Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER)

Do’s

• Before starting to take Glucophage XR, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for further clarification.
• Take Glucophage XR by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily with the evening meal. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
• Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
• The dosage is determined based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• To minimize the risk of side effects such as upset stomach, your healthcare provider may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions in this regard.
• Take this medication regularly at the same time each day to derive the most benefit from it.
• If you are already taking another diabetes drug, follow your healthcare provider's directions carefully for stopping/continuing the old drug and starting Glucophage XR.
• Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your healthcare provider. Keep track of the results and share with them (such as, if your blood sugar measurements are too high or too low), as your dosage/treatment may need to be adjusted.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the medication, as this can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. 

Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort

In rare cases, Glucophage XR may lead to a serious condition called metformin-associated lactic acidosis. If symptoms such as weakness, trouble breathing, unusual muscle pain, stomach pain, feeling cold, or dizziness occur, seek immediate medical attention and discontinue the medication.

Allergic Reactions: 

While rare, a serious allergic reaction to Glucophage XR is possible. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, medical help should be sought immediately.

Not all individuals may experience these side effects, and the decision to use Glucophage XR should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Inform patients that hypoglycemia may occur when Glucophage XR is coadministered with oral sulfonylureas and insulin. Patients should be educated about the risks of hypoglycemia, its symptoms, and treatment, as well as conditions that predispose to its development.

Regular hematological parameters should be monitored while receiving Glucophage XR to detect potential vitamin B12 deficiency.

Glucophage XR is not recommended for use in pregnancy, and caution should be exercised in pediatric and elderly patients. Dosage adjustments should be based on a careful assessment of renal function, particularly in the elderly, to prevent lactic acidosis.

Glucophage XR is contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Initiation of Glucophage XR in patients with an eGFR between 30-45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 is not recommended, and discontinuation is advised if the patient's eGFR falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2.

Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and precautions associated with the use of Glucophage XR.