Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet

Generic Name: metformin (Pronunciation: met FOR min)

• What is metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What are the possible side effects of metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• How should I take metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What should I avoid while taking metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• What other drugs will affect metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?

Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Metformin is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fortamet 500 mg

round, white, imprinted with LOGO 574

Glucophage 1000 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 10 00, BMS 6071

Glucophage 500 mg

round, white, imprinted with BMS 6060, 500

Glucophage 850 mg

round, white, imprinted with BMS 6070, 850

Glucophage XR 500 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with BMS 6063, 500

Glucophage XR 750 mg

oval, red, imprinted with BMS 6064, 750

Metformin 1000 mg-BAR

oval, white, imprinted with b 387, 10 00

Metformin 1000 mg-IVA

oval, white, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4432, 10 00

Metformin 1000 mg-MUT

oval, white, imprinted with MP 753

Metformin 1000 mg-MYL

oval, white, imprinted with M 244

Metformin 1000 mg-WAT

oblong, peach, imprinted with WPI WPI, 2455

Metformin 500 mg ER-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 7267, 9 3

Metformin 500 mg-BAR

oval, white, imprinted with b385, 500

Metformin 500 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with Z, 70

Metformin 500 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 48

Metformin 500 mg-WAT

oblong, peach, imprinted with 2713, WPI

Metformin 500mg-UDL

round, white, imprinted with M, 234

Metformin 750 mg ER-BAR

oblong, blue, imprinted with 107, b

Metformin 850 mg-BAR

oval, white, imprinted with b386, 850

Metformin 850 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, 240

Metformin 850 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 49

Metformin 850 mg-WAT

oblong, peach, imprinted with WPI, 2775

Metformin ER 500 mg-PAR

oblong, white, imprinted with 500, 6065

What are the possible side effects of metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

Stop using metformin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling or rapid weight gain; or
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache or muscle pain;
• weakness; or
• mild nausesa, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet)?

Do not use metformin if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking metformin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.