Oramet
Oramet is a medicine for type 2 diabetes that helps lower high blood sugar.
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose for adults is one 500 mg or 850 mg tablet, 2 to 3 times a day.
Method
Swallow tablets whole with water, during or after a meal, to help prevent stomach upset. Do not crush or chew.
The maximum daily dose for adults is 3000 mg of metformin, taken in three divided doses. This equals six 500 mg tablets.
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Stomach pain
- •Loss of appetite
- •Changes in taste
- •Low vitamin B12 levels in the blood, which can cause severe tiredness, a sore red tongue, tingling skin, or pale/yellowish skin. Your doctor may check this.
- •Lactic acidosis (a very rare but serious side effect; see warnings for symptoms and what to do).
- •Skin redness, itching, or an itchy rash.
- •Abnormal liver test results or liver inflammation, which can cause tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Important Warnings
- Do not take Oramet if you are allergic to metformin or any of its ingredients.
- Do not take Oramet if you have severe kidney or liver problems.
- Do not take Oramet if your diabetes is not well controlled, or if you have very high blood sugar, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rapid weight loss.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol regularly while taking Oramet, as it can increase the risk of a serious side effect called lactic acidosis.
- Tell your doctor if you have acute heart failure, recently had a heart attack, or have serious circulation or breathing problems.
Show 2 more warnings
- You must stop taking Oramet for a time before and after certain medical tests (like X-rays with special dye) or surgery. Your doctor will provide instructions.
- Stop taking Oramet right away and get urgent medical help if you have symptoms of lactic acidosis: vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, feeling very tired or unwell, trouble breathing, cold body, or a slow heartbeat.
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)