Gluformin Xl New 1000 Tablet

GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET by ABBOTT

Name

Brand Name: GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET Common Name: Metformin Hydrochloride (extended-release)

Composition

Each prolonged-release/extended-release tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride 1000 mg. This medication belongs to a class of medicines known as biguanides.

Uses

GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET is primarily used for:

• Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: It is prescribed to control high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, especially when diet and exercise alone are insufficient. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, reducing glucose absorption from the intestines, and enhancing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): It can assist in managing insulin resistance often associated with PCOS, helping to restore hormonal balance, regulate menstrual cycles, and relieve symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical Guidance: Take GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, preferably with or after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can lead to a sudden surge in blood glucose levels.
• Frequency: The extended-release formulation typically allows for once-daily administration.
• Initial Adult Dose: Usually 500 mg once daily, which may be increased in increments of 500 mg at intervals of at least one week, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily at night. Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Headache
• Metallic taste
• Loss of appetite

Serious Side Effects (Rare):

• Lactic Acidosis: Symptoms include cold hands or feet, dizziness or light-headedness, slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness or tiredness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, sleepiness or drowsiness, and stomach pains with nausea or vomiting. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Prolonged use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially causing anemia, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, or headache.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Do not use if allergic to metformin or any other ingredients. It is contraindicated in severe kidney or liver problems, uncontrolled diabetes, certain heart conditions (like recent heart attack or congestive heart failure), and severe infections.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if pregnant or planning to conceive; generally considered safe during pregnancy if prescribed, but contraindicated in some cases. Use with caution during breastfeeding as metformin passes into breast milk, although in low amounts.
• Kidney and Liver Function: Inform your doctor about any kidney or liver problems. The use is contraindicated in severe renal impairment and severe liver problems.
• Hypoglycemia: While metformin alone rarely causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), it can occur when combined with other anti-diabetic medications or alcohol, or if meals are skipped. Be aware of symptoms like sweating, dizziness, and shivering, and carry a sugar source for immediate relief.
• Driving: Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Exercise caution when driving.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Interactions can occur with cationic medications (e.g., ranolazine, vandetanib, cimetidine), diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib), and certain antihypertensives.
• Medical Procedures: Stop taking this medicine temporarily if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking metformin before or at the time of an X-ray or scan involving an iodine-containing contrast medium.

Storage

Store GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. It should be stored at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET is a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its active ingredient is Metformin hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides.

What is GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET used for?

GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET is primarily used to manage high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient. It can also assist in managing insulin resistance and may be prescribed for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to help restore hormonal balance and improve menstrual regularity.

How does GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET work?

This medication works in several ways to lower blood sugar. It decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver and reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from the intestines. Additionally, it increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, helping body cells utilize more circulating blood glucose.

What is the usual dosage for GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET?

The exact dosage should always be determined by a doctor. Generally, GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET is taken once daily with the evening meal. The starting dose may be lower and gradually increased based on glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily. If glycemic control is not achieved, a doctor might consider 1000 mg twice daily. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, broken, or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach upset, headache, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These often improve as the body adjusts to the medication and can be minimized by taking the tablet with food. A serious but rare side effect is lactic acidosis, which requires immediate medical attention and symptoms include unusual tiredness, dizziness, severe drowsiness, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, or stomach pain. Prolonged use may also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Is GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET is generally considered safe if prescribed by a doctor, though data is limited. For breastfeeding women, caution is advised as metformin can pass into breast milk, but the amount is usually low and may be considered safe if prescribed by a doctor.

Can GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET be taken with other medications?

GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially cationic medications (like ranolazine and vandetanib), H2 receptor antagonists (like cimetidine), diuretics (like furosemide), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), and some antihypertensives. It can be used in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents or insulin.

What precautions should be taken while using GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET?

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, severe infections, or are severely dehydrated. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. It is not recommended for severe uncontrollable diabetes or in cases of severe renal impairment. Regular monitoring of kidney function and blood sugar levels is recommended.

What happens if a dose of GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET be stored?

Store GLUFORMIN XL NEW 1000 TABLET in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. The storage temperature should be at or below 30°C.