Glumetza is Brand for Metromin XL
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.
GLUMETZA extended-release tablets must be taken with food to ensure optimum
delivery of the metformin dose to the systemic circulation. In adult type 2
diabetic patients, individual determination of the minimum GLUMETZA dose
that will adequately lower blood glucose should be made. There is no fixed
metformin hydrochloride dosage regimen for the management of hyperglycemic
patients.
In patients in whom the maximum recommended dose fails to lower the blood
glucose adequately, the drug should be discontinued. In some diabetic
subjects, short-term administration of the drug may be sufficient during
periods of transient loss of blood sugar control.
Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment
GLUMETZA therapy should usually be initiated at 1000 mg once-daily, taken
with the evening meal. GLUMETZA extended-release tablets must be taken with
food to ensure optimum delivery of the metformin dose to the systemic
circulation. Gradual dose escalation in increments of 500 mg weekly are
recommended, to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and to permit
identification of the minimum dose required for adequate glycemic control.
The maximum recommended dose is 2000 mg once daily, taken with the evening
meal. Tablets should be taken whole, with a glass of water. During treatment
initiation and dose titration, fasting plasma glucose should be used to
determine the therapeutic response to GLUMETZA, and to identify the minimum
effective dose for the patients. Care should be taken in dose selection for
the elderly, and should be based on careful and regular monitoring of renal
function. Generally, elderly patients should not be titrated to the maximum
dose of metformin.
Pediatrics (<18 years of age)
The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established and
no dosage regimen can presently be recommended in these patients.
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