Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: METFORMIN (met-FOR-min)
This medicine is a biguanide antidiabetic used along with a diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.
WARNING: THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE A SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL CONDITION CALLED LACTIC ACIDOSIS. 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 who drink alcohol. DO NOT BEGIN TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU ARE MORE THAN 80 YEARS OLD UNLESS LAB TESTS SHOW THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE DECREASED KIDNEY FUNCTION. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY IF YOU NOTICE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS muscle pain or tenderness, unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, slow or irregular heartbeat, fast or difficult breathing, unusual stomach discomfort, or unusual weakness or tiredness. Contact your doctor right away if you start to feel unusually cold, or if you have a general feeling of being unwell. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiloride; cimetidine; digoxin; morphine; procainamide; quinidine; quinine; ranitidine; triamterene; trimethoprim; vancomycin; calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine); corticosteroids (such as prednisone); diuretics (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide); estrogen; hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills); insulin; isoniazid; nicotinic acid; phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine); phenytoin; sulfonylureas (such as glipizide); sympathomimetics (such as albuterol, pseudoephedrine); or thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart problems (such as heart failure), lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (such as paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, lactic acidosis, or alcohol abuse. Tell your doctor if you take a beta-blocker (such as propranolol), or if you drink alcohol. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, anemia, dehydration, infection, fever, recent injury, moderate to severe burns, upcoming surgery or certain lab procedures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have congestive heart failure that is treated by medicine, a severe infection, low blood oxygen levels, kidney or liver problems, high blood ketone or acid levels (such as diabetic ketoacidosis), severe dehydration, previous stroke, a recent heart attack, if you are in shock, or if you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED that you begin to take this medicine if you are 80 years old or more and have not had a kidney function test. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. Use of this medicine in children under age 17 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with your evening meal unless your doctor tells you otherwise. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, or blood counts, should be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. IF YOUR BLOOD SUGARS HAVE BEEN UNDER CONTROL AND ARE SUDDENLY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE, contact your doctor as soon as possible. During times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medicine may be required. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE YOU DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine. YOU MAY NOTICE UNDISSOLVED PARTS OF THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR STOOL. This is normal and not a cause for concern. THIS MEDICINE DOES NOT USUALLY CAUSE LOW BLOOD SUGAR. Low blood sugar may be more likely to occur if you skip a meal, exercise heavily, or drink alcohol. It may also be more likely if you take this medicine along with certain other medicines for diabetes (eg, sulfonylureas, insulin). It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Low blood sugars may be more difficult to recognize in the elderly. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks if using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain or upset, temporary metallic taste, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain or discomfort; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast or difficult breathing; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; feeling of being unusually cold; general feeling of being unwell; muscle pain or weakness; slow or irregular heartbeat; unusual or persistent stomach pain or discomfort; unusual drowsiness; unusual tiredness or weakness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid or trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, and slow or irregular heartbeat.
This medicine is not a substitute for proper diet and regular exercise. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to better understand diabetes, prevention of complications, and all the important aspects of its treatment. These include meals/diet, exercise, weight loss, personal hygiene, medicine and blood glucose monitoring, and the need for regular eye, foot, and medical exams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. FOLLOW THE DIET AND EXERCISE PLAN provided by your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher or lower than it should be and you are taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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