Glumetza is a
generic of Metformin
Glucophage is a biguanide used to treat diabetes mellitus (sugar
diabetes) in patients who may or may not also require insulin.
Why is Glumetza prescribed?
Glumetza is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat
type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Diabetes develops when
the body proves unable to burn sugar and the unused sugar builds
up in the bloodstream. Glumetza lowers the amount of sugar
in your blood by decreasing sugar production and absorption
and helping your body respond better to its own insulin, which
promotes the burning of sugar. It does not, however, increase
the body's production of insulin. Glumetza is sometimes prescribed
along with insulin or certain other oral antidiabetic drugs
such as Micronase or Glucotrol. It is also used alone. Standard
Glumetza tablets are taken two or three times daily. An extended-release
form (Glumetza XR) is available for once-daily dosing.
Always remember that Glumetza is an aid to, not a substitute
for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet
and exercise plan can lead to serious complications such as
dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that
Glumetza is not an oral form of insulin and cannot be used
in place of insulin.
Where can I order Glumetza From?
Can I buy Glumetza at Canadian Prices?
Yes, if you are from the U.S. then you can
buy Glumetza at Canadian prices. Currently we will only
accept an order for Glumetza from U.S. and Canadian residents.
Both U.S. and Canadian residents require a prescription to purchase
Glumetza and when you order Glumetza it will be delivered
with express shipping.
How should you take Glumetza?
Do not take more or less of Glumetza than directed by your
doctor. The drug should be taken with food to reduce the possibility
of nausea or diarrhea, especially during the first few weeks
of therapy. If taking Glumetza XR, be sure to swallow the tablet
whole; do not crush it or chew it. The inactive ingredients
in the tablet may occasionally appear in the stool. This is
not a cause for concern. --If you miss a dose...Take it as soon
as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never
take 2 doses at the same time. --Storage instructions...
Store Glumetza at room temperature.
What side effects may occur with Glumetza?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Glumetza. If side effects from Glumetza occur, they usually
happen during the first few weeks of therapy. Most side effects
are minor and will go away after you've taken Glumetza for
a while.
More common Glumetza side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion,
nausea, vomiting, weakness
Less common Glumetza side effects may include:
Abdominal distention, abnormal stools, altered sense of taste,
chest discomfort, chills, constipation, dizziness, flu-like
symptoms, flushing, increased sweating, low blood sugar, light-headedness,
muscle pain, nail disorders, pounding heartbeat, rash, shortness
of breath, upper respiratory infection
Why should Glumetza not be prescribed?
Glumetza is processed primarily by the kidneys, and can build
up to excessive levels in the body if the kidneys aren't working
properly. It should be avoided if you have kidney disease or
your kidney function has been impaired by a condition such as
shock, blood poisoning, or a heart attack. You should not use
Glumetza if you need to take medicine for congestive heart
failure. Do not take Glumetza if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to Glumetza.
Do not take Glumetza if you have metabolic or diabetic ketoacidosis
(a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient
insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain
below the breastbone, and fruity breath). Diabetic ketoacidosis
should be treated with insulin.
Recommended Glumetza dosage
Your doctor will tailor your dosage to your individual needs.
ADULTS
Glumetza
The usual starting dose is one 500-milligram tablet twice a
day, taken with morning and evening meals. Your doctor may increase
your daily dose by 500 milligrams at weekly intervals, based
on your response up to a total of 2,000 milligrams. An alternative
starting dose is one 850-milligram tablet a day, taken with
the morning meal. Your doctor may increase this by 850 milligrams
at 14-day intervals, to a maximum of 2,550 milligrams a day.
The usual maintenance dose ranges from 1,500 to 2,550 milligrams
daily. If you take more than 2,000 milligrams a day, your doctor
may recommend that the medication be divided into three doses,
taken with each meal. Glumetza XR The usual starting dose is
one 500-milligram tablet once daily with the evening meal. Your
doctor may increase your dose by 500 milligrams at weekly intervals,
up to a maximum dosage of 2,000 milligrams a day. If a single
2,000-milligram dose fails to control your blood sugar, you
may be asked to take 1,000-milligram doses twice a day. If you
need more than 2,000 milligrams a day, the doctor will switch
you to regular Glumetza.
CHILDREN
Glumetza
For children 10 to 16 years old, the usual starting dose is
one 500-milligram tablet twice a day with meals. The dosage
may be increased by 500 milligrams at weekly intervals up to
a maximum of 2,000 milligrams daily. Glumetza has not been
tested in children younger than 10. Glumetza XR This form of
the drug has not been tested in children younger than 17.
OLDER ADULTS
Older people and those who are malnourished or in a weakened
state are generally given lower doses of Glumetza because their
kidneys may be weaker, making side effects more likely.
Glumetza Overdosage
An overdose of Glumetza can cause lactic acidosis (see "Most
important fact about this drug"). If you suspect a Glumetza
overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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