

Part of this shell may appear in your stool. Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.ĭo not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet.

Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take metformin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Metformin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail) How should I take metformin? Some forms of metformin are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine. Metformin may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking metformin. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. Ask your doctor about your risk.įollow your doctor's instructions about using metformin if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. If you also use insulin, or other oral diabetes medications. High ketone levels in your blood or urine Kidney disease (your kidney function may need to be checked before you take this medicine) Be sure your caregivers know ahead of time that you are using this medication. If you need to have surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin.

Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment). You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. Though extremely rare, you may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. You should not use metformin if you have severe kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment). Effective diabetes control can also lower the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Managing blood sugar levels with medications like metformin can prevent complications such as kidney damage, nerve issues, blindness, amputations, and sexual dysfunction. Metformin is recommended with dietary changes and exercise for better results. It reduces glucose absorption from the intestines, lowers liver glucose production, and improves insulin sensitivity. Metformin is an FDA-approved antidiabetic agent that manages high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Brand names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza.
