Glucophage Side Effects

Glucophage is a commonly prescribed medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Like any medication, Glucophage can have both common and less common side effects. It’s important to use Glucophage under the guidance of a healthcare professional and follow the prescribed dosage. Here are some common and less common side effects of Glucophage.

Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: The most common side effects of Glucophage are related to the gastrointestinal system. They can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, gas, and indigestion. These side effects often occur when you first start taking the medication and may improve over time.
• Metallic Taste: Some people taking Glucophage report a metallic taste in their mouth.
• Lactic Acidosis (Rare): Although rare, lactic acidosis is a potentially severe side effect of Glucophage. It can lead to symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, and a slow or irregular heartbeat. Lactic acidosis is more likely in people with certain risk factors, such as kidney or liver problems, heart failure, or excessive alcohol use.

Less Common Side Effects:

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of Glucophage has been associated with reduced absorption of vitamin B12, which can lead to anemia and neuropathy.
• Decreased Appetite: Some individuals may experience a reduced appetite while taking Glucophage.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Hypoglycemia can occur if Glucophage is taken in combination with other diabetes medications, insulin, or due to other factors like changes in diet or physical activity.
• Skin Reactions: Less commonly, Glucophage can cause skin reactions like rash or itching.
• Liver Function Abnormalities: Glucophage may affect liver function, although severe liver problems are rare.
• Respiratory Tract Infections: Some people may experience respiratory tract infections like colds or flu-like symptoms while taking Glucophage.
• Muscle Pain: Muscle pain or discomfort may occur in some individuals.
• Taste Changes: Uncommonly, Glucophage may lead to changes in taste perception.
• Blood Abnormalities: Rarely, Glucophage can cause changes in blood cell counts, such as decreased levels of red blood cells (anemia) or low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).

Glucophage is one of the leading brands of Metformin Hydrochloride, manufactured and marketed by Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals (Pak) Ltd.

Presently, Glucophage is available in Tablet Form

Glucophage Tablets : 500mg Strength

1. Cimetidine: Cimetidine, an over-the-counter medication used to treat heartburn, can interfere with Glucophage’s clearance from the body, potentially leading to increased Glucophage levels and an increased risk of side effects.
2. Topiramate: This anticonvulsant medication can increase the risk of high blood ammonia levels when taken with Glucophage, potentially leading to encephalopathy (a condition affecting the brain).
3. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Medications such as acetazolamide, used for various medical conditions, can increase the risk of high blood ammonia levels when taken with Glucophage, potentially leading to encephalopathy.
4. Cationic Drugs: Drugs with a positive charge, such as amiloride and certain antibiotics like trimethoprim, can interact with Glucophage, potentially leading to an increased risk of high Metformin Hydrochloride levels and lactic acidosis.
5. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Combining Glucophage with these blood pressure medications may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. However, they are commonly used together under medical supervision.
6. Diuretics: Some diuretics can reduce potassium levels in the body, potentially increasing the risk of Metformin Hydrochloride-related lactic acidosis.
7. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may counteract the blood sugar-lowering effects of Glucophage, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
8. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These pain relievers, when used frequently and for extended periods, may reduce the effectiveness of Glucophage and affect blood sugar control.
9. Alcohol: Alcohol can interact with Glucophage and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
10. Iodinated Contrast Media: Glucophage should be temporarily discontinued before and after the use of iodinated contrast media for radiological procedures to avoid the risk of acute kidney injury.
11. Digoxin: Glucophage can increase the absorption of digoxin, a medication used for heart conditions. It’s important to monitor digoxin levels and adjust the dosage as needed.
12. Medications That Alter Blood Sugar: Other medications used to treat diabetes, including insulin and other oral antidiabetic drugs, may interact with Glucophage to affect blood sugar control.
13. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of Glucophage may lead to a reduction in vitamin B12 absorption, potentially necessitating B12 supplementation.