Introduction

Uses of Metfo 500

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Side effects of Metfo 500

Nausea
Vomiting
Taste change
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite

How to use Metfo 500

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Metfo 500 is to be taken with food.

How Metfo 500 works

Metfo 500 is an anti-diabetic medication (biguanide). It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying the absorption of sugar (glucose) from the intestines and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.

What if you forget to take Metfo 500?

If you miss a dose of Metfo 500, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Quick Tips

You have been prescribed Metfo 500 to control the blood sugar level and reduce the risk of diabetic complications such as heart attacks.
Chances of weight gain and low blood sugar are lesser with this medicine as compared to other diabetes medicines.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) may occur when taken along with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or on delaying/skipping a meal. Carry a sugar source with you for immediate relief.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain as Metfo 500 may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.
Prolonged use of Metfo 500 may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency which may lead to anemia, causing fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath or headache. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these as you may require supplements.
Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels and kidney functions regularly while you are taking this medication.

Safety Advice

UNSAFE – Alcohol: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Metfo 500.
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED – Pregnancy: Metfo 500 is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED – Breastfeeding: Metfo 500 is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
CAUTION – Driving: Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
CAUTION – Kidney: Metfo 500 should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Metfo 500 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.\nUse of Metfo 500 is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
CAUTION – Liver: Metfo 500 should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Metfo 500 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.\nMetfo 500 is generally started with low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and its use is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.