Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Zyphar's Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Composition for Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Prescription RequiredPrimarily used for
Potentiallyunsafewith
Alcohol
₹72.22
₹7.22/Tablet SR
10 tablet sr in 1 strip
1 Strip
Medicine Overview of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Side effects of Glimepiride
Common
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), Nausea, Headache, Dizziness.
How to use Glimepiride
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.
How Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR works
Glimepiride is an anti-diabetic medication. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose.
Side effects of Metformin
Common
Nausea, Vomiting, Altered taste, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Loss of appetite.
How to use Metformin
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.
How Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR works
Metformin is an anti-diabetic medicine. It restores the body's ability to use insulin, lowering the blood sugar levels. It also decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from food in the intestine and decreases glucose production in the liver.
Side effects of Pioglitazone
Common
Blurred vision, Respiratory tract infection, Bone fracture, Numbness.
How to use Pioglitazone
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.
How Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR works
Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic medicine. It works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, a natural substance that helps control blood sugar levels.
In Depth Information on Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Expert advice for Glimepiride
- Glimepiride should be taken with food.
- You may get symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) with Glimepiride. Symptoms are dizziness, nausea, tremor, sweating or confusion.
- The risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) may increase if you miss or delay the meal, consume alcohol or use antidiabetic medication like insulin.
- In most cases, the symptoms will quickly vanish if you take some kind of sugar (sugar candy/cubes).
- It should be avoided or used with caution if you are also taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), alcohol, β-blockers and ACE inhibitors.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver problems.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor.
Expert advice for Metformin
- Well tolerated antidiabetic medicine with a low risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia.
- Can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal. Get blood sugar levels checked at regular intervals and always keep a source of sugar with you for quick relief.
- Inform your doctor if you have a kidney disease. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
- Take it with food to avoid stomach upset like nausea, gas, stomach pain and diarrhea. However, this usually gets relieved on its own. Contact your doctor if it persists for a long time.
- Can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency and symptoms of anemia like tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath or headache. Inform your doctor as you may need supplements.
Expert advice for Pioglitazone
- Highly effective in decreasing haemoglobin A1c level (Hemoglobin A1c measures average blood sugar over time).
- Pioglitazone may rarely cause hypoglycemia.
- Pioglitazone is more likely to cause weight gain as compared to other anti-diabetic medicines.
- Pioglitazone may cause fluid retention (edema), ranging from mild ankle swelling to severe swelling in the lungs that make it hard to breathe.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with any heart problems (high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, slow or irregular heart rate).
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver problems.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Warnings
Special precautions for Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Alcohol
CAUTION
Alcohol intake may increase or decrease the blood sugar
lowering action in an unpredictable way
Taking metformin with alcohol can cause lactic acidosis and you may experience malaise, respiratory distress, slow or irregular heartbeat, sleepiness, stomach upset, or other unusual symptoms.
Taking pioglitazone with alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes....
+moreTaking metformin with alcohol can cause lactic acidosis and you may experience malaise, respiratory distress, slow or irregular heartbeat, sleepiness, stomach upset, or other unusual symptoms.
Taking pioglitazone with alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
Pregnancy
WEIGH RISKS VS BENEFITS
Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor....
+moreAnimal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation
Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is probably safe to use during lactation.
Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent a significant risk to the baby.
Monitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Monitor the breastfed baby’s blood sugar during treatment with Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR...
+moreMonitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Monitor the breastfed baby’s blood sugar during treatment with Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Driving
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is
+more low or high. If this happens, do not drive.
...
Kidney
CAUTION
Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
Use of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine....
+moreUse of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
Use of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is generally started with low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and its use is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Use of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease....
+moreUse of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease. These patients can experience very low blood sugar levels which may become normal after a long time.
Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is generally started with low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and its use is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Use of Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Patient Concerns
Frequently asked questions for Glimfirst MP Forte 1 mg/1000 mg/15 mg Tablet SR
Frequently asked questions for Glimepiride
Q. Does Glimepiride play any role in the treatment of Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
No, Glimepiride is not known to have any role in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Also, there is no clinical evidence available regarding the same.
Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride and Sitagliptin together?
Yes, Sitagliptin and Glimepiride can be taken together as it can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.
Q. Is Glimepiride useful in the management for prediabetes?
Glimepiride is not used for the management of Prediabetes, a condition with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to label you as diabetic. There are clinical studies available, but the evidence is not strong enough for its use in prediabetes.
Q. How is Glimepiride different from teneligliptin?
Both Glimepiride and teneligliptin are effective in lowering blood glucose levels, bu they have different side effect profiles. Glimepiride commonly causes hypoglycemia and weight gain while teneligliptin causes headache and nasopharyngitis. Teneligliptin causes hypoglycemia when used along with insulins or sulfonylureas and does not cause weight gain.
Q. Can Glimepiride be given to elderly patients?
Yes, Glimepiride can be given to elderly patients. However they are more prone to the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), so, a regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important. Patients should be cautious of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and always keep a quick source of sugar with them like a candy or a fruit juice.
Q. Can Glimepiride cause pancreatitis?
No, pancreatitis has not been reported with Glimepiride. Some common side effects associated with the use of Glimepiride includes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Q. Can I skip Glimepiride for few days?
No, Glimepiride should not be skipped, as it can make your diabetes worse. If, you miss the dose by mistake, take it as soon as you remember.
Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride with pioglitazone?
Yes, it is safe to take Glimepiride with Pioglitazone in Patients with diabetes mellitus. Together they can control your blood sugar levels, lower plasma lipid levels and improve blood pressure. However, the risk of very low blood sugar levels can increase and the dose of these medicines may need to be adjusted.
Q. Can I take Glimepiride if I have a sulfa allergy?
Use of Glimepiride should be avoided if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sulfonylureas or sulfonamides or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Q. Does Glimepiride cause hair loss?
No, hair loss is not seen with the use of Glimepiride. However, diabetes itself can lead to hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you have excessive hair loss as it could be due to some other underlying condition or it could be a sign of your diabetes getting worsened.
Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride with vildagliptin?
Yes, Glimepiride and Vildagliptin can be taken together, as they can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.
Q. How is Glimepiride different from metformin?
Both metformin and Glimepiride are antidiabetic drugs and control blood sugar levels effectively. However, they work in different ways and have a different side effect profile. Metformin causes more of stomach upset, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating while Glimepiride causes very low blood sugar levels and weight gain.
Q. How beneficial is it to take metformin with Glimepiride ?
Both metformin and Glimepiride are anti-diabetic drugs and when used together, they can control blood sugar levels in a much better way compared to either drug taken alone. However, Glimepiride can cause very low blood glucose levels, so a regular monitoring of blood glucose is very important.
Q. Is Glimepiride useful in the management of gestational diabetes?
Glimepiride is not advised to be used for the management of gestational diabetes. Use of Insulin is advised during pregnancy to control the blood glucose levels.
Q. Does Glimepiride cause weight gain?
Yes, Glimepiride can cause weight gain. It is advisable to closely monitor your diet and do regular exercise while taking this medicine. Avoid skipping your meal as it can cause very low blood sugar levels and you may end up snacking or taking a lot of sugars.
Q. Is there any benefit of taking Glimepiride with insulin?
Glimepiride, when used with insulin, can help to control high blood sugar levels. Taking them together can help to lower the dose of insulin but there could also be an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Dose of these medicines may need to be adjusted along with regular blood sugar level monitoring.
Q. How is teneligliptin different from Glimepiride ?
Both teneligliptin and Glimepiride are effective in lowering blood glucose levels, however, they work in different ways and have different side effect profile. Glimepiride commonly causes hypoglycemia and weight gain while teneligliptin causes hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulins or sulfonylureas and it does not cause any weight gain. It commonly causes a headache and nasopharyngitis.
