Biguanide diabetes medication lowers the amount of glucose made by the liver; thus blood-glucose levels cannot go too high helps to treat insulin resistance.
Biguanide diabetes drug
- Brand name: Glucophage (generic name: metformin),
- Brand name: Glucophage XR (generic name: metformin—long-acting),
- Brand name: Riomet (generic name: metformin—liquid).
This diabetes medicine comes in pills or liquid forms. When insulin works properly, blood-glucose levels stay on target, and cells get the energy they need. This type of medicine improves cholesterol levels and may help lose weight.
Avoid Metformin / Glucophage, when you
- have advanced kidney or liver disease,
- drink excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages,
- are pregnant or planning to get, or breastfeeding
Possible side effects of Metformin / Glucophage
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- upset stomach
These symptoms happen when you first start taking this type of medicine. These side effects are likely to go away after a while.
Rarely, a serious condition called lactic acidosis occurs as a side effect of taking this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you
- become weak and tired,
- become dizzy,
- feel very cold,
- have trouble breathing,
- have unusual muscle pain and stomach problems,
- have a sudden change in the speed or steadiness of your heartbeat
Sometimes you will need to stop taking this type of diabetes medicine for a short time so you can avoid developing lactic acidosis. If you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever, or if you cannot keep fluids down, call your doctor right away. You should also talk with your doctor well ahead of time about stopping this type of medicine if
- you’ll be having special x-rays that require an injection of dye
- you’ll be having surgery
- your doctor will tell you when it is safe to start taking your medicine again.