04/02/2019 Metformin Oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

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Metformin HCL
COMMON BRAND(S): Glucophage
GENERIC NAME(S): Metformin

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WARNINGS: Rarely, too much metformin can build up in the body and cause a serious (sometimes fatal)
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Uses
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and
possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It
is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood
sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve
problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper
control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or
stroke. Metformin works by helping to restore your body's
proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also
decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that
your stomach/intestines absorb.
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How to use Metformin HCL
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your
pharmacist before you start taking metformin and each time TODAY ON WEBMD
you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or
pharmacist.
Medications That Make You
Tired
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, Common culprits and what you can
usually 1-3 times a day with meals. Drink plenty of fluids while do.
taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your
doctor. Pharmacy and Medication
Tips
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to Things to remember when you ll
treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to your prescription.
tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and Medication Side E ects
herbal products). To reduce your risk of side e ects (such as Tips for dealing with them.
upset stomach), your doctor may direct you to start this
medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
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Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit

from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day.

If you are already taking another diabetes drug (such as

chlorpropamide), follow your doctor's directions carefully for
stopping/continuing the old drug and starting metformin.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. MORE ABOUT DRUGS AND
Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor. Tell MEDICATIONS
your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are too high or
too low. Your dosage/treatment may need to be changed. Pill Identifier
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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted
material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be
authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible
uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse e ects, nor should it be construed to indicate
that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or e ective for you or anyone else. A healthcare
professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment.

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