Q. Is it safe to take Glimepiride with liraglutide?
Yes, Glimepiride and liraglutide can be taken together, as they can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.
Q. Is Glimepiride a statin?
No, Glimepiride is not a statin. It is an antidiabetic drug and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes while Statins are lipid-lowering drugs.
Q. Is Glimepiride a Thiazolidinedione?
No, Glimepiride is not a Thiazolidinedione, it is a sulfonylurea. However, both are antidiabetic medicines but belong to a different group of medicines.
Q. Is Glimepiride a controlled drug?
No, Glimepiride is not a controlled drug. It is an antidiabetic drug and is available on providing a valid prescription by a doctor.
Q. Is Glimepiride a diuretic?
No, Glimepiride is not a diuretic. It is an antidiabetic drug and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Q. Does Glimepiride have any addiction potential?
No, Glimepiride has no addiction potential as no withdrawal symptoms have been reported when you stop taking this drug.
Q. Is Glimepiride a blood thinner?
No, Glimepiride is not a blood thinner. It is an antidiabetic drug and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Q. Is Glimepiride a beta blocker?
No, Glimepiride is not a beta blocker. It is an antidiabetic drug, is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
+more
Frequently asked questions for Metformin
Q. Is Metformin helpful in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Metformin is commonly used off-label for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It regulates ovulation and androgen levels in the body which improves menstrual cycles and pregnancy rates and outcomes in these patients. It also improves the insulin sensitivity and prevents the development of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus commonly seen in these patients.
Q. How does Metformin help in weight loss?
Metformin helps in weight loss by decreasing hunger (appetite) and hence food intake. It makes the insulin already available in your body to work more effectively. This leads to decrease glucose production, increase glucose use and decreased fat deposits which further helps to lower body weight. However, it is not yet approved for weight loss, this is an off-label use.
Q. Is Metformin useful in the treatment of infertility?
Metformin is commonly used off-label for the treatment of infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It regulates ovulation and androgen levels in the body and improves menstrual regularity and pregnancy rates and outcomes. This beneficial effect is thought to be due to improvement in insulin resistance by Metformin.
Q. Does Metformin cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)?
Metformin can lower blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). It happens more often if you delay or miss your food, do more than your routine exercise, drink alcohol or take other antidiabetic medicine along with. So, regular monitoring of blood sugar level is important and be cautious of symptoms of hypoglycemia and always keep glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.
Q. Can I take Metformin forever?
Metformin is generally a safe and well-tolerated drug even on long-term use. However, its long-term use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency leading to anemia and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). so, it should be taken only at prescribed doses for the duration as advised by the doctor.
Q. Is Metformin a sulfonylurea?
No, Metformin is not a sulfonylurea. It is an antidiabetic drug used to control high blood sugar levels in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, along with modification in diet and exercise.
Q. Is Metformin a steroid?
No, Metformin is not a steroid. It is an antidiabetic drug used to control high blood sugar levels in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, along with modifications in diet and exercise.
Q. Does Metformin cause bloating?
Metformin commonly causes stomach upset like bloating (heavy and uncomfortable feeling in the stomach), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To avoid these side effects, it is advised to be taken after meals, preferably started at a low dose and then increased slowly over weeks, or by using slow-release tablets.
Q. Is Metformin good for fatty liver?
Metformin is seen to be beneficial in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). One of the underlying cause of NAFLD is insulin resistance. Metformin improves insulin resistance and liver enzymes in these patients. It is not seen to benefit patients of alcoholic fatty liver disease and is usually avoided in patients with liver cirrhosis as they are at an increased risk of lactic acidosis.
