Metchek

Uses
Metchek (Metformin Hydrochloride) is medicine used to treat type II diabetes. It is not intended for treatment of type I diabetes, but it is occasionally used for this in obese patients.

Dosage and Administration
A dosage of 500mg once or twice a day is usually used as a starting point, and is often sufficient to reach diabetic control. If significant clinical improvement is not reached with this dosage, it can be slowly increased to maximum dosage of 100mg three times a day. Your doctor will prescribe blood glucose tests and adjust the dosage to find the lowest possible dosage at which hyperglycaemia can be controlled.

Metformin is sometimes used alone, and in some cases will be taken in combination therapy with insulin and/or sulphonylurea.

Side effects
Common side effects of Metchek (Metformin Hydrochloride) include:

• headache or muscle pain;
• weakness; or
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

More serious side effects that will need medical advice include:

• shortness of breath;
• swelling (edema) or rapid weight gain;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms.

The following side effects may indicate the onset of lactic acidosis. This is a potentially fatal condition. If you notice any these, seek medical help immediately:

• muscle pain or weakness;
• numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs;
• trouble breathing;
• feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak;
• stomach pain, nausea with vomiting; or
• slow or uneven heart rate.

If you develop and allergic reaction to Metformin (hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat) contact a doctor.

Precautions
If you suffer from renal impairment or hepatic impairment, are elderly, have had heart problems, are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or breast-feeding make sure your doctor is aware of this before beginning treatment.