Glyciphage 250 Tablet

Glyciphage 250 tablet is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It contains metformin as its active ingredient. This medicine helps to lower the raised blood sugar levels.

Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor and for the prescribed duration. It should be taken with or after having food. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding and also about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting this medicine.

Dosage

Overdose

Excess of Glyciphage 250 tablet may lead to lactic acidosis causing symptoms like vomiting, stomach ache, muscle cramps and difficulty in breathing. You must seek immediate emergency medical care if you suspect an overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of Glyciphage 250 tablet , take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is time for the next dose then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin drives glucose (sugar) from the blood to enter inside the cell. Then this glucose is utilized as energy by the cell.
• If you have diabetes mellitus, your pancreas either does not make enough insulin or your body is unable to use properly the insulin it produces (insulin resistance).
• As a result, glucose is not able to enter into the cells and this leads to a high level of glucose in your blood.
• Glyciphage 250 tablet works by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed from the intestine, lowering the amount of sugar created by the liver and facilitating the entry of sugar into the cells.

Directions for Use

Glyciphage 250 tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. It should be taken with or after a meal to reduce its side effects. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results and should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Glyciphage 250 tablet during pregnancy?

This medicine can be taken during pregnancy if it is prescribed by your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Glyciphage 250 tablet while breastfeeding?

Metformin is known to pass into breast milk, however, the amount is significantly low to cause any side effects. So, Glyciphage 250 tablet could be taken by breastfeeding mother only if prescribed by her doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Glyciphage 250 tablet ?

• If you are taking the Glyciphage 250 tablet along with other antidiabetic medicines, there are chances your blood sugar may drop.
• You may experience dizziness, increased sweating, weakness, difficulty concentrating, which can impair your driving ability. Thus, you should take extra care when driving.
• Always keep sugar, juice or a bar of chocolate in your car while driving. In case you experience any of the symptoms, stop driving immediately and have sugar/ juice. Do not consume sugar-free items at such episodes.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Glyciphage 250 tablet ?

Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol while taking Glyciphage 250 tablet . Alcohol lowers blood sugar which can be dangerous and also increases the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are suffering from continuous diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of body fluids.
• You experience signs of low blood glucose like dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, inability to concentrate. Metformin does not usually cause sudden low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If Metformin is prescribed with other anti-diabetic medications, low blood sugar may occur.
• You experience muscle pain, stomach pain, vomiting, breathing difficulty, low body temperature. This could be a serious condition known as lactic acidosis.
• Stop taking Glyciphage 250 tablet for a short time if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to metformin or any other ingredients of Glyciphage 250 tablet .
• If you have problems with your liver or kidney.
• If you are an alcoholic (you daily consume alcohol in excess).
• If you have uncontrolled diabetes.
• If you have any heart problems or if you recently had a heart attack.
• If you have a severe infection of the lung or kidney. Infections can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Taste disturbance
• Loss of appetite

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Glyciphage 250 tablet may interact with other medicines, discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Medicines used to reduce pain and swelling like Ibuprofen, Celecoxib.
• Medicines used to treat asthma like salbutamol or terbutaline.
• Medicines like furosemide (diuretics).
• If you need to take an injection of iodine-containing contrast medium into your bloodstream, for an X-ray or scan, your doctor will ask you to stop taking metformin before or at the time of injection.
• If you are on medicines that are used to treat pain and inflammation (NSAID and COX-2 inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and celecoxib) for the long term, these can damage your kidneys. The use of such medicines in diabetes should be avoided.

Interactions with food items

• Absorption of vitamin B12 appears to be reduced during long-term metformin therapy and annual screening of serum vitamin B12 levels and red blood cell parameters has been recommended.
• It is advisable to have a diabetic diet as advised by your doctor or dietician. This medicine works best along with a good diet and exercise. Exercise is known to decrease insulin resistance.

Storage and disposal

Store Glyciphage 250 tablet s in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I tell the healthcare provider before I start treatment with Glyciphage 250 tablet ?

• You should get screened for baseline Vitamin B12 levels, kidney and liver profile. Other factors like weight, body mass index (BMI), baseline blood sugar levels before starting the treatment should be noted
• You must share all the relevant medical and surgical history, your past and ongoing medicines, etc. with your doctor

What food items should I include in my diet?

• A diet should be high in fibre, low in fat with adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
• Diet should include boiled, steamed or baked food.
• Ensure moderate use of edible oils (groundnut oil, olive oil).
• Maintain regular meal timings and try to have 2-3 healthy snacks between meals like soups and salads.

Can Glyciphage 250 tablet be stopped if my blood sugar level comes in control?

No, you should never stop taking Glyciphage 250 tablet without consulting the doctor. Abruptly stopping the medicine results in a sudden rise in blood glucose levels and cause further harm to the kidney and other organs.

Does Glyciphage 250 tablet contain metformin?

Yes, it contains metformin as its active ingredient.

What is the best time to take Glyciphage 250 tablet ?

You can take Glyciphage 250 tablet at any time of the day, as advised by the doctor. But it's best to take this medicine with a meal to reduce the side effects.

What is Glyciphage 250 tablet used for?

Glyciphage 250 tablet is used for type 2 diabetes mellitus (‘non-insulin-dependent diabetes’) when diet and exercise have not been able to control your blood glucose levels.

What is the composition of Glyciphage 250 tablet?

Glyciphage 250 tablet contains metformin as its active medicine, it is an antidiabetic medicine.