Q. What is the benefit of combining Metformin with coenzyme q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps in energy production and is found in heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas (which produces insulin). It can repair the damage caused to these organs by free radicals. Low levels of CoQ10 are seen in patients with diabetes. So, some researchers suggest it be given from outside. It can be taken with Metformin as no drug-drug interactions or harmful effects have been seen between the two.
Q. Does Metformin help in improving your menstrual cycle (periods)?
Yes, Metformin does improve menstrual cycle (periods) regularity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is associated with insulin resistance, decreased ovulation, and high androgen levels which cause menstrual irregularities like delayed periods and scanty bleeding. Metformin helps in regularizing menstrual cycles by improving insulin sensitivity, ovulation rate, and decreasing androgen levels.
Q. Can I take Metformin with atorvastatin?
Yes, Metformin can be taken with atorvastatin. There are no reported harmful effects when they are used together. Rather some studies suggest beneficial effects in diabetics as they may prevent a very high increase in blood glucose after food, decrease some inflammation markers and protect the patients from liver injury.
Q. Can I take Metformin with phentermine?
Metformin can be taken with phentermine. These are sometimes given together in obese patients who are also diabetic and are taking Metformin along with exercise and diet modification. Phentermine decreases food intake by its action in the brain. However, phentermine can decrease the effect of Metformin leading to very high blood glucose levels. So, a dose adjustment of Metformin may be needed.
Q. Can I take Metformin with levothyroxine?
Metformin can be taken with levothyroxine but the dose of Metformin may need to be adjusted. Levothyroxine can decrease the effect of Metformin leading to very high blood glucose levels. These are used together in patients with coexisting thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Q. Can I take Metformin with prednisolone?
Metformin can be taken with prednisolone but the dose of Metformin may need to be adjusted. Prednisolone can decrease the effect of Metformin leading to very high blood glucose levels. Continuous use of steroids like prednisolone can also cause diabetes known as glucocorticoid-induced diabetes and use of Metformin is recommended in these patients.
Q. Can I take Metformin with metoprolol?
Metformin can be taken with metoprolol. There are no reported drug interactions or harmful effects in humans when they are used together. However, some animal studies suggest that metoprolol can decrease the blood levels of Metformin and on long-term use can increase lactic acid and uric acid levels.
Q. Does Metformin clear acne?
Metformin is not indicated for clearing acne due to just any condition. It only helps in clearing acne in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) along with other problems like facial hair, abdominal obesity, and irregular menstruation.
Q. Does Metformin cause hair loss?
No, hair loss has not been reported with Metformin. It only helps in clearing facial hair (hirsutism) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) along with other problems like acne, abdominal obesity, and irregular menstruation.
Q. Does Metformin cause weight gain?
No, weight gain has not been reported with Metformin. Rather it helps in decreasing weight especially abdominal fat patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus and in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) along with other problems like facial hair, acne, and irregular menstruation.
Q. Does Metformin cause constipation?
Metformin is not known to cause constipation. Some common side effects associated with the use of Metformin includes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, altered taste, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Q. Is Metformin safe?
Metformin is a safe and well-tolerated drug even on long-term use when taken strictly as advised by the doctor. However, there are some very common side effects like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, altered taste, diarrhea, and loss of appetite you may experience even at therapeutic doses.
Q. Does Metformin increase blood pressure?
Metformin is not known to increase blood pressure. Some common side effects associated with the use of Metformin includes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, altered taste, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Q. Is Metformin an insulin?
No, Metformin is not an insulin. Metformin is an oral drug used in type 2 diabetes mellitus and lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing its production and increasing absorption and making the already available insulin in your body to work better. Insulin is a normally produced hormone in the body, used in the injectable form in the treatment of both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus and it works by absorbing and storing glucose from the blood.
Q. Is Metformin a banned drug?
No, Metformin is not a banned drug. It is a prescription medicine and is available when prescribed by registered medical practitioner.
Q. Is Metformin a birth control pill?
No, Metformin is not a birth control pill. It is an antidiabetic drug used to control high blood sugar levels in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, along with modification in diet and exercise.
