Walaphage 500

Composition of Walaphage 500

Walaphage 500 contains Metformin. It belongs to the Biguanide class of medicines.

Uses of Walaphage 500

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

Key benefits

• First-choice medicine for type 2 diabetes
• Does not usually cause weight gain
• Low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone

How Walaphage 500 works

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 Walaphage 500

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 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 Walaphage 500

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

• Nausea
• 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 Walaphage 500

Warnings and precautions

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 Walaphage 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

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 Walaphage 500

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

Expert advice for Walaphage 500

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:

WALLACE

Therapeutic class:

Anti-diabetic

Drug class:

Biguanide