Metphage

Metphage 500mg tablets contain Metformin, a biguanide-class oral anti-hyperglycemic medication. It is primarily used to control Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus when diet and exercise alone are insufficient. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Metformin works by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic glucose production, and slowing glucose absorption in the intestines, helping maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Key Benefits:

• Improves insulin effectiveness in cells
• Lowers fasting and post-meal blood glucose
• Supports weight management in diabetic patients
• Often used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents

How to Use

• Administration: Take orally with a full glass of water.
• Timing: With or without food; preferably with meals to minimize stomach upset.
• Dosage Form: Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or split.
• Consistency: Take at the same time daily for better adherence.
• Follow Instructions: Use exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not self-adjust dosage.

Expert Tips from CureCart Direct:

• Stay hydrated to avoid dehydration risks.
• Monitor blood glucose regularly.
• Do not share medication or exceed recommended doses.
• Consult your doctor before stopping or altering treatment.
• Report severe side effects immediately.

Primary Uses

• Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes).
• Adjunct therapy in insulin-dependent diabetes, especially for obese patients.
• May aid in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for insulin resistance.

Indications

Indicated for:

• Monotherapy or combination with sulfonylureas in Type 2 diabetes.
• Adjunctive use with insulin in overweight Type 2 diabetics.
• Cases where lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) are inadequate.

Side Effects

Common:

• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
• Metallic taste disturbance
• Reduced Vitamin B12 absorption (long-term use)

Less Common/Rare:

• Abnormal liver function tests
• Hepatitis
• Skin reactions
• Lactic acidosis (rare but serious; symptoms include weakness, vomiting, rapid breathing)

Monitor for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially with other antidiabetics. Weight loss may occur due to appetite suppression, not as a primary weight-loss aid.

Warnings and Precautions

• Pregnancy: Not recommended; consult your doctor for alternatives.
• Lactation: Avoid; discuss with healthcare provider.
• Driving: Generally safe, but avoid if dizziness or low blood sugar occurs.
• Liver Impairment: Use cautiously; dose adjustment needed.
• Kidney Impairment: Contraindicated in severe cases; monitor renal function annually.
• Alcohol: Limit intake to reduce lactic acidosis risk.
• Surgery: Discontinue 48 hours before elective procedures; resume after stable renal function.
• Other: Assess lactic acidosis risks; immediate discontinuation if metabolic acidosis suspected. Not for Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Contraindications

Do not use in:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis or precoma.
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
• Conditions predisposing to renal failure (e.g., dehydration).
• Heart failure, respiratory failure, or recent heart attack.
• Chronic alcoholism.
• Recent use of iodinated contrast agents.

FAQs

What class of drug is Metformin? Biguanides; it boosts insulin sensitivity, aids weight control, and may regulate cycles in PCOS.

Does it contain insulin or hormones? No; it enhances your body’s insulin response without adding hormones or insulin.

Interactions with thyroid meds or steroids? Possible dose adjustments needed; steroids can induce diabetes. Consult your doctor on all medications.

What is lactic acidosis? Rare, serious buildup of lactic acid; symptoms include fatigue, nausea, rapid heartbeat. Seek emergency care.

Duration of use? As prescribed; long-term use may require B12 monitoring to prevent deficiency.

Risk of low blood sugar? Rare alone, but possible with other drugs. Maintain meal/exercise routine; carry quick sugars.

Missed dose? Take ASAP if remembered; skip if near next dose. Never double up.

Skipping meals? Rarely causes hypoglycemia alone; stick to routine, especially with combo therapies.

Weight effects? Promotes modest weight loss via insulin improvement; not for weight loss alone. May cause bloating—take with food.

Vitamin deficiencies? Possible B12 deficiency/anemia with prolonged use; monitor symptoms like fatigue.

Safe in liver disease? Okay for fatty liver/hepatitis C; avoid in cirrhosis due to acidosis risk.

Related Tests: Fasting Blood Glucose, HbA1c.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before use. CureCartDirect ensures accurate details but cannot cover all interactions or precautions. Prices and availability subject to change.