Metformin

Metformin is prescribed to control blood sugar levels in diabetes type 2 patients who were unable to control their condition with a special diet and exercise alone. The medication improves how the body processes insulin and is one of the most widely used prescription drugs to treat diabetes type 2.

Metformin can also be used in combination with insulin to treat severe symptoms of diabetes type 2. It is however not indicated for use in diabetes type 1 patients.

Metformin contains the active ingredient Metformin Hydrochloride. It is intended to help control the amount of sugar in the blood, as well as responding to low amount of insulin produced in the body. It can be used on its own or combined with other medications.

This prescribed drug is a biguanide and decreases the amount of sugar, or glucose entering your blood. It does this by:

• Inhibiting glucose production from the liver
• Inhibiting glucose production from food
• Increasing glucose uptake by muscle and fat tissues

Metformin is regarded as the most commonly prescribed and safe medication for diabetes treatment in the world, and has been successfully treating Type 2 diabetes for more than 40 years. Metformin is also referred to as Glucophage®, Glucophage® SR, Metsol®, Bolamyn® SR.

Metformin is generally taken two or three times per day in the form of a 500mg or 850mg tablet. The maximum dose is 3,000mg a day, split into three individual doses. If you feel that your prescribed dosage is too strong or too weak, you can arrange an appointment with your doctor to adjust it after 10 to 15 days.

There is also a modified-release version available. Dosages vary between 500mg, 750mg and 100mg. The maximum dose for modified-release tablets is 2,000mg a day. Your doctor will prescribe this if the standard version is deemed unsuitable. From a user perspective, the main difference is that only one tablet should be taken daily, usually with an evening meal.

You should only ever take Metformin as prescribed and follow the instructions on the patient leaflet closely. It is recommended you take each prescribed tablet during or after meals and swallow it without chewing. Regular blood tests should be conducted by your doctor to ensure blood sugar levels are maintained.

Who can take Metformin?

Metformin can be taken by almost anyone who suffers from Type 2 diabetes; however there are some people who should exercise caution:

• If you are allergic to Metformin
• If you experience diabetic ketoacidosis
• If you suffer from heart or liver disease

If you require a CT scan or x-ray which uses an injected dye, you should temporarily stop taking Metformin. Finally, you should monitor yourself for the possibility of lactic acidosis, a potentially serious side effect, and seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.

Mild side effects can possibly occur for people taking Metformin tablets. Severe side effects are extremely rare, with an increased risk when Metformin is taken simultaneously with antibiotic treatments. If any side effects persist, it is advised that you contact your doctor. Potential side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Nausea

You can buy Metformin online after an easy and free consultation at euroClinix. This is used by our doctors, to gauge your suitability for the treatment in terms of safety and effectiveness. If you are approved, the doctor will issue a prescription, which will be sent to our UK registered pharmacy. They will then dispense your medication and deliver it straight to your preferred address.