Q. Is Metformin a statin?
No, Metformin is not a statin. It is an antidiabetic drug used to control high blood sugar levels in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, along with modification in diet and exercise.
Q. Can I take Metformin with saxagliptin?
Both Metformin and saxagliptin are anti diabetic drugs and can be used together. Their fixed dose combinations are also available and commonly advised once Metformin is unable to control blood sugar levels even after giving the maximum tolerated dose. As they work by different mechanisms, they help in better control of blood sugar levels compared to either drug taken alone.
Q. Does Metformin cause blurry vision?
Metformin is not known to cause blurred vision. Change in vision in a patient with diabetes could be due to multiple reasons. It could be a temporary problem either due to high blood sugar levels which cause your lens inside your eye to swell and change your vision. If the blurred vision continues for a long time, consult a doctor.
Q. What is lactic acidosis and how is it related to Metformin use?
Lactic acidosis is a rare, but serious complication associated with the use of Metformin. Patient has high blood lactic acid levels and may present with tiredness, weakness, stomach pain, loose stools, severe muscle pain, muscle cramps and difficulty in breathing. It is especially seen in old age patients, those with kidney, liver or heart disease, or who take large amounts of alcohol. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Metformin and consult your doctor.
Q. Is Metformin use associated with liver pain?
Metformin is not known to cause any liver pain or damage. Rather, it is seen to be useful in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic hepatitis C. However, it is usually avoided in patients with liver cirrhosis as they are at an increased risk of lactic acidosis which is a serious complication associated with the use of Metformin.
Q. Does Metformin make you feel high?
No, Metformin does not elevate the mood or make you feel high. It is an antidiabetic drug used to control high blood sugar levels in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, along with modification in diet and exercise. Rare side effects of Metformin include anxiety and depression.
Q. Can Metformin cause back pain?
Usually, Metformin is not associated with back pain. However, it can be a presentation of stomach upset, a common side effect caused by Metformin which includes bloating (heavy and uncomfortable feeling in the stomach), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or it could be a symptom of lactic acidosis, a rare and a serious complication of Metformin.
Q. Can long-term use of Metformin cause vitamin b12 deficiency?
Yes, Metformin causes vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use as it interferes with absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems and the patient can have tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in making balance (ataxia). To avoid these problems, some researchers suggest an intake of vitamin B12 from outside at least once every year.
Q. Is Metformin useful in the management of metabolic syndrome?
Yes, Metformin is seen to be useful in the management of metabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, abnormal blood cholesterol levels and excess fat around the waist. Metformin is an insulin sensitizer and it improves the action of insulin and normalises blood sugar levels and reduces body weight.
Q. How beneficial is it to take Metformin with glimepiride?
Both Metformin and glimepiride are anti diabetic drugs and can be used together. They work by different mechanisms and can control the blood sugar levels in a much better way when used together as compared to either drug taken alone. However, glimepiride can cause very low blood glucose levels, so a regular monitoring of blood glucose is very important.
Q. Is it safe to take Metformin with cetirizine?
Yes, Metformin can be taken with cetirizine. There are no reported drug interactions or harmful effects when they are used together.
Q. Can I take Metformin and ranitidine together?
Metformin can be taken with ranitidine. However, if you are taking them together, you need to monitor blood glucose levels regularly as ranitidine can decrease the removal of Metformin from the body and increase its blood levels. This can cause very low blood sugar levels and other side effects as well and the dose of Metformin may need adjustment.
Q. How beneficial is it to take Metformin with linagliptin?
Both Metformin and linagliptin are anti-diabetic drugs and can be used together. Their fixed dose combinations are also available and commonly advised once Metformin is unable to control blood sugar levels even after giving the maximum tolerated dose. As they work by different mechanisms, they help in better control of blood sugar levels compared to either drug taken alone.
