Glucophage Tablet 850mg

About Glucophage Tablet 850mg

Glucophage Tablet 850mg Uses

• Manages high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
• Used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control
• Prescribed for insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Sometimes used to lower diabetes risk in people with prediabetes
• Combined with other diabetes medicines when a single drug is not enough

Glucophage Tablet 850mg Benefits

• Lowers blood sugar without causing significant weight gain
• Reduces the risk of low blood sugar episodes compared to some other diabetes medicines
• Improves how the body responds to its own insulin
• May offer modest cardiovascular benefits in people with type 2 diabetes
• Affordable and widely available first-line option for long-term diabetes care

What Experts Say

Metformin remains the first choice medicine for type 2 diabetes in most treatment guidelines followed by physicians across Pakistan. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving how muscles use insulin, which helps bring blood sugar down without overworking the pancreas.

Pakistan has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the world, and doctors often start treatment with metformin because of its long safety record and low cost. Many patients tolerate it well when the dose is increased gradually, and stomach upset in the first few weeks usually settles down.

Physicians recommend regular blood sugar monitoring and periodic kidney function tests while on this medicine, since dosing depends on how well the kidneys are working. Combining metformin with healthy eating and regular activity gives the best long-term results for most people with type 2 diabetes.

Drug Class

• Biguanide (oral antidiabetic)

Glucophage Tablet 850mg formula

• Metformin Hydrochloride

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Glucophage Tablet 850mg?

• Take Glucophage Tablet 850mg with meals to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not crush or chew it
• Doctors usually start with a low dose and increase it gradually over a few weeks
• Take the medicine at the same times each day for consistent blood sugar control
• Do not double the dose if a dose is missed, just take the next one as scheduled
• Continue diet and exercise changes advised by your doctor alongside this medicine

Drug Interactions

• Alcohol: Heavy or regular alcohol use raises the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
• Contrast dye: Iodinated contrast agents used in imaging tests can affect kidney function and interact with this medicine.
• Diuretics: Water tablets can affect kidney function and change how this medicine works.
• Corticosteroids: Steroid medicines can raise blood sugar and reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.
• Other diabetes medicines: Combining with insulin or sulfonylureas increases the risk of low blood sugar.
• Cimetidine: This acid reducing medicine can increase metformin levels in the blood.

Risks and warnings

• Kidney function: This medicine is not recommended for people with reduced kidney function, since poor clearance can raise the risk of complications.
• Lactic acidosis: A rare but serious build up of lactic acid in the blood can occur, especially with kidney problems, liver disease, or heavy alcohol use.
• Contrast dye procedures: This medicine may need to be paused before and after imaging tests that use iodinated contrast dye.
• Surgery: Doctors often advise stopping this medicine temporarily before major surgery.
• Liver disease: Should be used cautiously in people with significant liver impairment.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only if advised by a doctor, since dosing needs may change during pregnancy.
• Elderly patients: Older adults may need closer monitoring of kidney function while on this medicine.

Glucophage Tablet 850mg Side Effects

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea, especially when starting the medicine
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Bloating or gas
• Mild weakness or tiredness
• Vitamin B12 deficiency with long term use
• Lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition needing emergency care
• Low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medicines

Storage Conditions

• Store Glucophage Tablet 850mg at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack away from direct sunlight
• Protect from moisture and humidity, which is important during Pakistan's hot and humid summers
• Keep the medicine away from children and pets
• Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink where dampness collects
• Discard tablets safely after the expiry date printed on the pack