Excess body weight causes a lot of significant troubles for those who have similar problems. The range of uncomfortable suffering ranges from an unsightly appearance to serious health problems, such as deep arthrosis of the joints, changes in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, multiple trophic ulcers and hair loss.
Excess weight becomes a serious problem on the way to finding a solid job, success in your personal life and self-confidence and your capabilities against the backdrop of embarrassment about your own body.
To help people, modern medicine produces a wide range of drugs and medicines with instructions for weight correction, or, more simply, to lose weight. In this article we will take a closer look at one of these – “Glucophage Long 750”.
Release form and composition
Glucophage is available in tablet form:
- 500 or 850 mg: film-coated, white, biconvex, round, on a cross section - a homogeneous white mass (500 mg: 10 pieces in blisters, 3 or 5 blisters in a cardboard pack; 15 pieces in blisters, according to 2 or 4 blisters in a cardboard pack; 20 pcs in blisters, 3 or 5 blisters in a cardboard pack; 850 mg: 15 pcs in blisters, 2 or 4 blisters in a cardboard pack; 20 pcs in blisters, 3 or 5 blisters in a cardboard box);
- 1000 mg: film-coated, white, biconvex, oval, with a score on both sides and the inscription “1000” on one side; on the cross section - a homogeneous white mass (10 pieces in blisters, 3, 5, 6 or 12 blisters in a cardboard box; 15 pieces in blisters, 2, 3 or 4 blisters in a cardboard box).
1 tablet contains:
- Active substance: metformin hydrochloride – 500, 850 or 1000 mg;
- Auxiliary components (respectively): povidone – 20/34/40 mg; Magnesium stearate – 5/8.5/10 mg.
Film shell composition:
- Tablets of 500 and 850 mg (respectively): hypromellose – 4/6.8 mg;
- Tablets 1000 mg: pure opadry (macrogol 400 - 4.55%; hypromellose - 90.9%; macrogol 8000 - 4.55%) - 21 mg.
Price for Glucophage Long
Glucophage Long is produced by different pharmaceutical companies located in different countries. The price of the medicine directly depends on the manufacturer and, of course, on the volume. Thus, a pack of 30 capsules of Glucophage Long 500 g can cost from 281 rubles (French production) to 330 rubles (Norwegian production). For Glucophage 750 Long the prices are 343 and 395 rubles, respectively.
Glucophage Long 500 in a package of 60 capsules costs approximately 444 rubles - brought from France and 494 rubles - from Norway; Glucophage long 750 – approximately 575 rubles and 651 rubles, respectively.
These are the most common prices in retail pharmacies. Many online stores offer lower prices and discounts.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Metformin reduces the manifestations of hyperglycemia, while preventing the development of hypoglycemia. Unlike sulfonylurea derivatives, the substance does not enhance insulin production in the body and does not have a hypoglycemic effect in healthy individuals. Metformin reduces the sensitivity of peripheral receptors to insulin and enhances the utilization of glucose in cells, and also inhibits the synthesis of glucose in the liver due to inhibition of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The substance also slows down the absorption of glucose in the intestine.
Metformin activates glycogen synthesis by acting on glycogen synthase and increases the transport capacity of all types of membrane glucose transporters. It also has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism, reducing the concentration of triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol.
During treatment with Glucophage, the patient's body weight either remains constant or moderately decreases.
Clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of the drug for the prevention of diabetes mellitus in patients in a prediabetic state who have identified additional risk factors for developing overt type 2 diabetes mellitus if recommended lifestyle changes do not guarantee adequate glycemic control.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, metformin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract quite completely. Absolute bioavailability reaches 50–60%. The maximum concentration of the substance in the blood plasma is reached approximately 2.5 hours after administration and is about 2 μg/ml or 15 μmol. When taking Glucophage simultaneously with food, the absorption of metformin is reduced and slowed down.
Metformin is rapidly distributed throughout the body's tissues and binds to proteins only to a small extent. The active component of Glucophage is metabolized very poorly and is excreted in the urine. The clearance of metformin in healthy individuals is 400 ml/min (which is 4 times the clearance of creatinine). This fact proves the presence of active tubular secretion. The half-life is approximately 6.5 hours. In patients with renal failure, it increases and the risk of drug accumulation increases.
