow or irregular heartbeat; unusual or persistent stomach pain or discomfort; unusual drowsiness; unusual tiredness or weakness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Metformin