Glucophage SR is a tablet containing the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride. A prolonged-release tablet, it is a drug that belongs to the biguanides group of medicines. It is widely used in treating type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus that is not insulin-dependent.
Typically, Glucophage SR is used along with exercise and diet to help lower the chances of overweight adults against the development of type 2 diabetes. This is especially true if they have already tried the exercise and diet routine for at least 6 months but found that their sugar levels are still out of control. An individual is more likely to develop diabetes type 2 you have additional risk factors such as you’re over 40 years old, you have high blood pressure, you’ve had a history of developing diabetes while pregnant or you have a high level of lipids in your blood.
Glucophage SR is significantly effective for people aged 45 and over, have high blood sugar levels after taking a meal, are significantly overweight and those who have developed pregnancy diabetes.
The drug comes in prolonged-release type tablets of 1000mg, 850mg and 500mg.
Understanding how Glucophage SR works
Glucophage SR is classified as part of the medication class identified as oral hypoglycemics. They are drugs that help lower blood glucose levels. It is helpful in keeping blood sugar under control for people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. It is often combined with proper diet, weight reduction and regular exercise, especially when all efforts at keeping the blood sugar levels aren’t producing satisfying results.
The drug works by regulating the amount of sugar that the liver produces. With sugar being reduced, it will be easier for it to enter into the different tissues of the body. In particular, Glucophage SR has been helpful in slowing down the usual problems associated with diabetes especially for people who are overweight and are diabetic.
Benefits of Glucophage SR
Glucophage SR is most beneficial for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is especially true when they have already tried dieting and regular exercise but their blood sugar levels remained high.
How to properly use Glucophage SR
It is important to take Glucophage SR with food, hence the recommendation of taking it after a meal. This helps prevent vomiting and nausea. The medication may be used on its own or combined with other medicines that are meant to help keep blood sugar regulated. It is also important to monitor your glucose levels on the regular to get a good idea of whether the drug is doing what it is intended to do.
It is also possible for your doctor to recommend a different dose than what is usual. This is because the dosage they will recommend is based on the patient’s current medical condition, including his body weight and what types of medicines he is currently taking. Always follow your doctor’s prescription when taking the medication. If you happen to miss a dose, make sure to take it as soon as possible and then keep on with your regular schedule. The only time you should just skip a dose is when it is already so close to the next one. Never double dose just to make up for a missed dose.
Glucophage SR
For adults, the recommended dosage for Glucophage SR is at 500mg, taken three to four times a day, 850mg taken two to three times a day or 1000mg taken twice a day.
It is important never to exceed the daily dosage of 2550mg.
Precautions and side effects
Medicines tend to affect people differently. Hence, the side effects they cause can significantly vary between individuals as well. Not everybody who uses the drug can experience the same side effects.
Get in touch with your doctor if you experience side effects that are bothersome or severe:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Metallic aftertaste in the mouth
- Stomachache
- Passing of gas
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
If any of the following side effects occur, make sure to check with your health provider immediately:
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Low blood sugar
- Behavioural changes such as feeling like you are drunk
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Cool, pale skin
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Excessive hunger
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Shakiness
- Nightmares
- Slurred speech
- Restless sleep
Discontinue using Glucophage SR and seek medical attention immediately if you ever experience the following:
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Lactic acidosis
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
- Muscle cramping or pain
- Unusual stomachache
- Unusual sleepiness
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Let your doctor know if you have any existing allergies or other medical conditions before taking Glucophage SR. If you are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, then be sure to let your doctor know prior to taking this drug.
Keep track of your blood sugar levels regularly while undergoing treatment using this medication.
Using Glucophage SR does not prevent the development of complications that are associated with diabetes such as kidney disease, nerve disease, and eye disease.
It is also not advised to be used by women who are breastfeeding. It is also not an ideal medication for women who are pregnant.
Make it a point to list down all of the current medications you are taking now prior to taking Glucophage SR. Do the same thing for medications you may have also taken in the past. Share the list with your doctor as this will make it easier for him to check if any of these drugs may potentially interact with Glucophage SR. Never start taking any new medication without first consulting your doctor for proper guidance.