WHAT IS Glucophage sr/Metformin TABLETS?

METFORMIN/Glucophage sr is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise. This medicine can be used alone or with other medicines for diabetes, including insulin. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Glucophage/Glucophage sr is a biguanide antidiabetic. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar that the liver produces and the intestines absorb. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.

Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Glucophage sr/Metformin?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

HOW SHOULD I USE Glucophage sr/Metformin?

Take this medicine by mouth. Take it with meals. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose of, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Glucophage sr/Metformin?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

If you have low blood sugar, eat or drink something that has sugar. Make sure others know to get medical help quickly if you have serious symptoms of low blood sugar, like if you become unconscious or have a seizure.

Glucophage/Glucophage sr may rarely cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called lactic acidosis. Most of these cases have occurred in diabetic patients who also have certain kidney problems. The risk of lactic acidosis may be greater if you have liver problems, kidney problems, or heart failure. The risk may also be greater in patients who are elderly or drink alcohol.

Do not begin to take Glucophage/Glucophage sr if you are older than 80 years old unless lab tests show that you do not have decreased kidney function. Do not take it if you have a severe infection, have low blood oxygen levels, or are dehydrated. Tell your doctor you take Glucophage/Glucophage sr before you have any surgery or lab procedures.

If you need surgery or if you will need a procedure with contrast drugs, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Glucophage sr/Metformin?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• gatifloxacin/Tequin
• certain contrast medicines given before X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other procedures
• dofetilide

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• cimetidine
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine/Thorazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine/Compazine, thioridazine/Mellaril
• phenytoin/Phenytek er
• amiloride
• quinidine
• thyroid medicines
• medicines for blood pressure like nifedipine/Adalat cc er
• morphine
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• ranitidine/Zantac
• nicotinic acid
• steroid medicines like prednisone/Deltasone or cortisone
• sulfonylureas
• calcium/Phoslo channel blockers
• trimethoprim
• quinine
• digoxin/Digitek
• diuretics like amiloride , furosemide
• sympathomimetics
• vancomycin
• procainamide
• isoniazid
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Glucophage sr/Metformin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing problems
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual drowsiness
• feeling of being unusually cold
• muscle aches or pains
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• unusually tired or weak
• fast or difficult breathing
• low blood sugar (ask your doctor or health care professional for a list of these symptoms)
• unusual stomach pain or discomfort
• dizziness or lightheadedness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• indigestion
• stomach upset
• diarrhea
• nausea
• temporary metallic taste
• heartburn
• headache
• gas
• vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Glucophage sr/Metformin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• serious infection or injury
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• severe dehydration
• frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
• vomiting
• low blood oxygen levels
• anemia
• heart failure that is treated with medications
• become easily dehydrated
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding
• severe infection
• heart attack
• high blood ketone or acid levels
• kidney or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metformin/Glucophage sr , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.