Drug Name

Glucophage Xr is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise. This medicine can be used alone or with other medicines for diabetes.

How To Use

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take it with meals. Swallow whole, do not crush or chew. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

• breathing problems.

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls.

• low blood sugar (ask your doctor or health care professional for a list of these symptoms).

• muscle aches or pains.

• slow or irregular heartbeat.

• unusual stomach pain or discomfort.

• unusually tired or weakness.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea.

• headache.

• heartburn.

• metallic taste in mouth.

• nausea.

• stomach gas, upset.

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Precautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, or complete blood counts, should be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Regularly check your blood or urine sugar as directed by your doctor. If your blood sugars have been under control and suddenly are difficult to manage, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, laboratory tests, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. During times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medicine may be required. This medicine usually does not cause low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, but this effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories from food, juices, fruit, or other sources. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medicine dosage may need to be increased. Limit alcohol intake while using this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. For women: this medicine can cause changes in the menstrual cycle of women with certain fertility problems, therefore increasing the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medicine. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma. An overdose of Glucophage Xr may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. 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.

Missed dose

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.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.