Glumetza

Uses of Glumetza

Glumetza is an oral diabetes medicine for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Glumetza is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Glumetza is available in generic form.

Precautions and Warnings

People who are allergic to any of the following should not take metformin.

• Metformin
• Fortamet
• Glumetza
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific metformin products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Metformin should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Metabolic Acidosis, Including Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Metformin should not be used in people with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (when the chemical balance of acids and bases in your blood gets thrown off). Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Take metformin with meals to help decrease the chance you will have an upset stomach. Certain forms of metformin should be taken with the evening meal. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best way to take your medicine.

If you take the liquid form of metformin, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

If you take an oral tablet form of metformin, you may sometimes notice something in your stool (poop) that looks like the tablet. This is normal and should not cause concern.

Do not chew, cut, or crush extended-release metformin tablets, they should be swallowed whole.

Metformin can cause ovulation (release of an egg from your ovary) if you have not gone through menopause, even if you do not have regular periods. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant.

Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery, can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.

Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.

People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from metformin. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Dosage

Glumetza should be taken once daily. Dosage is individualized based on effectiveness and tolerance. The maximum recommended daily dose is 2000 mg.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach upset or pain,
• gas,
• diarrhea,
• weakness,
• headache,
• muscle pain, or
• a metallic taste in the mouth.