Glyciphage 500 Tablet

Composition of Glyciphage 500 Tablet

Glyciphage 500 Tablet contains Metformin hydrochloride 500 mg. It belongs to the Biguanide class of medicines.

Uses of Glyciphage 500 Tablet

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (to control blood sugar) along with diet and exercise; may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines

Key benefits

• Helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Reduces liver glucose production
• Helps reduce diabetes-related complications with long-term control
• Low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone

How Glyciphage 500 Tablet works

Metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and reduces absorption of glucose from the intestine. It also improves insulin sensitivity in muscles, helping cells use glucose more effectively and lowering blood sugar without usually causing hypoglycaemia when used alone.

How to take Glyciphage 500 Tablet

Oral tablet. Take as prescribed, usually with or after meals to reduce stomach upset. Swallow with water; do not crush/chew unless advised. Take at the same time each day; dose is titrated based on blood glucose and tolerance.

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 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 Glyciphage 500 Tablet

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

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste
• flatulence
• vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term)
• 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 Glyciphage 500 Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Risk of lactic acidosis (rare but serious), especially with severe kidney disease, dehydration, severe infection, shock, liver disease, excessive alcohol intake, or hypoxia. Kidney function (eGFR/creatinine) should be checked before starting and periodically; dose adjustment/avoidance may be needed in renal impairment. Temporarily stop before/after iodinated contrast studies and major surgery as advised by doctor. Monitor for symptoms of lactic acidosis (deep/rapid breathing, severe weakness, persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain). Long-term use can reduce vitamin B12—monitor if anaemia/neuropathy occurs.

Do not take Glyciphage if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. 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

Alcohol, iodinated contrast media, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, acetazolamide), cimetidine, diuretics, corticosteroids, beta-agonists, thyroid hormones, antipsychotics, oral contraceptives, ACE inhibitors, other antidiabetic medicines/insulin (increased hypoglycaemia risk when combined)

How to store Glyciphage 500 Tablet

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Glyciphage 500 Tablet

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:

FRANCO-INDIAN PHARMACEUTICALS

Therapeutic class:

Antidiabetic

Drug class:

Biguanide