Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg Tablet

Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg Tablet is an oral diabetes medicine used as part of a treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. It helps lower elevated blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Metformin decreases glucose production by the liver and improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, helping the body use glucose more effectively.

Uses

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Helps improve blood-glucose control
• Used together with diet and exercise
• May be used alone or with other diabetes medicines when prescribed
• Helps reduce excessive glucose production by the liver

Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

How It Works

Metformin works primarily by decreasing glucose production by the liver. It also decreases intestinal glucose absorption and improves insulin sensitivity, increasing glucose uptake and utilization by peripheral tissues.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Abdominal discomfort
• Gas
• Changes in taste
• Loss of appetite

Taking metformin with meals as directed can help reduce gastrointestinal effects.

Important Safety Information

Metformin has a boxed warning for lactic acidosis, a rare but serious medical condition. Risk can be increased by factors such as significant kidney impairment, certain medicines, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, and some medical procedures. Kidney function should be assessed before starting treatment and monitored as appropriate.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Heart problems
• A history of excessive alcohol use
• A scheduled surgery or medical procedure
• A planned imaging procedure involving iodinated contrast

Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms such as severe weakness, unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual sleepiness, or abdominal symptoms occur and lactic acidosis is suspected.

Take this medicine only according to your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Storage

Store according to the conditions specified on the product packaging. Keep the tablets in their original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.