Metformin hydrochloride extended-release

Glumetza 

Glumetza effectively manages type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels, increasing insulin sensitivity, and lowering liver glucose production. It offers convenient once-daily dosing in 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Avoid alcohol and consult your medical professional about potential interactions. Proper storage and regular monitoring are essential. Following a 2019 recall, rigorous FDA quality checks ensure safety. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Product Overview 

Glumetza (metformin hydrochloride extended-release) is a vital medication for managing type 2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels. Available in 500 mg and 1000 mg extended-release tablets, Glumetza enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production by the liver. It is often preferred for its once-daily dosing, convenient extended release, and neutral effect on weight. Common side effects consist of nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, metallic taste, headache, and potential vitamin B12 deficiency. Proper use involves taking the medication with food and swallowing the tablet whole.

Interactions with antifungal medications, alcohol, diuretics, steroids, and other diabetes drugs may affect Glumetza’s efficacy and safety. Patients should monitor blood sugar levels regularly, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring kidney function and vitamin B12 levels. Storage should be at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Following a recall in 2019 due to NDMA contamination, the FDA has implemented stringent quality checks. Patients with concerns should consult their healthcare provider. Alternatives include immediate-release metformin, other oral diabetes medications, and injectable options like liraglutide. 

Uses of Glumetza 

• Blood Sugar Control
• Improves Insulin Sensitivity
• Reduces Glucose Production
• Aids in Weight Management
• Prevents Diabetes Complications

Benefits of Glumetza

• Controls Blood Sugar
• Reduces A1C Levels
• Weight Neutral
• Once-Daily Dosing
• Extended Release

Side Effects of Glumetza 

Common Glumetza side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea 
• Stomach Pain
• Loss of Appetite
• Metallic Taste
• Headache
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

Glumetza Dosage

Forms & Strengths

Tablets: Available in extended-release form.

• 500 mg: Designed for gradual release to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
• 1000 mg: Higher dose for patients requiring increased medication strength for effective blood sugar control.

Recommended Dosages

The recommended dosage of Glumetza varies based on individual needs and medical conditions. Here are the general guidelines:

• Starting Dose: Typically, the initial dose is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal.
• Dose Increase: The dose may be increased by 500 mg weekly, as needed, to reach the desired glucose control.
• Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended dosage is 2000 mg once daily.
• Switching from Immediate-Release Metformin: Patients switching from immediate-release metformin can start with the same total daily dose of Glumetza, up to 2000 mg once daily.

How to Take Glumetza?

• Take as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Take with food to reduce stomach upset.
• Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the Glumetza tablet.
• Take at the same time each day for best results.
• Drink sufficient fluids while consuming Glumetza.

Missed Dose 

If you miss a dose of Glumetza, take it as soon as you remember with food. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dosage and proceed with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Glumetza at once to make up for the missed dose. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.

[Note: Do not take two doses of Glumetza at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can heighten your risk of experiencing side effects.]

Overdose

An overdose of Glumetza can lead to symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. For any overdose concerns, promptly seek medical attention or reach out to your local poison control center.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Glumetza Work?

Glumetza employs multiple strategies within the body to maintain blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes. It works chiefly by lowering glucose production in the liver, thereby preventing excess sugar from entering the bloodstream. Additionally, Glumetza increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin, facilitating more effective glucose uptake and utilization by these cells. It also modestly affects glucose absorption in the gut, further aiding blood sugar regulation. Unlike some other diabetes medications, Glumetza does not directly stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, which helps in avoiding hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) as a side effect. This multifaceted approach makes Glumetza an effective option for long-term management of type 2 diabetes.

Important Safety Precautions 

• Monitor Blood Sugar: Routinely check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Stay Hydrated: Maintain hydration by consuming ample fluids.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Always inform your providers about Glumetza use before surgery or medical procedure.
• Watch for Side Effects: Look out for lactic acidosis symptoms like muscle pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal fatigue, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience them.
• Adjustments for Kidney Function: Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with kidney problems.
• Regular Check-ups: Have periodic blood tests to monitor kidney function and vitamin B12 levels.

Storage 

• Store at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F.
• Keep in a dry place, away from moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom.
• Keep Glumetza in its original container to protect it from light and moisture.
• Store out of reach and in the sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Do not be exposed to excessive heat or freezing conditions.
• Regularly check the expiration date and do not use past this date.

Glumetza Interactions 

• Antifungal Medications: Drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole can increase blood levels of Glumetza, raising the risk of side effects.
• Alcohol: This can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and affect blood sugar control.
• Diuretics: Such as furosemide may enhance the effects of Glumetza, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Steroids: Corticosteroids can reduce the effectiveness of Glumetza in controlling blood sugar.
• Beta-blockers: These may mask symptoms of low blood sugar, making it harder to detect hypoglycemia.
• Other Diabetes Medications: Combining with insulin or sulfonylureas can heighten the chances of low blood sugar levels.
• Nifedipine: Can increase the absorption of Glumetza, leading to elevated blood levels and potential side effects.
• ACE Inhibitors: This may enhance the glucose-lowering effect of Glumetza, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Cimetidine: Can increase the concentration of Glumetza in the blood, elevated the risk of side effects of Glumetza
• Thyroid Medications: Can alter blood glucose levels, affecting how Glumetza works.

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]

Glumetza Alternatives

• Glucophage (metformin) immediate-release
• Fortamet, Glucophage XR (metformin) extended-release
• Glucotrol (glipizide)
• DiaBeta, Glynase (glyburide)
• Amaryl (glimepiride)
• Januvia (sitagliptin)
• Tradjenta (linagliptin)
• Onglyza (saxagliptin)
• Victoza (liraglutide)
• Ozempic, Rybelsus (semaglutide)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)
• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Invokana (canagliflozin)
• Actos (pioglitazone)
• Avandia (rosiglitazone)
• Precose (acarbose)
• Glyset (miglitol)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Glumetza alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Glumetza safe to use now?

In 2019, some Glumetza products were recalled due to N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical that can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure to high levels. Since then, the FDA has implemented rigorous quality checks for NDMA and other chemicals in Glumetza. If you have concerns about taking Glumetza or the past recall, consult your healthcare provider for more information.

Can Glumetza cause weight loss?

Research indicates that some people may experience weight loss while taking Glumetza. The medication helps by reducing the body’s absorption and production of sugar. Additionally, Glumetza can cause stomach-related side effects like diarrhea and nausea, which may also contribute to weight loss. If you have further questions about how Glumetza might affect your weight, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Can Glumetza be cut in half?

No, Glumetza tablets should not be cut in half. They have a special coating designed for the slow release of the medication in your body. Cutting the tablet can destroy this coating and affect the absorption of the drug. Always swallow Glumetza tablets whole. If you have difficulty swallowing them, consult your healthcare provider about switching to metformin immediate-release tablets.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Glumetza?

It’s best to avoid or take control over alcohol consumption while taking Glumetza. Alcohol can increase the risk of decreased blood sugar and, when consumed in excess, can raise the risk of developing lactic acidosis, a potentially dangerous condition. If you regularly drink alcohol and find it challenging to stop, consult your primary care provider to determine a safe amount to consume.

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