Metformin Vitabalans
Metformin Vitabalans is a medicine used to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, especially when diet and exercise alone are not enough.
How to Use
Dosage
For adults, the usual starting dose is 500 mg, taken 2 to 3 times a day. For children (10 years and older), the usual starting dose is 500 mg, taken once a day.
Method
Take this medicine with or after a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water.
The maximum daily dose is 3000 mg (1000 mg, three times a day).
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Stomach pain
- •Loss of appetite
- •Taste disturbance
- •Lactic acidosis (a very rare but serious complication, especially if kidneys are not working well)
- •Abnormal liver function tests or inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.
- •Skin reactions like redness, itching, or hives.
- •Low vitamin B12 levels in the blood.
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to metformin or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe kidney or liver problems.
- Stop taking this medicine and see a doctor immediately if you experience severe vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, extreme tiredness, or breathing difficulties, as these can be signs of a serious condition called lactic acidosis.
- Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol while taking this medicine, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
- If you are scheduled for a major surgery or an imaging test involving injected dye, your doctor may tell you to stop taking this medicine for a short time.
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)