Q. Does Metformin inhibit hepatitis B virus protein?
Yes, some research studies have shown that Metformin can decrease the multiplication and growth of hepatitis B virus when given along with other antiviral drugs. However, this is indication is still under research and not yet approved.
Q. Can I take Metformin before or after a chest x-ray? Does its use lead to chest x-ray abnormality?
Metformin should be temporarily discontinued before chest or any X-ray that requires injection of a contrast medium or dye. These dyes can decrease kidney function and Metformin along with these dyes can cause a serious side effect like lactic acidosis. So you may need to stop taking Metformin. However, do not stop taking any medicine without talking to your doctor.
Q. Does Metformin make you sleepy?
Metformin can cause sleepiness which could be an early symptom of lactic acidosis along with tiredness, weakness, stomach pain, loose stools, severe muscle pain, muscle cramps and difficulty in breathing. It is a serious condition caused by Metformin seen in old age patients, those with kidney, liver or heart disease, or those who take large amounts of alcohol. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Metformin and consult your doctor.
Q. Does the use of Metformin cause joint pain?
Use of Metformin is not associated with joint pain. However, diabetes itself decreases blood circulation to the joints and even damages them leading to joint pain. Use of anti-diabetic drugs like sitagliptin or saxagliptin is also associated with joint pain. Early symptoms of lactic acidosis like muscle pain and cramps with weakness and tiredness can be mistaken for joint pain.
Q. Can Metformin help in reducing weight gain caused by antipsychotics?
Metformin may be of help in the treatment and prevention of weight gain caused by antipsychotics along with lifestyle modifications like a change in diet and regular exercise. Weight gain is an important reason for discontinuation of these medicines. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and prevents weight gain, both of these factors are affected by the use of antipsychotics.
Q. How is gliclazide different from Metformin?
Both Metformin and gliclazide are antidiabetic drugs but work in different ways. Metformin works by decreasing glucose production from liver and decreasing glucose absorption from the gut and increasing insulin sensitivity. Gliclazide works by increasing insulin release from the pancreas. Both control blood sugar levels effectively but Metformin causes more of stomach upset, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating while gliclazide causes low blood sugar levels and weight gain.
Q. Is Metformin useful in the treatment of fragile X syndrome?
Metformin has shown promising results in some animal research studies in the treatment of fragile X syndrome. It may help in improving mental and behavioral disorders (autism) and control obesity and risk of developing diabetes in these patients. But these results are very preliminary and it is still not approved for the treatment of fragile X syndrome.
Q. What is the difference between liraglutide and Metformin?
Metformin and liraglutide are antidiabetic drugs and both control blood sugar levels effectively. Metformin is taken by oral route and it decreases glucose production from liver and glucose absorption from the gut and increases insulin sensitivity. While liraglutide is an injectable and it increases insulin release from the pancreas. Both cause stomach upset, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating while liraglutide also increases the risk of pancreatitis.
Q. Does Metformin use make you feel high?
No, Metformin does not elevate the mood or make you feel high. It is an antidiabetic drug used to control high blood sugar levels in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, along with modification in diet and exercise. Rare side effects of Metformin include anxiety and depression.
Q. Does Metformin make you sweat?
Yes, sweating is one of the known side effects of Metformin. The exact cause of this is not known. Some researchers suggest it to be due to low blood sugar levels especially at night which can cause night sweats as well. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and talk to your doctor as your dose of Metformin may need to be adjusted.
Q. Can I take Metformin with clomiphene citrate?
Metformin can be taken with clomiphene citrate. They are advised together in patients with infertility along with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Clinical studies have shown an improvement in ovulation and pregnancy rates in these patients as compared to use of clomiphene citrate alone or if the patients are resistant to the effects of clomiphene citrate. However, this is still under research.
