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METFORMIN (met FOR min) treats type 2 diabetes. It controls blood sugar (glucose) and helps your body use insulin effectively. This medication is often combined with changes to diet and exercise.
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food at the start of a meal. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Using this medication with insulin or a sulfonylurea may increase your risk of hypoglycemia. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medication.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
This medication may cause you to ovulate, which may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your care team about contraception while you are taking this medication. Contact your care team if you think you might be pregnant.
The tablet shell for some brands of this medication does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.
If you are going to need surgery, an MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your health care provider that you are taking this medication. You may need to stop taking this medication before the procedure.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
This medication may cause a decrease in folic acid and vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamins while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.