Glumetza

The active ingredient in Glumetza is metformin hydrochloride. The mechanism of action is that it reduces both the amount of sugar absorbed through the intestines and the amount of sugar produced by your liver. Furthermore, it increases your body's sensitivity to insulin.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Glumetza. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Glumetza:

• Unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider, take Glumetza after an evening meal.
• Glumetza is an extended-release tablet that should never be broken, chewed, or crushed. The inactive ingredients may occasionally be eliminated in your stool as a soft mass that may resemble the original tablet.
• If your hypoglycemia is severe, your doctor can recommend a glucagon injection kit. Make sure your family or close acquaintances are prepared to administer this injection to you in an emergency.
• Stress, disease, surgery, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and meal skipping can all have an impact on your blood sugar levels. Before changing your dosage or how often you take Glumetza, talk to your physician.
• Glumetza is one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include blood sugar tests, nutrition, exercise, weight control, and specialized medical attention. Pay strict attention to your doctor's recommendations.

The most common side effects of metformin seen in clinical trials include:

• Diarrhea or upset stomach.
• Nausea.
• Lower blood sugar.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Glumetza. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of lactic acidosis: disorientation, weakness, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, muscle pain, stomach pain, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (low vitamin B12 levels): muscle weakness, lightheadedness, disorientation, difficulty focusing, discomfort, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Glumetza. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Glumetza, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Renal impairment: Before taking this medication, your kidney function may need to be evaluated.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis or metabolic acidosis.
• Congestive heart failure and heart problems.
• Liver disease or liver problems.
• A history of low blood sugar.
• Hepatic impairment.
• Anemia.
• If you also take other antidiabetic medications such as insulin, sulfonylureas, or Glucophage (metformin).
• Surgery or any kind of CT scan or x-ray that involves injecting a dye into your veins.

Boxed Warning

• Lactic acidosis is a rare but possibly deadly side effect of Glumetza therapy that is due to a build-up of lactate in your blood. Some factors that increase your risk of lactic acidosis include: you are 65 years of age or older, have a serious infection, liver or kidney disease, excessive alcohol intake, or take certain medications. Consult your healthcare provider about your risk.

Please inform your healthcare professional if you suffer from any of the following conditions since Glumetza may not be safe for you to take.

• Allergy to metformin or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation.
• Severe renal or kidney problems.
• Acute or chronic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis.

Glumetza can begin lowering blood glucose levels within the first week of taking it, but the full effect may not be noticeable for 2 to 3 months.

When Glumetza is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cimetidine.
• Glyburide.
• Medications that increase blood sugar, such as isoniazid, diuretics (water pills), steroids, phenothiazines, thyroid medication, birth control pills and other hormones, seizure medications, diet pills, or medications for allergies, asthma, or colds, you may experience hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar.
• A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as zonisamide (Zonegran), acetazolamide (Diamox), or methimazole.
• Other diabetic medications.

Glumetza is available in the following dosage forms:

500 mg extended-release tablet.

1000 mg extended-release tablet.

The typical starting dose is Glumetza 500 mg taken orally once a day with dinner. Every one to two weeks, if necessary, your doctor may increase the dosage. The maximum daily dose of Glumetza is 2,000 mg.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you can, but if your next dose is practically due, skip the missing one. Never take two doses at once.

Store Glumetza at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is the company that manufactures Glumetza.

There are no generic versions of Glumetza available.

Glumetza should never be stopped abruptly or without first consulting your doctor, since this could cause hyperglycemia, a severe rise in blood sugar.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant, let your doctor know right away. There is limited data on the use of metformin during pregnancy. It's critical to manage diabetes during pregnancy since elevated blood sugar levels can harm both the mother and the unborn child.

Metformin is found in breast milk but it is not known the effects it may have on your infant or milk production. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.