Melfomin Extended-Release Tablet 500mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The usual initial dose is 500mg of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablet once daily with the evening meal. Blood sugar levels should be measured after one week to adjust the dosage. When increasing the dosage, it should be increased by 500mg weekly, with a maximum of 2000mg per day taken with the evening meal. If blood sugar control is not achieved after taking up to 2000mg once daily, consider increasing to 1000mg twice daily.

This medication can rarely cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, so it is important to be aware of this symptom. Lactic acidosis may accompany symptoms such as muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, and abdominal pain; if these symptoms appear, you should inform your doctor immediately. Additionally, caution is required when used with insulin or sulfonylureas as there is a risk of hypoglycemia. This medication should not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, dehydration, severe infections, heart failure, or acute myocardial infarction. The administration of this medication should be paused before and after exams that use iodine contrast agents and should be restarted only after renal function has been confirmed to be normal. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in this medication should not use it. Since it can cross the placenta, it should not be used in cases of specific risks during pregnancy; however, it may be used at the discretion of a doctor if blood sugar control is needed during pregnancy. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor on whether to continue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, as this medication is secreted in breast milk. Elderly patients or those with compromised renal function may require dosage adjustments, and regular kidney function tests should be conducted. Side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, vitamin B12 deficiency, and skin rashes may occur, so any unusual symptoms should be reported. This medication may interact with other drugs, so it is crucial to inform healthcare professionals about any medications being taken. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, so it is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol while on this medication. In situations such as surgery, severe trauma, or serious infections, this medication should be temporarily discontinued, and resumed after improvement. This medication should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing, and it is normal for the tablet's coating to be expelled in the stool. Blood sugar control and kidney function should be monitored regularly while on this medication, and dosage adjustments or the continuation of treatment should be discussed with a doctor.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (can occur with acute renal function deterioration, cardiopulmonary disease, sepsis, and may be fatal), severe allergic reactions (including urticaria), hypoglycemia (may be severe), liver abnormalities (decreased lactate excretion capability associated with liver dysfunction), risk of accumulation and lactic acidosis due to renal function deterioration, decreased heart function and heart failure, risk of hypertension and severe edema, symptoms related to dyspnea and hypoxia, severe headaches, confusion

Mild side effects

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• taste impairment
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• erythema
• itching
• urticaria

This medication may be sensitive to air and moisture, so it should be stored in a tightly sealed container. The recommended storage temperature is between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature. Proper storage will help maintain the medication's effectiveness for a longer period.

Appearance

White, double-convex, rectangular extended-release tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle