How does it work?

People with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes) have a deficiency of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is the main hormone responsible for controlling sugar levels in the blood. It normally makes the cells of the body remove excess sugar from the blood. In type 2 diabetes the cells of the body are also resistant to the action of insulin that is produced, which means that blood sugar levels can become too high. Metformin hydrochloride is a type of antidiabetic medicine known as a biguanide. It works in a number of ways to decrease the amount of sugar in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes. Firstly, it reduces the amount of sugar produced by cells in the liver. Secondly, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This enables the cells to remove sugar from the blood more effectively. Finally, it also delays absorption of sugar from the intestines into the bloodstream after eating. Overall, metformin reduces blood sugar levels both between and directly after meals. Metformin is used as a first line treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight people, when diet and exercise have failed to control blood sugar levels. It can also be used in combination with other antidiabetic medicines to provide better control of blood sugar.

What is it used for?

Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes, when diet has failed

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to monitor their kidney function.

This medicine should be discontinued prior to X-ray examinations with iodinated materials, as a temporary decrease in kidney function may occur. It should not be reinstated until kidney function has been tested and found to be normal.

Alcohol should be avoided while you are taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and lactic acidosis.

Consult your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have surgery under a general anaesthetic. In these situations blood sugar is normally controlled by insulin, so your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine 48 hours before surgery.

Blood sugar levels should be monitored while taking this medicine, particularly if it is taken with other oral antidiabetic medicines or insulin.

Not to be used in

Alcoholic intoxication

Alcoholism

Breastfeeding

Cessation of breathing (respiratory failure)

Children

Coma due to ketoacidosis in severe and inadequately treated diabetes

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Dehydration

Heart failure

Kidney failure

People who have recently had a heart attack

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Severe infections or trauma

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Control of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy is usually achieved using insulin because it provides a more stable control of blood sugar. Please consult with your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should therefore either stop breastfeeding while taking this medicine, or not take this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Metallic taste

Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)

Loss of appetite

Elevated levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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