Drug Info
- Brand Name: Glucophage;
- Active Ingredient: Metformin;
- Manufacturer: Merck.
Glucophage and its active substance Metformin
Metformin is the medical name for the active ingredient of Glucophage tablets. In addition, the pills contain excipients that provide the necessary dissolution rate in a liquid medium.
Due to the unique molecular structure, Glucophage compares favorably with other hypoglycemic agents. The drug does not cause:
- Hypoglycemia (decrease in blood sugar levels to critically low values);
- Hyperinsulinemia (high levels of blood insulin).
These are two obvious advantages over some other drugs with a lower degree of pharmacological safety. Glucophage tablets can contain 300 mg, 500 mg, 850 mg or 1000 mg of Metformin. This active substance is classified as an antihyperglycemic agent. It acts primarily in the liver by reducing glucose production.
The drug has several therapeutic effects:
- It improves glucose tolerance by reducing blood sugar levels before, during and after meals;
- It does not stimulate insulin production, the secretion of this hormone remains unchanged;
- It reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis (synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate components);
- It increases insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles and other tissues;
- It slows down and reduces the absorption of glucose by the walls of the small intestine.
During treatment, a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism is also observed. The level of triglycerides is reduced when measured on an empty stomach. High levels of this type of fat increase the risk of damage to large blood vessels (atherosclerosis) and other cardiovascular diseases.
The combination of all therapeutic effects of the drug allows you to achieve adequate glycemic control.
Indications for use
The antihyperglycemic effects of Glucophage have been experimentally demonstrated and clinically confirmed. This medicine is safe and highly effective for therapy of:
- Type 2 diabetes.
The purpose of using this medication is to help people overcome the existing problems with high blood sugar level and improve long-term well-being.
It is suitable for overweight patients, as one of its effects (not for all patients) is loss of appetite. Long use of the drug may help reduce the risk of complications associated with hyperglycemia.
Where to buy Glucophage? Possible options
Metformin has proven itself good for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, more and more people want to buy Glucophage online because this option is a lot more profitable.
For example, the cost of one Metformin tablet online in our pharmacy is 3-4 times lower than in city pharmacies. At the same time, we offer original tablets from the manufacturer and each drug has quality certificates. Buying Glucophage in our pharmacy, you save a lot of money every month. Given that diabetes care is typically lifelong, we can help you cut your medical costs significantly.
Treatment regimens and dosages
This drug can be used both in combination therapy (for example, with insulin) and as a standalone drug in the treatment of diabetes. Glucophage should always be taken during meals or immediately after meals.
The treatment regimen may depend on several factors, such as:
- Age;
- Therapeutic response;
- Other medical conditions.
For adults
Before treatment, it is important to determine the right dose for you. If you have no other serious health problems and do not take other medications, you can use the following starting doses of Glucophage:
- 500 mg;
- 850 mg.
Starting doses are usually taken two or three times a day.
Persistence of a high blood glucose level may indicate an insufficient dosage of Glucophage and the absence of optimal therapeutic effects.
Gradual increase in the dose (by 500 mg or 850 mg in 1.5–2 week increments) and reaching a maximum dose of 3000 mg provide long-term control of diabetes.
Therapeutic response to treatment is dose-dependent and varies from patient to patient. Dose determination and adjustment should be assessed individually.
For children (the medicine is not recommended for use in children under 10 years of age)
In accordance with the recommendations, children are prescribed lower doses of Glucophage than adults are. The interval between doses of the drug may also differ.
- The starting dosage is 500 mg twice a day.
- After a week and each subsequent week of treatment, the dose should be increased by 500 mg.
- Considering the effect of treatment and other medical conditions, the dose is usually increased to a maximum of 2000 mg per day.
Usually the therapeutic effect of Glucophage is noticeable after a couple of weeks. So, at first you will not see a big difference in reducing the symptoms of diabetes. Continue taking the pills during this time. If you are worried about whether the drug is helping, visit your doctor, but do not stop treatment.
