Glumetza Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition caused by problems involving metabolizing sugar. Type 2 diabetes usually starts in adulthood. It manifests as a resistance to – or inability to produce – insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels.

Diabetes symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication, diet, and exercise. Patients should follow a strict treatment regime to prevent long-term complications like heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, especially in the feet, kidney and eye damage, skin conditions and Alzheimer’s disease.

Glumetza Active Ingredient

Glumetza contains the active ingredient metformin, which helps the body react to the hormone insulin in a healthy way. It also reduces the amount of glucose secreted by the liver, thus lowering high blood sugar levels.

Generic Glumetza  Alternative

Generic alternatives to Glumetza  are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Glumetza and What Is It Used For?

Glumetza is prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar. The active ingredient in Glumetza is called metformin, a substance which helps lower blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose secreted by the liver.

Glumetza works best when paired with a specific diet and an exercise program. High blood sugar increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Glumetza, on the other hand, helps to reduce and maintains stable blood sugar levels which in turn helps to prevent kidney damage, nerve and sexual function problems, loss of limbs and blindness.

Usage and Application

Glumetza and its generic alternatives should be taken exactly as prescribed by a patient’s doctor, and the dosage depends on the patient’s condition, response to treatment and other medications they may be taking. Patients should discuss the full list of prescription medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor, before starting treatment with Glumetza.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose, usually to be taken with their evening meal. Patients should drink plenty of fluids unless directed otherwise by their doctor.

The tablets should not be crushed or chewed as this increases the risk of negative side effects. Glumetza tablets should not be split unless the patient has a score line and has been directed to do so by their doctor or pharmacist.

To reduce the risk of negative side effects, some patients start taking this medication at a low dose, increasing it gradually. It is necessary to take Glumetza regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To reduce the risk of forgetting, patients are advised to take the medication at the same time each day.

Patients who are already taking other diabetes drugs – such as chlorpropamide – should carefully follow their doctor’s directions about how to adjust to a new routine.

It is important to check blood sugar levels regularly. Patients should keep track of results and share them with their doctor. There may be a need for adjustment in the event blood sugar levels are too high or too low.

Considerations Before Taking Glumetza

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Glumetza or its main ingredients.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially breathing problems like obstructive lung disease and severe asthma, kidney or liver disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, and anemia.

Patients preparing for surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products they are taking. This is also an important precaution before having an X-ray or any scanning procedure using iodinated contrast. Patients may need to stop taking Glumetza for a short time in preparation for certain surgical or scanning procedures.

It is possible to experience low or extremely high blood sugar manifesting in blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should not drive, use machinery or carry out activities requiring alertness or clear vision unless they are sure they are fit to perform them safely.

Patients should limit alcohol as it may cause low blood sugar and increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. The risk of lactic acidosis is also elevated if patients develop conditions that cause the body to lose too much water. These may include high fever, severe sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. Diuretic pills like hydrochlorothiazide may have similar effects.

Blood sugar may be harder to control in patients who have recently had surgery or are experiencing fever, infection or injury. Because of this additional stress on the body, the treating physician may need to change a patient’s treatment plan.

Female patients should be aware that Glumetza promotes ovulation, increasing the risk of becoming pregnant. Those who wish to avoid pregnancy should discuss reliable birth control methods with their doctor.

Women who are pregnant – or planning to become pregnant – should discuss the safe use of Glumetza and its generic alternatives with their doctors. Pregnant women may be advised to temporarily switch to insulin. Glumetza passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Glumetza should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Glumetza

Drug interactions may change the way Glumetza works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some substances may prevent the fast or pounding heartbeat patients usually feel like a telltale signal their blood sugar is too low. Examples include the blood pressure medications Lopressor and Inderal, as well as glaucoma eye drops such as Istalol. These drugs do not affect other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger or sweating.

Many drugs have the potential to affect blood sugar. Before starting any new treatments, patients need to discuss the possible effect on their blood sugar levels with their doctor. It is important to check blood sugar levels regularly and share the results with the treating physician.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to take Glumetza safely without serious side effects.

Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness or a metallic taste in their mouth. Patients should alert their doctor in the event these symptoms persist.

It is important to monitor stomach symptoms. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of treatment may be a sign of lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor right away if they increase in frequency after taking the dose for several days or weeks.

It is possible to see empty tablet shells in stool. This is not a cause for concern.

Serious allergic reactions to Glumetza are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

Risks of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Glumetza and its generic alternatives usually do not cause low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. However, this may occur if Glumetza is taken together with other diabetes medications. Patients may need to adjust dosage as directed by their doctor.

Hypoglycemia symptoms include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling in the hands and feet. Patients are advised to carry glucose tablets or gel so they could respond quickly to raise blood sugar. Eating table sugar, honey or candy, or drinking fruit juice or non-diet sodas will produce a similar effect. Patients should discuss such reactions with the treating physician.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol, performing strenuous exercise or not obtaining sufficient calories from food can also cause hypoglycemia. To maintain steady blood sugar levels, patients are advised to eat regularly. It is important not to skip meals.

It is also important to avoid high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing and fruity breath odor. Patients who experience them regularly may need to have their medication dosage adjusted.

How to Store Glumetza

Glumetza should be stored at room temperature, away from light or moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.