Glucophage tablets
The drug Glucophage for diabetes is prescribed to patients who have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucophage 1000 has established itself as an effective means by which a patient can achieve a decrease in blood sugar without leading to hypoglycemia. The drug is popular for the treatment of obesity as it promotes weight loss. This property determines the use of the drug as a means of weight loss and by athletes to “dry” the body. Incorrect use of the drug can cause significant harm.
Compound
The drug is available in tablet form. The oval-shaped tablet is covered with a white film coating. The shape is biconvex, there is a mark on both sides. Composition of the drug:
Name | mg |
Metformin hydrochloride (active ingredient) | 1000 |
Povidone | 40 |
Magnesium stearate | 10 |
Opadry pure (film casing) | 21 |
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The active substance of the drug, metformin, has a hypoglycemic effect, which manifests itself in a decrease in hyperglycemia. The drug is able to lower blood glucose levels both during the day and immediately after meals. The mechanism of action is due to the ability of the drug to inhibit gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, increase sensitivity to insulin and reduce the absorption of glucose by the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to a healing effect. The complex of these actions leads to a decrease in glucose in the liver and stimulation of its processing by muscles.
Bioavailability when taken is about 50-60%. the drug has a low ability to bind to plasma proteins, penetrating into red blood cells. The incoming drug is not metabolized and is excreted by the kidneys and partially through the intestines. The half-life is approximately 6.5 hours. In patients with unstable renal function, a decrease in the absorption of metformin is observed.
Indications for use
Glucophage has one main indication for use, approved by official medicine. Use of the drug for weight loss is at your own risk. The medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Use is especially recommended for obese people, provided that diet therapy and exercise have not been successful. Adults and children over ten years of age use the drug as monotherapy or together with insulin according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor.
Contraindications
- Renal failure or impaired renal function (creatinine clearance (CC) less than 60 ml per minute);
- Diabetic: ketoacidosis, precoma, coma;
- Clinical pronounced manifestations of chronic or acute diseases that can lead to tissue hypoxia, including heart failure, respiratory failure, acute myocardial infarction;
- Acute conditions in which there is a risk of developing renal dysfunction: severe infectious diseases, dehydration (with vomiting, diarrhea), shock;
- Liver dysfunction, liver failure;
- Injuries and major surgical operations (in cases where insulin therapy is indicated);
- Lactic acidosis (including history);
- Acute ethanol poisoning, chronic alcoholism;
- Following a low-calorie diet (less than 1000 kcal per day);
- A period of at least 48 hours before and 48 hours after X-ray or radioisotope studies with intravenous administration of iodine-containing contrast agents;
- Pregnancy;
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Glucophage should be taken with caution by patients over 60 years of age, nursing women, and patients performing heavy physical work (due to the high risk of developing lactic acidosis).
Can I exercise while taking the pills?
According to recent studies, physical activity while taking the medication is not contraindicated. At the end of the last century, there was an opposite opinion. The hypoglycemic agent caused lactic acidosis at increased loads.
Taking metformin-based drugs and concurrent exercise were prohibited.
First generation hypoglycemic drugs caused significant side effects, including the risk of lactic acidosis. This is a life-threatening condition in which lactic acid levels in the body reach high levels.
Excessive amounts of lactate are associated with a violation of acid-base metabolism in tissues and a lack of insulin in the body, the functions of which include the breakdown of glucose. Without immediate medical attention, a person in this state loses consciousness. With the development of pharmacological technologies, the side effects from the use of hypoglycemic agents have been reduced as much as possible.
It is worth noting the general recommendations that athletes follow to reduce lactic acid in the muscles:
- dehydration of the body should not be allowed;
- it is necessary to monitor proper breathing during training;
- training must be systematic, with mandatory breaks for recovery;
- the intensity of the load should increase gradually;
- if you feel a burning sensation in the muscle tissue, you should reduce the intensity of the exercises;
- nutrition should be balanced with an optimal content of vitamins and microelements, including magnesium and B vitamins;
- the diet should include the required amount of healthy fatty acids. They help break down lactic acid.
Instructions for use of Glucophage: method and dosage
Glucophage should be taken orally.
For adults, the drug can be used as monotherapy or simultaneously with other oral hypoglycemic drugs.
At the beginning of treatment, Glucophage 500 or 850 mg is usually prescribed. The drug is taken 2-3 times a day with meals or immediately after meals. Depending on the concentration of glucose in the blood, a further gradual increase in the dose is possible.
The maintenance daily dose of Glucophage is usually 1500-2000 mg (maximum 3000 mg). Taking the drug 2-3 times a day can reduce the severity of side effects from the gastrointestinal tract. Also, a gradual increase in dose can help improve gastrointestinal tolerability of the drug.
Patients receiving metformin in doses of 2000-3000 mg per day can be switched to taking Glucophage at a dose of 1000 mg (maximum 3000 mg per day, divided into 3 doses). When planning a transition from taking another hypoglycemic drug, you should stop taking it and start using Glucophage at the dose indicated above.
To achieve better blood glucose control, metformin and insulin can be used simultaneously. The initial single dose of Glucophage is usually 500 or 850 mg, the frequency of administration is 2-3 times a day. The dose of insulin should be adjusted based on the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Children over 10 years old can take Glucophage as monotherapy or simultaneously with insulin. The initial single dose is usually 500 or 850 mg, the frequency of administration is 1 time per day. Based on the blood glucose concentration, the dose can be adjusted after 10-15 days. The maximum daily dose is 2000 mg, divided into 2-3 doses.
In elderly patients, the dose of metformin should be adjusted under regular monitoring of renal function indicators (serum creatinine should be determined at least 2-4 times a year).
Glucophage is taken daily, without interruption. When stopping therapy, the patient should inform the doctor.
Glucophage for weight loss
The medicine Glucophage 1000 and other biguanides are created to help diabetics; their active substance metformin lowers blood sugar levels, while simultaneously reducing body fat.
This property is very important for diabetics, because they often suffer from excess weight. It is not advisable for healthy people to take the medication without consulting a doctor; according to reviews, this is fraught with complications. The functions of metformin for weight loss are: restoration of lipid metabolism, slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates and the process of converting their metabolites into fat, regulating the level of “bad” cholesterol, natural suppression of appetite by normalizing insulin production. If your doctor has allowed you to consume Glucophage for weight loss, then you should follow simple rules of administration:
- exclude from the diet sweet foods and those that increase glucose concentrations;
- enrich the diet with fiber, legumes, wholemeal flour, and vegetables;
- follow a low-calorie diet (no more than 1800 kcal/day), give up alcohol and smoking;
- engage in any physical activity;
- drink Glucophage 1000 at a dose of 1500 mg/day in three doses an hour before meals for 18-20 days, then take a two-month break.
Side effects
- Digestive system: very often - vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain. Most often, such symptoms develop during the initial period of therapy and, as a rule, resolve spontaneously. To improve gastrointestinal tolerance, it is recommended to take Glucophage during or after meals 2-3 times a day. The dose should be increased gradually;
- Nervous system: often – taste disturbance;
- Metabolism: very rarely – lactic acidosis; with prolonged therapy, the absorption of vitamin B12 may decrease, which especially needs to be taken into account in patients with megaloblastic anemia;
- Liver and biliary tract: very rarely - hepatitis, abnormal liver function tests. As a rule, adverse reactions completely disappear after discontinuation of metformin;
- Skin and subcutaneous tissues: very rarely - itching, erythema, rash.
Side effects in children are similar in severity and nature to those in adult patients.
Possible analogues
Glucophage has found wide application in endocrinology. However, tablets are not always suitable for a particular patient or there is no opportunity to purchase them. In this case, the specialist will consider drugs with similar effects. Among the most famous are:
- "Metformin-Teva";
- "Metformin";
- "Siofor".
The question arises about which drug to choose in order to achieve the best results and, if possible, avoid side effects. The purpose of the appointment must be considered. If the medicine is intended to normalize the hypoglycemic index of the body, then the decision should remain with the specialist
If it is only important to lose weight, then it is better to choose a product that has fewer side effects.
It is worth noting that the composition of the analogues is almost identical and the main active ingredient is metformin. However, substances may have different degrees of purity, and additional ingredients may be present. Hence the possibility of developing incompatibility, allergic reactions and various side effects.
Overdose
When taking Glucophage at a dose of 85 g (this is 42.5 times the maximum daily dose), most patients had no manifestations of hypoglycemia, however, the development of lactic acidosis was noted in patients.
A significant overdose or the presence of associated risk factors can trigger the development of lactic acidosis. If symptoms of this condition appear, treatment with Glucophage is immediately stopped, the patient is urgently admitted to a hospital and the lactate concentration in the body is determined to clarify the diagnosis. The most effective way to remove metformin and lactate is hemodialysis. Symptomatic therapy is also indicated.
Doctors' opinion on taking Glucophage for weight loss
From a medical point of view, using a drug intended for the treatment of a particular disease for people who do not have indications for it is nonsense.
Glucophage is intended to regulate glucose levels if its synthesis in the body is much higher than normal.
In this regard, it makes no sense to use it in the absence of deviations from it - it can only negatively affect the functioning of the pancreas. So, losing weight with the help of Glucophage is not the healthiest idea, since this drug has a number of contraindications and can negatively affect the functioning of some organs.
Source: stroineemvmeste.ru
special instructions
Due to the accumulation of metformin, it is possible to develop a rare but serious complication - lactic acidosis (there is a high probability of mortality in the absence of emergency treatment). In most cases, the disease develops in patients with diabetes mellitus with severe renal failure. You also need to take into account other associated risk factors: ketosis, decompensated diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, liver failure, prolonged fasting and any conditions associated with severe hypoxia.
The development of lactic acidosis may be indicated by nonspecific signs such as muscle cramps accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms, abdominal pain and severe asthenia. The disease is characterized by acidotic shortness of breath and hypothermia followed by coma.
The use of Glucophage should be interrupted 48 hours before planned surgical operations. Therapy can be resumed no earlier than 48 hours after surgery, provided that renal function has been found to be normal upon examination.
Before starting to take Glucophage, as well as regularly thereafter, it is necessary to determine creatinine clearance: in patients with normal renal function - at least once a year; in elderly patients, as well as with creatinine clearance at the lower limit of normal - 2-4 times a year.
Particular caution is required in case of possible impairment of renal function in elderly patients, as well as in the simultaneous use of Glucophage with antihypertensive drugs, diuretics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
When using Glucophage in pediatrics, the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus must be confirmed before starting treatment. Metformin does not affect puberty and growth. However, due to the lack of long-term data, it is recommended that the subsequent effects of Glucophage on these parameters be carefully monitored in children, especially during puberty. Children aged 10-12 years need the most careful monitoring.
Patients are advised to continue to follow a diet with even carbohydrate intake throughout the day. If you are overweight, you should continue to follow a low-calorie diet (but not less than 1000 kcal per day).
To control diabetes mellitus, routine laboratory tests are recommended.
When used alone, metformin does not cause hypoglycemia, however, when used simultaneously with insulin or other hypoglycemic agents (including sulfonylurea derivatives, repaglinide), caution should be exercised when driving vehicles and complex mechanisms.
How does glucophage affect the body during weight loss?
Glucophage can truly be called the dream of all those losing weight. It consists of the active substance metformin, which prevents eaten carbohydrates from being absorbed from the intestines into the blood. As a result, carbohydrates leave the body in stools that are looser than usual, more frequent, and with an abundance of gas. If you overindulge in sweets, you may experience stomach pain.
If you follow a low-calorie diet, then losing weight on Glucophage goes even faster.
If glucose does not enter the blood, it means that the hormone insulin, which is responsible for its conversion into fat reserves in problem areas of our body, will not be produced. But that's not all. After all, the body constantly needs energy to live, but its most easily digestible source – carbohydrates – is not available. And then the accumulated fats begin to burn.
And one more feature of Glucophage: it reduces appetite. In this case, there may be nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth, but even these side effects do not stop those losing weight.
Source: dietplan.ru
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Decompensated diabetes mellitus during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital malformations of the fetus and perinatal mortality. Limited evidence from clinical studies suggests that metformin use by pregnant patients does not increase the incidence of diagnosed malformations in newborns.
When planning pregnancy, as well as when pregnancy occurs during treatment with Glucophage for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the drug must be discontinued. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are prescribed insulin therapy. Plasma glucose levels should be maintained as close to normal as possible to minimize the risk of congenital malformations in the fetus.
Metformin is detected in breast milk. No adverse reactions were observed in breastfeeding newborns while taking Glucophage. However, since information on the use of the drug in this category of patients currently remains insufficient, the use of metformin during lactation is not recommended. The decision to stop or continue breastfeeding is made after balancing the benefits of breastfeeding and the potential risk of adverse reactions in the child.
Glucophage in the treatment of adolescents
Often reviews are embellished or based on a single case of application. But medical statistics are based on clinical data, and therefore are more objective. Thus, various studies were conducted aimed at the possibility of using the drug in the treatment of obesity in adolescents. In this case, the tests were carried out on patients whose body mass index was significantly exceeded, but glucose tolerance was not observed and diabetes was not recorded.
As a result, it was found that the use of these pills in the treatment of adolescents with obesity does not have the desired effect. If you use moderate physical activity and an individually developed diet in treatment, the result will be the same, if not better, than when taking pills.
Due to the fact that the drug has many different side effects, and no special effect is observed, there is no advisability in the treatment of obesity in children who do not suffer from diabetes.
Drug interactions
Glucophage should not be used simultaneously with iodine-containing radiocontrast agents.
The drug is not recommended to be taken together with ethanol (the risk of developing lactic acidosis during acute alcohol intoxication increases in the case of liver failure, following a low-calorie diet and malnutrition).
Glucophage should be taken with caution with danazol, chlorpromazine, glucocorticosteroids for local and systemic use, loop diuretics, and beta2-adrenergic agonists by injection. When used simultaneously with the above drugs, especially at the beginning of treatment, more frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels may be required. If necessary, the dose of metformin should be adjusted during treatment.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and other antihypertensive drugs may lower blood glucose concentrations. If necessary, dose adjustment of metformin is necessary.
With the simultaneous use of Glucophage with acarbose, sulfonylurea derivatives, salicylates and insulin, hypoglycemia may develop.
Cationic drugs (digoxin, amiloride, procainamide, morphine, quinidine, triamterene, quinine, ranitidine, vancomycin and trimethoprim) compete with metformin for tubular transport systems, which may lead to an increase in its mean maximum concentration (Cmax).
Special Recommendations
Even patients taking medication in small dosages (starting with Glucophage 500) for weight loss can have the most negative reviews if special instructions for use are not followed. You will have to give up foods that contain large quantities of carbohydrates: dried fruits, soda, sweets and other sugar-containing dishes. Eating instant cereals, potatoes, pasta and white rice will not be very useful during this period.
The use of drugs with metformin against the background of low-calorie diets (diet no more than 1000 kcal) with alcohol-containing substances and alcohol is absolutely incompatible.
There are no special diets when using Glucophage. There are also no special restrictions on spices and salt.
How does it affect the cycle and ovulation?
The main active ingredient of Glucophage is metformin hydrochloride. An active substance from the biguanide group is used to reduce insulin resistance.
Metformin reduces the amount of plasma glucose regardless of food intake, without affecting insulin production. The hypoglycemic substance eliminates pathological disorders in polycystic disease, restores hormonal levels, the generative function of the ovaries, and the ovulatory phase of the cycle.
Glucophage tablets
The natural release of a mature egg from the ovary is observed six months after the start of treatment. If necessary, repeat the course. Positive reviews about the hypoglycemic medication for polycystic disease prove the effectiveness of the drug.
Hypoglycemic medication has been used for a long time and has been well researched. Cases of successful treatment of hormonal pathologies have been recorded.
A long course of treatment prevents the formation of cysts, resumes the normal menstrual cycle, stimulates ovulation, and helps to get pregnant with diabetes. International studies have confirmed the positive effect of the antidiabetic substance on hyperandrogenism.
This form of therapy is spreading rapidly, supported by solid successes. Disturbances in the production of endocrine pancreatic secretion and glucose require the use of metformin.
The drug has the following positive effects:
- increases insulin resistance, facilitates glucose processing;
- has a beneficial effect on the ovaries, reduces the amount of testosterone;
- promotes the growth and development of follicles;
- promotes thinning of the capsule on the ovaries;
- restores the ovulatory function of the gonads.
Is it possible to replace the drug with another one?
There are many drugs containing metformin on the market. This component is the main one for many Glucophage analogues, for example, Siofor or Formetin. Since the use of this component has shown high positive properties of application, many leading pharmaceutical companies in different countries have begun to create drugs based on it.
The main difference between different medications is their cost. And it is possible to determine which is better only from the dynamics of the development of the disease, as well as the process of improving the general condition of the body.
Doctors' opinion
Reviews from experts regarding which is better Glucophage or Siofor are ambiguous. Siofor is not addictive, but the dosage is selected individually for each patient. For people who do not suffer from diabetes, the drug really helps to lose weight, the body begins to regulate metabolism. Glucophage has specific dosage instructions.
Doctors note that both drugs have a positive effect on the diabetic body and are quite effective. If Siofor and Glucophage lead to digestive problems, Glucophage Long. Taking this drug does not cause spikes in glucose. If the patient needs a quick result or is in prediabetes, Siofor is prescribed.
What sensations and signs reliably indicate pregnancy?
How wonderful it would be if the very next day after conception the uterus signaled to a woman that pregnancy had occurred with some obvious symptom. But this does not happen and we have to rely only on signs of hormonal changes in the body. Considering that each woman is individual, signs of pregnancy in the early stages may not appear at all, or they may all begin to bother the expectant mother as early as 1 month.
Studies have shown that an egg, as a rule, is fertilized within 12 hours after ovulation (and no longer than 24 hours, because after that it dies). You will begin to notice pregnancy symptoms only after implantation, which occurs 7-10 days after ovulation. The fact is that the embryo begins to produce hCG after its attachment to the wall of the uterus, so it is unlikely that it will be possible to detect any symptoms earlier. The longer you wait before taking a pregnancy test, the more accurate the result and the darker the second line. Ideally, you should take a pregnancy test from the day of your menstruation, which did not occur this month. There are also a number of other reasons that can cause late periods; read about them in our other article.
What are the earliest symptoms?
If you do not observe any of these signs, this does not mean that there is no pregnancy. Perhaps your body reacts differently to conception and changes in hormonal levels do not affect your well-being so much.
If you regularly monitor your cycle and measure your basal temperature, you will notice that it will remain high throughout the luteal phase. Progesterone causes the temperature to remain high throughout ovulation, and if BBT remains high
Source
Video on the topic
Review of drugs Siofor and Glucophage:
A large number of positive reviews about Glucophage give us the right to believe that the drug is really effective in treating polycystic changes in the female gonads and hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin.
Long-term use of a hypoglycemic agent helps get rid of benign formations, restore the natural menstrual cycle, stimulate ovulation and conception even in diabetes mellitus.
Dangerous side effects of Metformin
Some Metformin side effects may be more serious. One such effect is lactic acidosis. Although recent research suggests that this is an uncommon condition that may not be directly related to Metformin, the risk of developing lactic acidosis is increased in both patients with chronic kidney disease and patients with liver disease.
Lactic acidosis occurs when lactic acid builds up in the blood and is not absorbed by the body, which must metabolize sugars without the presence of oxygen. People not taking Metformin may develop lactic acidosis from vigorous exercise, serious illness, injury, or drug toxicity.
Symptoms of lactic acidosis associated with Metformin can be mild or severe and may include shortness of breath, swelling, weakness and muscle pain. If you experience these symptoms while taking Metformin, you should seek medical help immediately. If lactic acidosis is not treated, it can lead to severe complications or even death (cardiac arrest).
Metformin can lead to B12 deficiency, a complication known as "pernicious anemia" which can lead to permanent neurological damage. B12 deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of strokes. Early symptoms of B12 deficiency may include anemia, tinnitus and depression. For those using metformin, it is important that your B12 levels are monitored so that deficiency of the vitamin can be addressed before deficiency occurs.
Other uses of metformin
In addition to its use for diabetes, Metformin is sometimes used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as an aid to conception, as a weight loss supplement, or to treat gestational diabetes.
Research is currently evaluating the possible increased survival of people taking Metformin for certain cancers during pregnancy, such as lung cancer, breast cancer and bladder cancer. Research has shown that Metformin targets and interferes with many cancer growth pathways. Metformin is also being studied for its effects on the thyroid gland, as it appears to reduce the risk of goiters, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
Reviews of those losing weight
The opinions of people who take the drug are very different. If people who do not suffer from diabetes begin to use the medicine without indications, the body’s reaction can be very unpredictable.
It’s even worse if a person determines the dosage for himself. To avoid side effects, you should still consult a qualified specialist before taking it.
Glucophage 850 reviews:
- Elena: “Over the course of a month I lost 7 kg without much difficulty. It should be noted that doctors in Europe often use it for polycystic ovary syndrome.”
- Evgenia: “I am a type 2 diabetic, I was prescribed this remedy. I took the pills twice a day and managed to lose 6.5 kg in just 2 months. Although I didn’t make any special efforts for this, I lived an ordinary life.”
- Zinaida Petrovna: “I drank for medical reasons, I didn’t go on a diet. I did not lose weight during the treatment. With the diet, of course, I lost weight, but I can’t attribute this merit to medications.”
- Maria: “I have not been diagnosed with diabetes, but my sugar levels are high if I allow myself to eat too much, and I am also overweight. I used many ways to lose weight. I got to the point where my gallbladder was removed while I was on a protein diet. When I started taking this medication, within a month I managed to get rid of five extra pounds.”
- Christina: “I take the medicine twice a day. Taste habits have changed. I no longer crave salty foods or carbohydrates like I used to. I feel an unpleasant taste in my mouth and feel nauseous at times. Accordingly, I began to eat less food, since my appetite was no longer the same. I feel constantly dry in my mouth and drink a lot of water. The number of acne on the face has decreased, although slight pigmentation has appeared. Overall, I’m happy with the result, because the weight is coming off.”
- Maria Valerievna: “This is a cure for diabetes! And this must not be forgotten. The doctor prescribed it to me just after he made the diagnosis. Yes, I lost more than ten kilograms with Glucophage, but the main thing for me is that it keeps sugar down, and not that at all.”
- Elena: “I take this remedy to fight the disease. I didn’t even think about the fact that it would help me lose weight. My weight has increased significantly over the past year. And while taking Glucophage 850 and following a diet, I lost nine extra kilograms. It affected my well-being, it has improved much. But still, the most important thing for me is that this drug keeps my sugar normal.”
Features of application
Patients who have kidney problems and develop lactic acidosis are not prescribed Glucophage Long.
The drug should not be taken by people with the following disorders:
- liver disease and heart failure;
- simultaneous use of incompatible medications;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- surgical intervention.
Children under 10 years of age should not use the medicine because it is unknown how it will affect them.
Common names for one medicine Metformin
Metformin can be sold under several names, which confuses many people.
Common names for Metformin include:
- Fortamet;
- Glucophage;
- Glucophage XR;
- Glumetza;
- Riomet;
Metformin can also be combined with other drugs to treat diabetes. If you don't know what you are taking or how your medications work, you should ask your doctor:
- Actoplus Met (containing metformin, pioglitazone);
- Avandamet (containing metformin, rossiglitazone);
- Glucovance (containing metformin, glyburide);
- Invokamet (containing metformin HCl / Canagliflozin);
- Janumet (containing metformin, Sitagliptin);
- Janumet XR (containing metformin, Sitagliptin);
- Jentadueto (containing metformin, Linagliptin);
- Kazano (containing metformin/alogliptin);
- Kombiglyze XR (containing metformin, saxagliptin);
- Metagrip (containing metformin, glipizide);
- Prandimet (containing metformin, repaglinide);
- Synjardi (containing metformin, Jardiance);
- Xi Guo XR (containing metformin HCl, dapagliflozin);
Word from For-Pregnant
Metformin is an excellent choice of medication for people with type 2 diabetes and is recommended as the preferred drug prescribed from the time of diagnosis for those who do not have a contraindication (reason not to use the drug). Based on its mechanism of action, it is not effective for people with type I diabetes. Metformin works to reduce insulin resistance in addition to other mechanisms of action. Unlike many diabetes medications, it does not cause weight gain and does not have the side effect of hypoglycemia, which can be a very serious benefit.
Side effects such as diarrhea and gas (flatulence) are common when starting treatment, but can often be mitigated by carefully increasing the dose over a period of time. Less common but possibly serious side effects may include lactic acidosis and B12 deficiency. Knowing the possible symptoms of lactic acidosis and monitoring B12 can compensate for the most serious complications.
Formetin
Formetin is a relatively cheap analogue of Glucophage. Its low cost is justified by the large number of side effects.
The use of the drug is often accompanied by discomfort in the stomach and intestines, and allergic rashes on the skin. Some caution should be exercised when taking it; an overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia, sometimes leading to poisoning and death.
In pharmacy chains the drug costs from 80 rubles.