Metformin

Why is Metformin only used to treat type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin to effectively regulate blood sugar levels, which can be controlled by the use of Metformin and making lifestyle changes. With type 1 diabetes the body does not produce any insulin and therefore those suffering with type 1 diabetes require regular insulin injections to treat their illness.

What are the cautions for taking metformin tablets?

Do not take Metformin if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, have recently had a heart attack or heart problems, have severe circulation problems or difficulty breathing, have liver or kidney problems, have recently had a severe infection or are a heavy drinker of alcohol Seek medical advice and do not take Metformin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Metformin interacts with alcohol and alcohol should be avoided when taking this medicine.

What is metformin and how does it work?

Metformin is an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, delaying absorption of sugar by the stomach and intestines and also helps the body to better utilise the lower amount of insulin produced by people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is the most widely used type 2 diabetes treatment in the world. Metformin is also known under brand names such as Glucophage®, Glucophage® SR, Metsol® and Bolamyn® SR. Metformin tablets are not recommended for type 1 diabetes, please seek professional advice from your doctor for type 1 treatment options.

How does metformin achieve the desired blood sugar levels?

Metformin is biguanide which is a term used for oral type 2 diabetes medicine used to prevent glucose being produced in the liver. Bigguanides improve the human body’s sensitivity to insulin and decrease the sugar levels absorbed by the intestines. They do this by preventing the production of glucose from the liver, food and increasing its uptake by the body tissue.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

There are a number of tests for diabetes including a blood glucose test, urine test and a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test. An HbA1c test has to be carried out by a healthcare professional.

What are the benefits of using Metformin?

Metformin is the most effective type 2 diabetes treatment recognised across the world and has been in use for over 40 years. Metformin has been recognised to have other benefits such as lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). Metformin has also shown anti-aging abilities, assisting weight loss and lowering the risk for some types of cancer. Since it has been used for such a long period across the world, the drug offers effectiveness along with stability and safety for patients due to the large amount of medical data available on metformin.

Can I buy Metformin tablets online?

You can buy metformin online from registered online doctor services in the UK such as DrFelix by way of an online consultation form. The consultation form is reviewed by GMC registered British doctors who can assess your suitability based on your circumstances and whether it is safe to prescribe you metformin. If appropriate our doctors can issue an online prescription which is forwarded to our NHS UK pharmacy for dispensing and your metformin tablets are then dispatched to you in discreet plain packaging straight to your doorstep.

How do you take Metformin?

The normal dosage for taking Metformin is Twice or Three times daily normally during or after meals. The maximum dosage for metformin tablets is 3,000mg and the tablets should not be chewed. Metformin comes in different strengths; 500mg or 850mg tablets. Your regular doctor will start you on a suitable dose based on your circumstances, you can have this reviewed based on if you find the dose too strong or too weak. You should always read the patient information leaflet provided in the metformin box listing all the cautions and side effects. DrFelix recommends regular blood tests which can be arranged with your GP to monitor your sugar level.

Who can take Metformin pills?

Metformin tablets are suitable for most people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. However, if you are allergic to metformin, have a heart or liver disease or experience diabetic ketoacidosis, you should speak to your doctor before taking Metformin pills.

What happens if I do not take metformin?

Without the use of such treatment, type 2 diabetes could lead to kidney damage, heart and blood-vessel disease, blindness, nerve problems, hearing impairment or sexual dysfunction. Metformin is only one component of a complete program required to control diabetes which includes diet, weight control and exercise.

Metformin contains the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride which decreases sugar production, delays sugar absorption and helps the body better utilise the lower amount of insulin produced.

Take Metformin exactly as directed by your doctor. The usual starting dose is one tablet two or three times a day. Swallow whole with or after food to reduce the possibility of an upset stomach occurring.

Common side effects of taking Metformin include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Very fast breathing
• Stomach pains
• Feeling cold
• Taste of metal in the mouth

Very rare side effects of taking Metformin include:

• Skin rash (redness, itching, hives)
• Low levels of vitamin B12
• Liver problems