Glucophage

What is it?

Composition

Glucophage contains the active substance metformin, which is the key component of the drug. Metformin actively affects carbohydrate metabolism, helping to reduce blood glucose levels without stimulating insulin secretion. This is important for preventing hypoglycemia.

The auxiliary components in the drug ensure its stability, proper release of the active substance and ease of use. These include:

• Hypromellose - provides control of the release of the active component.
• Magnesium stearate - used as a stabilizer.
• Povidone - improves the solubility of the tablet.
• Talc - prevents caking of the components.

This carefully selected composition makes Glucophage convenient and safe for long-term use, helping to ensure a stable therapeutic effect.

How to use?

Glucophage should be used strictly according to the doctors recommendations, as the dosage and regimen depend on the individual characteristics of the patient and the blood sugar level. Usually, the drug is taken orally during or after meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. The tablets are swallowed whole with a sufficient amount of water.

The recommended regimen may look like this:

1. The initial dosage is 500-850 mg 2-3 times a day. This dosage may be adjusted by the doctor after 1-2 weeks based on the blood glucose level.
2. The maintenance dose is usually 1500-2000 mg per day, divided into several doses.
3. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 3000 mg.

It is important to avoid changing the dosage or skipping a dose on your own, as this may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. If you forget to take a dose, do not double up on the next one - just continue taking it as scheduled.

How does it work?

Glucophage has a therapeutic effect due to the active substance metformin, which affects several key mechanisms of blood sugar regulation. It helps to reduce glucose levels both on an empty stomach and after meals without causing hypoglycemia. This makes it safe for most patients with type 2 diabetes.

The main action of the drug is in the following mechanisms:

Reducing glucose production in the liver. Metformin inhibits the process of gluconeogenesis, which reduces the amount of glucose entering the blood.
Improving the sensitivity of cells to insulin. This promotes more efficient absorption of glucose by cells, which is especially important for muscle tissue.
Slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Due to this, the sugar level after meals rises more slowly.
Such complex work makes Glucophage a reliable assistant in diabetes control and helps to minimize the risk of long-term complications associated with hyperglycemia.

Indications

Glucophage is prescribed for type 2 diabetes, especially in overweight patients, to normalize blood glucose levels. It can be used both as monotherapy and in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, including insulin, if dietary changes and physical activity have not produced the desired result.

The main indications include:

• Control of sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Improving the effectiveness of insulin therapy in patients with insulin resistance.
• Weight loss in patients with diabetes and obesity.
• Prevention of diabetes in people with prediabetes (in some cases, as recommended by a doctor).

Glucophage is also used in some cases to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as it helps regulate hormonal balance and improve metabolism. However, such prescriptions require consultation with an endocrinologist.

Contraindications

Glucophage has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting treatment. Its use can be dangerous in the presence of certain conditions or diseases, so it is important to consult a doctor and undergo all necessary examinations.

The main contraindications include:

• Severe renal failure or serious renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min).
• Acute or chronic heart failure.
• Severe liver disease or other conditions associated with the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Conditions accompanied by hypoxia (eg, myocardial infarction, shock).
• Chronic alcoholism or acute alcohol poisoning.
• Pregnancy and lactation (the drug is replaced by other drugs that are safe for this category).
• Individual intolerance to metformin or other components of the drug.

The drug should also be prescribed with caution to elderly patients (over 60 years old) and people engaged in heavy physical labor, due to an increased risk of lactic acidosis. It is important to discuss all possible risks with your doctor before using Glucophage.

Side effects

Like any other medicine, Glucophage can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most adverse reactions occur at the beginning of therapy and decrease over time as the body gets used to the drug.

The most common side effects are:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating or pain in the stomach. These symptoms usually occur in the first days of treatment.
• Metallic taste in the mouth.
• Decreased vitamin B12 levels with prolonged use of the drug (in rare cases).

More serious reactions, such as lactic acidosis, which can be life-threatening, are less common. This condition is associated with the accumulation of lactic acid in the body and usually develops in the presence of contraindications, such as renal failure or alcohol abuse.

To reduce the risk of side effects, it is recommended to start treatment with a minimum dosage, gradually increasing it under the supervision of a doctor. If side effects persist or worsen, you should consult a specialist to adjust your treatment.