FAST FACTS ABOUT GLUCOPHAGE

What is Glucophage?

rmin hydrochloride) is an oral medication of the biguanide class of drugs used for treatment of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

How does Glucophage work?

It is thought to help the body use the insulin it already produces. It also reduces glucose production in the liver and does not cause hyperinsulinemia, or an overproduction of insulin, which may be a risk factor for heart disease.

How will Glucophage be used?

Glucophage may be prescribed as an adjunct to diet when diet and exercise alone are inadequate to control a patient's glucose level. Physicians may also use Glucophage in combination with a sulfonylurea if monotherapy and diet do not adequately control glucose levels.

What are the side effects?

Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach) are the most common adverse reactions to Glucophage and occurred about 30% more frequently than in patients taking placebos in controlled clinical trials. Symptoms are usually temporary and resolve after a few weeks.

Who should not take Glucophage?

Patients with impaired kidney and liver function, heavy drinkers or patients with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (highly acidic body fluids), because it increases their risk of developing lactic acidosis. Glucophage should be withheld or temporarily discontinued in patients undergoing iodinated contrast dye studies, surgery or patients with severe infections or other conditions predisposing to hypoxia or renal insufficiency.

How will Glucophage be supplied?

It will be available in 500-milligram and 850-milligram tablets in bottles of 100 tablets each.

What is the dosing schedule?

Dosage must be individualized, starting with one 500-milligram tablet twice daily and should not exceed 2,500-milligram daily using this tablet strength. An 850-milligram tablet is also available, which has a maximum daily dosage of three tablets per day. Source: Bristol-Myers Squibb