Carbophage XR 500

Composition of Carbophage XR 500

Carbophage XR 500 contains Metformin hydrochloride prolonged-release 500 mg. It belongs to the Biguanide (antihyperglycemic), extended-release formulation class of medicines.

Uses of Carbophage XR 500

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (to control blood sugar)
• insulin resistance/prediabetes as advised by doctor; may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines

Key benefits

• Helps control fasting and post-meal blood glucose
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Lower risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone
• May support modest weight neutrality/weight reduction
• Once-daily extended-release dosing improves tolerability

How Carbophage XR 500 works

Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver and decreases intestinal absorption of glucose. It also improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, helping cells use glucose better and lowering blood sugar levels.

How to take Carbophage XR 500

Take orally as advised by your doctor, usually once daily with the evening meal or with food. Swallow the XR tablet whole; do not crush, break, or chew. Dose is adjusted based on blood sugar and tolerance; continue diet and exercise recommendations.

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 the missed dose of Carbophage XR as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with the usual schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much

Taking more Carbophage XR than prescribed can be harmful. If you suspect an overdose, contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency department at once, and carry the pack or strip with you. In India the emergency number is 112.

Side effects of Carbophage XR 500

Most side effects of Carbophage XR are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• nausea
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste
• vomiting
• headache

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 Carbophage XR 500

Warnings and precautions

Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Risk of lactic acidosis (rare but serious), higher in kidney impairment, severe dehydration, severe infection, heavy alcohol use, liver disease, or heart/respiratory failure—seek urgent care for weakness, muscle pain, breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, stomach discomfort. Use with caution/avoid in significant renal impairment; kidney function should be checked before and during treatment. Temporarily stop before/after iodinated contrast imaging and major surgery as advised. Long-term use may reduce vitamin B12 levels; monitor if anaemia/neuropathy symptoms. Hypoglycaemia is uncommon with metformin alone but can occur when combined with insulin/sulfonylureas.

Interactions with other medicines

iodinated contrast media, alcohol, insulin and sulfonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia risk), cimetidine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate/acetazolamide) (increased acidosis risk), diuretics and ACE inhibitors/ARBs (may affect kidney function), corticosteroids and sympathomimetics (may raise blood sugar)

How to store Carbophage XR 500

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep in original blister pack and out of reach of children.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MERCK PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Antidiabetic

Drug class:

Biguanide (antihyperglycemic), extended-release formulation