Ben Q Met Forte

Composition of Ben Q Met Forte

Ben Q Met Forte contains GLIBENCLAMIDE-2.5MG+METFORMIN-400MG. It belongs to the Sulfonylurea and Biguanide class of medicines.

Uses of Ben Q Met Forte

This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Key benefits

• Lowers blood sugar quickly
• Long-established and inexpensive
• First-choice medicine for type 2 diabetes
• Does not usually cause weight gain
• Low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone

How Ben Q Met Forte works

This medicine combines 2 active ingredients: Glibenclamide and Metformin. Glibenclamide lowers blood sugar by prompting your pancreas to release more of its own insulin. Metformin lowers blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose your liver releases and by helping your muscles respond better to your own insulin. It does not force your pancreas to make more insulin, which is why it rarely causes low blood sugar on its own.

How to take Ben Q Met Forte

Use this medicine as your doctor has directed. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe and prolonged low blood sugar, which may lead to fits or unconsciousness. It can cause a dangerous build-up of acid in the blood, with vomiting, severe weakness and laboured breathing. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Ben Q Met Forte

Most side effects of Ben Q Met Forte are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Low blood sugar
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loose motions
• Stomach pain
• Metallic taste
• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Ben Q Met Forte

Warnings and precautions

If you feel shaky, sweaty, confused or unusually hungry, take sugar, glucose or a sweet drink at once and tell your doctor — these are signs your blood sugar has fallen too low. Do not skip meals while on this medicine — a missed meal is the commonest cause of a low-sugar episode. Carry glucose, sugar or sweets with you, and tell the people you live and work with what a low-sugar episode looks like. Older people and people with kidney trouble are more likely to have low sugar, and may need a smaller dose. Stomach upset is common in the first two weeks and usually settles; taking it with food helps. Tell your doctor before any surgery or a scan that uses contrast dye — this medicine is usually stopped for a short time around them. Stop and seek urgent care if you develop deep rapid breathing, severe weakness, muscle pain or vomiting with cold clammy skin. This is rare but serious. Long-term use can lower vitamin B12, so your doctor may check it from time to time.

Do not take Ben Q Met Forte if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for type 1 diabetes or for diabetic ketoacidosis. Not for people with severe kidney or liver disease. Not for people with severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, or an acute illness causing dehydration. Not for people who have had diabetic ketoacidosis.

Interactions with other medicines

Many medicines change how strongly this works — tell your doctor about aspirin, blood thinners, antifungals, sulfa antibiotics and beta blockers in particular. Beta blockers can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar. Tell your doctor about water tablets, steroids, and any contrast dye scan. Alcohol increases the risk of the rare acid build-up and should be limited.

How to store Ben Q Met Forte

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Ben Q Met Forte

Take it shortly before a meal, and eat that meal. Check your sugar as often as your doctor has asked, especially when your routine changes. Take it with or just after food to reduce stomach upset. Keep taking it even when your sugar readings look normal — that is the medicine working. Continue your diet and physical activity; this medicine works alongside them, not instead of them.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

Q-CHECK

Therapeutic class:

Anti-diabetic

Drug class:

Sulfonylurea and Biguanide