Glucophage XR 750 mg 30 Tablets

Description

Glucophage XR prolonged release tablets contain the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride and belong to a group of medicines called biguanides, used in the treatment of Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. Glucophage XR is used together with diet and exercise to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in overweight adults, when diet and exercise alone for 3 to 6 months have not been enough to control blood glucose (sugar). You are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have additional conditions like high blood pressure, age above 40 years, an abnormal amount of lipids (fat) in the blood or a history of diabetes during pregnancy. The medicine is particularly effective if you are aged below 45 years, are very overweight, have high blood glucose levels after a meal or developed diabetes during pregnancy. How to use Always take Glucophage XR exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, do not chew. Recommended dose Usually you will start treatment with 500 milligrams Glucophage XR daily. After you have been taking Glucophage XR for about 2 weeks, your doctor may measure your blood sugar and adjust the dose. The maximum daily dose is 2000 milligrams of Glucophage XR. If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. Normally, you should take the tablets once a day, with your evening meal. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take the tablets twice a day. Always take the tablets with food. Warnings and precautions Risk of lactic acidosis Glucophage XR may cause a very rare, but very serious side effect called lactic acidosis, particularly if your kidneys are not working properly. The risk of developing lactic acidosis is also increased with uncontrolled diabetes, serious infections, prolonged fasting or alcohol intake, dehydration (see further information below), liver problems and any medical conditions in which a part of the body has reduced supply of oxygen (such as acute severe heart disease). Side Effects If you experience any of the following symptoms you should contact your doctor or go to the hospital straight away: Very common (affects more than 1 person in 10): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache or loss of appetite. If you get these, do not stop taking the tablets as these symptoms will normally go away in about 2 weeks. It helps if you take the tablets with or immediately after a meal. Common (affects less than 1 person in 10, but more than 1 person in 100): Taste disturbance Storage Information This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Drug Interactions Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. You may need more frequent blood glucose and kidney function tests, or your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of Glucophage XR. It is especially important to mention the following: Medicines which increase urine production (diuretics (water tablets) such as furosemide). Medicines used to treat pain and inflammation (NSAID and COX-2-inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and celecoxib). Certain medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists). Steroids such as prednisolone, mometasone, beclomethasone. Sympathomimetic medicines including epinephrine and dopamine used to treat heart attacks and low blood pressure. Epinephrine is also included in some dental anesthetics. Medicines that may change the amount of Glucophage XR in your blood, especially if you have reduced kidney function (such as verapamil, rifampicin, cimetidine, dolutegravir, ranolazine, trimethoprim, vandetanib, isavuconazole, crizotinib, olaparib). Ingredients Active ingredient metformin hydrochloride. The other ingredients are magnesium stearate, Carmellose sodium and Hypromellose. Specifications The 750 milligram tablets are white to off -white and capsule-shaped with '750' on one side and 'MERCK' on the other side.