Recommendations for use
You can take Glucophage tablets at any time of the day, preferably during meals or just after meals. It is recommended to choose a constant intake time. This way the drug will work better and there will be less chance that you will forget to take it.
Glucophage film-coated tablets are taken whole with a glass of water. Do not break or chew them. If a treatment is prescribed for a child, make sure he or she swallows the tablet immediately without chewing it.
General recommendations:
- If you take one dose per day, take it in the morning (breakfast);
- If you divide the dose in two parts, take them in the morning (breakfast) and in the evening (dinner);
- If you divide the dose in three parts, take them in the morning (breakfast), at midday (lunch) and in the evening (dinner);
- It would be better to divide the doses of 2000 mg and higher in 3 parts;
- If you have the impression that the effect of the medicine is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Unless recommended by your doctor, Glucophage should not be combined with other antidiabetic medications in an attempt to increase the effect.
Taking Glucophage cannot replace a healthy lifestyle. Continue to follow a diet recommended by your doctor and exercise regularly.
Make sure you always have plenty of medicine. Order Glucophage online in advance so that you do not run out of pills.
Missed Dose
Avoid taking double doses or missing doses. If you forget to take a tablet at the usual time, skip that dose and follow the standard dosing regimen unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Precautions
Although Glucophage may be highly effective for the treatment of diabetes, maximum doses and standard dosage regimens are not recommended for everyone.
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
- You have cardiovascular diseases;
- A surgery under anesthesia is planned;
- Any medications are used, kidney function is impaired;
- A contrast radiography is planned;
- You have a deficiency of vitamin B12.
During treatment, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of serious complications (including lactic acidosis), especially in case of malnutrition.
Use of Glucophage during pregnancy
During pregnancy, insulin is usually prescribed to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and want to start or continue taking Glucophage, you should first consult your doctor.
Possible side effects
When treating type 2 diabetes, safety is a top priority. However, adverse reactions are sometimes possible.
For this reason, when using any medication, you should be familiar with the potential side effects so that you can respond appropriately, if any of them manifest. Monitor any unusual reactions that occur during treatment.
The following list contains side effects that are relatively common when using Glucophage:
- Vomiting;
- Nausea;
- Fatigue;
- Diarrhea;
- Flatulence;
- Digestive problems;
- Abdominal discomfort;
- Headache.
In rare cases, you may feel less hungry and you may find food tastes different. These problems should resolve in a few days or weeks.
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions most often occur early in therapy and are very likely to resolve spontaneously. If they are too severe or cause discomfort, you should consider dividing the total daily dose in 2–3 parts.
Metformin: interaction with other drugs
Clinically significant drug interactions involving Metformin are rare. However, Glucophage may interact with a number of medications and substances:
- Nifedipine (used to treat certain types of angina);
- Furosemide (a diuretic used to treat swelling);
- Cationic drugs (organic cation transporters);
- Glyburide (used to treat type 2 diabetes);
- Drugs and substances increasing blood sugar.
According to clinical studies, Glucophage can interact (increase sensitivity) with insulin. Both medicines can be taken together. In case of combined treatment, the recommended dosage regimen for Glucophage usually does not change, while standard insulin doses can be reduced.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions.
Storage
Store Glucophage at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Do not freeze the drug. Store it in a dark place. Do not store the medicine in the bathroom and any other places where temperature and humidity may fluctuate.
The best offer for Glucophage online on the market
At our pharmacy, you can quickly order Glucophage online and you do not need to provide a prescription for this. Keep in mind that buying Glucophage online saves money, but does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If you have not taken this drug before and have any questions about the treatment or dosage regimen, you should definitely consult your doctor.
When ordering Glucophage 300, 500, 850 or 1000 mg tablets in our online pharmacy, you save your money and time. You need no more than 5 minutes of free time to place an order.
We offer our clients low prices and a wide range of services. Every member of our team is committed to providing the best possible customer service so you can be absolutely sure you are getting reliable medications that you need to maintain a high level of your life quality.
