What is this medicine?
Metformin (met-FOR-min)
- Metformin is a blood sugar lowering agent.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: tablet, cream
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to metformin
- Pregnant or may become pregnant; are breastfeeding
- Have kidney impairment or disease
- Have liver impairment or disease
- History of bariatric surgery
- History or presence of heart failure
- Metabolic acidosis with or without coma
- History of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Presence of stress-related state (severe infection, trauma, surgery and postoperative phase)
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by Belmar Pharma Solutions and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
Oral dosage forms may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach take it with a small meal.
Topical products can be applied to the inner arm, upper thigh, back of the knee, tops of the feet and inner wrists. It is recommended to rotate sites to ensure even retention of the hormone. Cover treated skin with clothes to avoid contact with people or pets.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take double the dose at once.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Belmar Pharma Solutions recommends yearly checkups with your provider that may include more frequent monitoring for renal and liver function, blood glucose and HbA1c, urine for glucose and ketones, B-12, and blood parameters.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Iodinated contrast agents
- Risk of postcontrast acute kidney injury
- Surgical procedures
- Metformin containing compounds should be discontinued day of surgery and restarted once renal function stable
- Drug interactions exist with this medication.
- Including: carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like topiramate may enhance lactic acidosis risk with metformin.
- Discuss your medication regiment with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Possible side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Passing gas
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Loss of strength and energy
Serious Side Effects: Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Lactic acidosis
- Fast breathing and heartbeat, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, extreme loss of strength/energy, severe dizziness, feeling cold, muscle pain/cramping
- Signs of low blood sugar
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to metformin or any component of the formulation, severe renal dysfunction (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2), acute or chronic metabolic acidosis with or without coma (including diabetic ketoacidosis).
Where should I keep my medicine?
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Metformin. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed November 2024.