Q. Is Metformin useful in treating or preventing breast cancer?
Metformin is seen to be useful in the treatment and prevention of cancers especially breast cancer in research studies. As high insulin levels are known to increase the risk of cancer, Metformin decreases cancer cell growth by decreasing insulin and blood glucose levels. However, its use in treating breast cancer is not yet approved.
Q. Does Metformin use increase your chance to get Helicobacter pylori infection?
No, Metformin is not associated with an increased risk of Helicobacter pylori infection. Diabetes itself increases the risk of H.pylori infection which increases the chances of stomach upset like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating by Metformin.
Q. Does Metformin use leads to anemia?
Metformin may decrease the levels of vitamin B12 on long term use which may rarely cause a type of anemia in which blood cells are larger than normal (megaloblastic anemia). You may need to take foods rich in vitamin B12 like eggs, dairy products, and meat or a supplement from outside.
Q. Is Metformin useful in the treatment of prediabetes?
Metformin is seen to be useful in the management of prediabetes, a condition with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to label you as diabetic. Metformin makes the insulin already available in your body to work more effectively, decreases glucose production by liver and increases use of glucose by the muscles and lowers body weight. However, lifestyle modifications like a change in diet and exercise should be tried first as they are seen to be more effective than Metformin.
Q. Can I take Metformin with teneligliptin?
Yes, Metformin can be taken with teneligliptin. It is a good add-on treatment if the blood sugars are very high even after taking Metformin. The risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) is also very low with both the medicines. However, consult your doctor before taking them together as a dose adjustment may be needed.
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Frequently asked questions for Pioglitazone
Q. Is Pioglitazone a blood thinner?
No. Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic medication. Blood thinners are the medicine that prevents the formation of a harmful blood clot. These include medicines like Aspirin, Heparin and Warfarin.
Q. Is Pioglitazone a diuretic?
No. Pioglitazone is not a diuretic. It is used in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Diuretics are those medicine which increases urination.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used in Hepatitis B infection?
Some studies have shown that Pioglitazone may be helpful in preventing Hepatitis B Virus-associated Hepatocellular Cancer (Liver Cancer). However, these findings are still very preliminary and clear role has not been established.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used in Hepatitis C infection?
Pioglitazone has been shown to inhibit Liver Cancer (HCC) recurrence in overweight Hepatitis C Virus-infected diabetic patients. It also improved insulin resistance (a state where the body is resistant to the effects and functions of the insulin hormone) in them.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used along with Vitamin D?
Studies indicate that Vitamin-D combined with Pioglitazone may be more effective in improving Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism than Vitamin-D or Pioglitazone alone in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus patients with kidney dysfunction (Diabetic Nephropathy).
Q. Can Pioglitazone be used along with sitagliptin?
Combination therapy with Sitagliptin and Pioglitazone leads to a substantial and sustained improvement in glycemic (blood sugar) control compared to the treatment with Pioglitazone alone. This is useful for patients who cannot tolerate Metformin or Sulfonylureas.
Q. Is there any role of Pioglitazone in Alzheimer disease?
Recent evidence suggests that Pioglitazone may be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease (AD), decreasing the cognitive decline early in the disease process. However, larger studies are now in progress to establish the same.
Q. Can Pioglitazone and repaglinide combined in diabetes treatment?
For patients who previously failed oral antidiabetic therapy, the combination of Repaglinide and Pioglitazone have acceptable safety, with greater reductions of glycemic parameters (blood sugar levels) than using either agent alone.
Q. Does Pioglitazone cause urinary bladder tumour?
Large population studies indicate that Pioglitazone is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The absence of an association of bladder cancer with the other drug of the same class, Rosiglitazone, suggests that the increased risk is drug specific and not a class effect.
Q. Are Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone same?
Pioglitazone & Rosiglitazone both belong to a class of antidiabetics called Thiazolidinediones. Rosiglitazone has been removed from the market because using this drug was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. This is not seen with Pioglitazone.
