What should metformin be taken with

I experienced some mild side effects when I started taking metformin, and I found that the symptoms correlated with how many carbs I had in my diet. Once I dropped my carbs to grams per day — something that took me weeks to do — any symptoms of gastric upset went away.

Asking your doctor for the extended-release version of metformin can keep these symptoms at bay, and so can tracking your diet. Standard metformin is taken two or three times per day. Be sure to take it with meals to reduce the stomach and bowel side effects that can occur — most people take metformin with breakfast and dinner. Extended-release metformin is taken once a day and should be taken at night, with dinner. This can help to treat high glucose levels overnight. The medication can cause more serious side effects, though these are rare.

The most serious of these is lactic acidosis, a condition caused by buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This can occur if too much metformin accumulates in the blood due to chronic or acute e.

Severe acute heart failure, or severe liver problems can also result in a lactate imbalance. Metformin can also increase the risk of hypoglycemia low blood sugar , particularly for those who take insulin and drugs which increase insulin secretion such as sulfonylureas , but also when combined with excessive alcohol intake. Of course, regular checking with a blood glucose meter is also helpful in preventing low blood sugar episodes.

Because long-term use of metformin can block absorption of vitamin B12, causing anemia, sometimes people need to supplement vitamin B12 through their diet as well. There is another common side effect often experienced by people taking metformin for the first time.

When I experienced faux lows, I felt similarly dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, and extremely hungry. If you experience symptoms like these and have confirmed with a glucose meter the low you are feeling is indeed false i.

Note that especially for type 2 folks out there on metformin and insulin or sulfonylureas, hypoglycemia is a real risk. When taken at the same time, some drugs may interfere with metformin. Make sure your healthcare team is aware of any medications that you take before you start on metformin, especially certain types of diuretics and antibiotics. Remember, insulin and insulin releasing medications can increase your risk of hypoglycemia, so it is particularly important to carefully monitor your glucose levels.

You should also avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking metformin — aim for no more than one glass per day for women, and two per day for men. Alcohol can contribute to lactic acidosis. In the FDA investigated whether some forms of metformin contain high levels of a carcinogenic cancer-causing chemical called N-nitrosodimethylamine NDMA.

Metformin is not addictive. Diabetes is a progressive chronic condition and when metformin is no longer effective at lowering blood glucose, another medication may be added, or you may be taken off metformin completely.

Metformin is excreted in the saliva causing changes in taste. Some people taking metformin report a metallic taste in their mouths. After some time, this aftertaste will disappear. Drinking excessively binge drinking or frequently while taking metformin may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. You may be at higher risk of lactic acidosis if you have kidney or liver disease, unstable congestive heart failure or dehydration.

Some people complain there is a strong fish smell prompting them to think their pills are no good. The medical literature does not report any information about the odor in metformin. If this is of concern, speak with your pharmacist and your doctor.

There are no reports that the odor affects the effectiveness of the medication. Do not stop taking it without notifying your healthcare team. Metformin can help you lose weight and increase insulin sensitivity causing you to ovulate regularly and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Metformin can lower your A1C as much as 1. The risk of hypoglycemia is low if you only take metformin because it does not stimulate insulin secretion. Vigorous physical activity and skipping meals may cause hypoglycemia when taking metformin. If you find yourself with high blood glucose in the morning or your blood sugar is like a roller coaster, I can help you!

Schedule a free consultation with me and ask me your most pressing question. Make an appointment today. Click here. How long does it Metformin to Work?

How long does it take Metformin to work? How Long does Metformin Stay in your System? How long does Metformin Stay in your System? They may need to change your dosage of this drug. For people with heart problems: If you have a condition in which oxygen to your heart is decreased, such as recent heart attack or heart failure , your risk of lactic acidosis is higher.

If you have type 1 diabetes, talk with your doctor about treatment options that are right for your condition. Research in animals has not shown negative effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. This drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Pregnant women typically take insulin to control their blood sugar level, rather than metformin. For women who are breastfeeding: This drug may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your baby. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. For children: The immediate-release form of this drug has not been established as safe and effective for use in children younger than 10 years.

The extended-release form of this drug has not been established as safe and effective for use in children younger than 18 years. Metformin oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. You may have the following symptoms:.

But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: Your blood sugar should be near your target range as decided by your doctor.

Your symptoms of diabetes should also get better. Your doctor may have you regularly test your blood sugar levels at home. When used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, increased exercise, and not smoking, this drug can help lower your blood sugar levels.

Follow the nutrition plan that your doctor, registered dietitian, or diabetes educator recommends. Some of these items, such as monitoring devices and test strips, may be covered by health insurance. Check your individual plan for details. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You may need to stop taking metformin before the procedure and wait 48 hours to restart treatment.

Your doctor will tell you exactly when you should stop taking metformin and when you should start taking it again. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking metformin and call your doctor immediately: extreme tiredness, weakness, or discomfort; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; decreased appetite; deep and rapid breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness; lightheadedness; fast or slow heartbeat; flushing of the skin; muscle pain; or feeling cold, especially in your hands or feet.

Tell your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol or sometimes drink large amounts of alcohol in a short time binge drinking. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing lactic acidosis or may cause a decrease in blood sugar.

Ask your doctor how much alcohol is safe to drink while you are taking metformin. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Your doctor will order certain tests before and during treatment to check how well your kidneys are working and your body's response to metformin. Talk to your doctor about the risk s of taking metformin. Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood.

Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose sugar in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood.

Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication s , making lifestyle changes e. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women , eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease.

Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. Metformin comes as a liquid, a tablet, and an extended-release long-acting tablet to take by mouth.

The liquid is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. To help you remember to take metformin, take it around the same time s every day.