Metformin WHAT IS METFORMIN? • Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is also known as non-insulin-
dependent diabetes mellitus. It works by lowering or regulating the amount of sugar in your blood. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT METFORMIN? • In rare cases, metformin can cause a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is
caused by the build-up of lactic acid in your blood and is considered a medical emergency. Youmay be at risk for developing lactic acidosis while taking metformin if you have kidney problems,heart failure, or if you are over 80 years old and not had your kidneys checked recently. If you haveany of these conditions, please talk with your doctor before taking metformin.
• Call your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms:
- feeling unusually weak, tired or uncomfortable- unusual
- unusual or unexplained stomach upset- feeling
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded- sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat
HOW DO I USE THIS MEDICATION? • The dose of metformin may vary for different patients depending on your blood sugar levels. Your
doctor may start you at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose to regulate your blood sugarand minimize side effects.
• Take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. • Metformin should be taken with meals. • Continue your diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor or dietician and test your
have an illness that causes severe dehydration (such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or if youdrink less fluid than normal)
plan to have surgery or an x-ray procedure with injection of contrast dye
are starting a new medication including prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter)items or herbal supplements
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FORGET A DOSE? • If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses atthe same time.
2003 Prescription Solutions. This document is proprietary to Prescription Solutions and is subject to federal copyright protection.
Any unauthorized reproduction, dissemination or use of this document is strictly prohibited. HOW DO I STORE THIS MEDICATION? • Keep this medication in the container that it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature away from light, heat or moisture. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF METFORMIN? • Listed below are common side effects of metformin. These side effects may go away after
asthenia (lack or loss of strength, weakness)
lactic acidosis (See previous section on lactic acidosis.)
• If these side effects continue, or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT ARE SOME PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE USING THIS MEDICATION? • Before taking metformin, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart failure
that is treated with medications, or if you think you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.
• Avoid alcohol while taking metformin. You should not drink a lot of alcohol in a short period of time
or drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis because it can increase your chance of getting lacticacidosis.
• Certain medication may interfere or interact with metformin. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you
are taking any of the following medications: furosemide, nifedipine, amiloride, digoxin, morphine,procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene and trimethoprim.
• Certain medications may lead to loss of blood sugar control. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you
are taking any other medications, including non-prescription (over-the-counter) items or herbalsupplements.
• Discuss with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional about symptoms of low
blood sugar and how to handle this situation.
• Your doctor may perform blood tests from time to time to make sure your kidneys and liver are
working properly. Continue to see your doctor on a regular basis while taking metformin.
1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information
database. Metformin. Last revised 11/01/2001.
2. Glucophage Prescribing Information. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Revised July 2002. 3. USP DI. Advice for the patient. (Under license to Micromedex, Inc.) Metformin (Systemic).
2003 Prescription Solutions. This document is proprietary to Prescription Solutions and is subject to federal copyright protection.
Any unauthorized reproduction, dissemination or use of this document is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this brochure is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Alwaysconsult your doctor before taking any medication or if you experience any unusual side effects.
2003 Prescription Solutions. This document is proprietary to Prescription Solutions and is subject to federal copyright protection.
Any unauthorized reproduction, dissemination or use of this document is strictly prohibited.
HOARDING: WHEN SAVING GETS OUT OF CONTROL By Ginger E. Blume, Ph.D. Growing up, most of us are taught the value of saving: saving money, saving items we might need in the future, saving special collections of things like coins, dolls, rare books, etc. However, sometimes, the desire to save goes awry. There are people who develop an illness where they must save items that have no purpose or v
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PIONEER IN ADDICTION TREATMENT SUPPORTS PROPOSED RESEARCH Dr. Sheila Blume Advocates Testing Baclofen for Alcohol Dependence Bridport, VT – February 26, 2013 – The Foundation for Alcoholism Research (FAR) announces that Sheila Blume, MD endorses the FAR campaign to fund a study on the effects of the medication Baclofen on alcohol dependence. The N
Metformin