Glucophage Controlled-release Tablets 500 mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

Administer one controlled-release tablet of Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Measure blood sugar levels one week later to adjust the dosage, with a maximum dosage of 2000 mg per day. When increasing dosage, increase by 500 mg weekly, and it can be taken with the evening meal up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day. If blood sugar control is not achieved, consider 1000 mg twice daily, both doses taken with meals.

This medication can rarely cause a dangerous condition known as lactic acidosis, so you must inform medical personnel immediately if you notice any symptoms. When used with other blood sugar lowering medications, caution is necessary as hypoglycemic symptoms may occur. Patients with severely impaired renal function, dehydration, severe infections, or acute heart disease should not use this medication. You should discontinue this medication for a certain period before and after surgery or undergoing tests using contrast media, and should resume taking it only after confirming normal renal function. Patients with allergies to this medication or those with a history of type 1 diabetes, lactic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis should not use it. This medication should be temporarily discontinued during severe infections or major injuries and can be resumed after the patient recovers. If food intake is irregular or insufficient, if engaging in intense exercise, or if taking other medications, the risk for lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia may increase; thus, caution is warranted. During treatment, gastrointestinal disturbances such as dyspepsia, nausea, and diarrhea may commonly occur but usually improve over time. Due to the potential for vitamin B12 deficiency, it is advisable to have regular blood tests to monitor levels. Regularly monitor kidney function and discontinue use immediately if abnormalities are detected. Taking this medication with alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, so it is safest to avoid alcohol. During pregnancy, there may be effects on the fetus, thus it is essential to consult a physician if planning to become pregnant or if already pregnant. If breastfeeding, this medication is excreted in breast milk, so whether to continue breastfeeding should be decided in consultation with a physician. Elderly patients may have a higher risk of renal impairment, so dosage must be adjusted appropriately and renal function should be monitored regularly. In cases of overdose, while hypoglycemia is rare, there is a risk of lactic acidosis, necessitating immediate hospital treatment. This medication should not be crushed or chewed; it should be swallowed whole, and it is normal for the tablet shell to appear in stool. While taking this medication, regular monitoring of blood sugar, HbA1c, renal function, and hematological tests should be conducted to ensure ongoing health status.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (acute metabolic complication), hypoglycemia, renal impairment, cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, liver dysfunction (possible jaundice symptoms), severe edema, increased blood pressure, acute renal failure, severe allergic reactions (hives, significant swelling, etc.), severe skin reactions (severe rashes, blisters, skin peeling, mucosal pain), respiratory problems (dyspnea, asthma attacks), serious neurological symptoms (severe

Mild side effects

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• taste alteration
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• erythema
• itching
• hives

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture. It is recommended to store it at room temperature, avoiding extremes of temperature, ideally between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White rectangular controlled-release tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle