Metformin ratiopharm
Metformin ratiopharm is a medicine for type 2 diabetes that helps lower your blood sugar.
How to Use
Dosage
For adults, the usual starting dose is 500 mg or 850 mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day.
Method
Take your tablets with or after a meal to help avoid stomach upset. Swallow each tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew them.
The most you should take in one day is 3000 mg, divided into three doses.
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite. These are common at the start of treatment.
- •Changes in how things taste.
- •Low levels of vitamin B12 in your blood, which can make you feel very tired, have a sore red tongue, tingling, or pale/yellowish skin.
- •Lactic acidosis (a very rare but serious problem, especially if your kidneys are not working properly). Symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, general discomfort, extreme tiredness, trouble breathing, lower body temperature, and a slow heartbeat.
- •Abnormal liver test results or hepatitis (liver inflammation) which can cause tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor if this happens.
- •Skin reactions like redness, itching, or hives (an itchy rash).
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to metformin or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have problems with your liver.
- Do not use if your kidneys are not working well.
- Do not use if your diabetes is not controlled, especially with very high blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast weight loss, or conditions like lactic acidosis or ketoacidosis.
- Do not use if you are very dehydrated from severe or long-lasting diarrhea or repeated vomiting. This can harm your kidneys and lead to lactic acidosis.
Show 5 more warnings
- Do not use if you have a severe infection, such as in your lungs, airways, or kidneys, as this can cause kidney problems and lactic acidosis.
- Do not use if you are being treated for acute heart failure, recently had a heart attack, or have serious circulation problems (like shock) or breathing issues, as these can cause low oxygen in your body and risk of lactic acidosis.
- Do not use if you drink a lot of alcohol.
- Stop taking this medicine right away and contact a doctor or the nearest hospital if you get symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, feeling unwell, extreme tiredness, trouble breathing, lower body temperature, or a slow heartbeat. Lactic acidosis is an emergency and can lead to coma.
- You may need to temporarily stop Metformin ratiopharm if you have conditions that cause significant fluid loss (dehydration), like severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, being exposed to heat, or drinking less than usual. Ask your doctor for advice.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Reduce the dose already in mild renal impairment. Do not use in severe renal impairment or tissue hypoxia. May reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. Consider risk of lactic acidosis. The drug should be paused during fever, gastroenteritis or dehydration, and before surgery or imaging with a contrast agent. (updated 20.5.2024)