Glucophage

Metformin

Glucophage is used to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling the amount of glucose in the blood and increasing the body’s response to insulin. It also decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from food and the amount of glucose made by the liver.

Patients should inform their doctors if they experience any of the following common side effects:

• diarrhea
• bloating
• stomach pain
• gas
• constipation
• unpleasant metallic taste in mouth
• heartburn
• headache
• sneezing
• cough
• runny nose
• flushing of the skin
• nail changes
• muscle pain

The following side effects are listed in the Important Warning section of Glucophage, and a doctor should immediately be contacted if a patient experiences any of the following:

• chest pain
• rash

Patients may develop hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, while taking Glucophage. Symptoms of this are:

• shakiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• sweating
• nervousness or irritability
• sudden changes in behavior or mood
• headache
• numbness or tingling around the mouth
• weakness
• pale skin
• hunger
• clumsy or jerky movements
• confusion
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

A doctor should immediately be contacted if a patient experiences any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar:

• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger
• weakness
• blurred vision

Source: “Metformin,” MayoClinic.com, August 1, 2006.