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What is Glycomet (Metformin)?
Glycomet, commonly known by its generic name metformin, is a medication often used to treat type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels due to problems with the hormone insulin.
Metformin works by helping your body better handle insulin, the hormone that helps control the amount of sugar in your blood. It primarily does this by lowering the amount of sugar your liver releases into your blood. Additionally, it helps your body respond better to insulin, and it can slightly reduce the amount of sugar absorbed by your intestries from the foods you eat.
People take the medicine to keep their blood sugar levels more stable and to prevent the very high and very low blood sugar swings that can occur with diabetes. This is important because controlling blood sugar helps prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, nerve problems, and blindness.
Metformin is favored for its effectiveness, safety profile, and the fact that it does not usually cause weight gain, which is an important aspect for many patients. It’s usually one of the first medications prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and can be used on its own or with other medications.
What is Glycomet Tablet used for?
Glycomet is a medication primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient metformin, which helps control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose that your liver releases into your blood and by making your body’s cells more responsive to insulin, a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar into cells.
In simpler terms, it helps keep your blood sugar levels in check, reducing the risk of complications from diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney issues, and heart problems. It is often prescribed as part of a broader diabetes management plan that includes diet and exercise. This medication doesn’t cure diabetes but helps manage its symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
How to use Glycomet?
Using Glycomet to manage your diabetes involves a few straightforward steps:
- Dosage: Follow your doctor’s instructions on how much and how often to take this medicine. Usually, it’s taken with meals to help lessen stomach upset.
- Taking the Tablet: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Avoid crushing or chewing it unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Missed Dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses.
- Monitoring: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to see how the medication is working for you.
- Side Effects: Report any side effects like stomach upset or diarrhea to your doctor. These can be common but often improve over time.
- Regular Check-ups: Keep regular appointments with your doctor to adjust your treatment as needed.
How long does it take for Glycomet to work?
Glycomet starts working fairly quickly to help lower your blood sugar levels, but you might not notice the effects right away. Generally, it takes about 48 hours to see a noticeable change in your blood sugar levels after starting the medication. However, the full benefits of the drug , like improved blood sugar control and a reduced risk of diabetes complications, are usually seen over a longer period, such as a few weeks.
When is the best time to take Glycomet 500mg?
The best time to take Glycomet 500mg is usually with meals. Taking it during or right after a meal helps reduce stomach upset and allows the medication to work more effectively by slowing down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.
For most people, it’s commonly recommended to take it with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. If your doctor has advised you to take it more than once a day, you might be instructed to take it with lunch or dinner as well.
Is Glycomet 500 safe?
Glycomet 500 is generally considered safe for most people with type 2 diabetes, especially when used as directed by a doctor. It is a well-established medication widely used for managing blood sugar levels.
To ensure Glycomet 500 is safe and effective for you, your doctor will review your medical history and consider any other medications you’re taking. This helps to avoid potential interactions and ensures the medication is tailored to your specific health needs. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels is also crucial to assess how well the medication is working for you and to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
What are the contraindications for Glycomet?
Here are the main reasons you might need to avoid taking Glycomet:
- Kidney Problems: The medication can build up in your body if your kidneys are not working properly, leading to serious side effects.
- Liver Problems: Impaired liver function affects how your body processes the medication, which could cause complications.
- Severe Heart Failure: The drug might increase the risk of complications if you have unstable or severe heart failure.
- Recent or Planned Surgery/Radiology Procedures: You may need to stop this medication temporarily if you’re undergoing certain surgeries or radiology procedures involving contrast agents.
- Metabolic Acidosis: If you have conditions that significantly lower your body fluid’s pH, such as severe dehydration or ketoacidosis, it is not advisable.
What are the side effects of taking Glycomet?
Taking Glycomet can lead to some side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Here are some of the common ones:
- Stomach Issues: You might feel nausea, experience stomach pain, or have diarrhea. These issues often improve as your body gets used to the medication.
- Metallic Taste: Some people notice a metallic taste in their mouth after taking the drug in.
- Loss of Appetite: You may feel less hungry than usual, which can sometimes lead to weight loss.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of the preparation can lower the levels of vitamin B12 in your body, potentially leading to anemia and other related symptoms.
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Lactic Acidosis: This is a rare but serious condition where there is too much lactic acid in your blood, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include severe tiredness, muscle pain, and trouble breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
What drugs interact badly with Glycomet Metformin?
When taking Glycomet (Metformin), it’s important to be cautious with certain drugs that can interact negatively with it:
- Diuretics (“water pills”): These can affect kidney function, crucial for clearing the medication from your body.
- Steroids: These can increase blood sugar levels, reducing the effectiveness of your treatment.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Some can alter kidney function and affect how well the medication works.
- Heart Medications: Some heart drugs can influence how your body handles sugar.
- Contrast Dyes for Medical Tests: Injectable contrast dyes used in some imaging tests may require temporarily stopping treatment to avoid kidney issues.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis when you’re taking this medication.
Disclaimer: This document does not cover all information about this medication and should not be used as a substitute for the medication guide, a consultation with a pharmacist, or advice from your healthcare provider. For the full medication guide, more detailed information, or any further questions, please contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider directly. It is essential to follow their advice and the official medication guide to ensure the medication is used safely and effectively. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen and report any unexpected side effects or concerns immediately. Your pharmacist and healthcare provider are the best resources for information and support regarding your health and medications.
By Benjamin A. Clark, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed by Vincent DeVita
Last Update: June 26, 2024