Q. Can Pioglitazone be used along with glimepiride in diabetes?
Pioglitazone when added to Glimepiride in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, has been found to significantly reduce plasma lipid levels and significant improvement in blood pressure control related to a reduction in the insulin resistance.
Q. Is Pioglitazone a steroid?
No. Pioglitazone is not a steroid. It is an anti-diabetic medication which belongs to the class of thiazolidinediones.
Q. How to use Pioglitazone?
Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetes drug used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone acts as an insulin sensitizer and decreases the extent of insulin resistance in the body too.
Q. How safe is Pioglitazone?
Pioglitazone cardiovascular safety profile compares favourably with that of Rosiglitazone. Pioglitazone has been found to be associated with bladder tumours but causality assessment has not been proved yet.
Q. How does Pioglitazone cause oedema?
Pioglitazone increases the permeability of fluid in tiny blood vessels called capillaries. This results in easier movement of fluids across the membrane and their consequent accumulation, resulting in oedema (puffiness). Also, Pioglitazone causes increased sodium and water reabsorption from the kidney that contributes to the oedema.
Q. How does Pioglitazone cause bladder cancer?
The mechanism behind the link between Pioglitazone use and bladder cancer is still unknown. Studies have suggested that use of Pioglitazone for more than one year results in increased risk of development of tumour of the urinary bladder.
Q. How does Pioglitazone cause heart failure?
Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention and edema. Consequently, there is a lot of fluid in the body (fluid overload). As a result, it may precipitate heart failure (which worsens with fluid overload in those at risk).
Q. How Pioglitazone protects against atherosclerosis?
Studies in animals have concluded that Pioglitazone improves the elasticity of the aortic wall ( the aorta is a large blood vessel that arises from the heart and supplies oxygenated blood to the rest of the body). This may be a mechanism by which it protects against atherosclerosis, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
Q. Can Pioglitazone be used with insulin?
The addition of Pioglitazone reduces daily insulin dosages, but study findings have not been consistent. Improvement of lipid profiles has also been weak with this combination therapy. Long-term studies are needed before any conclusions can be reached. Combination therapy should be primarily used for patients who achieve an insufficient reduction in blood sugar with insulin alone.
Q. Which is not safe in heart failure, Pioglitazone or rosiglitazone?
Pioglitazone & Rosiglitazone both belong to a class of antidiabetics called Thiazolidinediones. Rosiglitazone has been removed from the market because using this drug was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Pioglitazone can cause heart failure too, but the risk is less that that with Rosiglitazone. Both the medicines should be avoided in heart failure.
Q. What are the alternatives to Pioglitazone?
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to Pioglitazone- Metformin, Acarbose, Sitagliptin, Exenatide, Insulin or combination therapies of these medicines can be used.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used for dementia?
Findings indicate that Pioglitazone treatment is associated with a reduced dementia risk in Diabetes mellitus patients. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate a possible neuroprotective effect in these patients in an ageing population.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used for infertility?
Pioglitazone may be of use in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are resistant to conventional ovulation induction such as by drugs like Clomiphene, Dexamethasone, or Metformin.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used for psoriasis?
The use of Pioglitazone for plaque psoriasis treatment is controversial. Some studies revealed no effect of Pioglitazone 30 mg daily neither on the clinical response of moderate-to-severe psoriasis whereas others demonstrate that it could be considered as an efficacious and safe agent for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used for autism?
In a research study in a small number of autistic children, daily treatment with 30 or 60 mg Pioglitazone for 3–4 months induced apparent clinical improvement. Pioglitazone should be considered for further testing of therapeutic potential in autistic patients but as of now, autism is not an approved indication for Pioglitazone use.
Q. Can Pioglitazone be used in depression?
Pioglitazone, either alone or as add-on therapy to conventional treatments, could clinically benefit patients of major depression according to a study.
Q. Can Pioglitazone used for weight loss?
A recent study shows that although Pioglitazone causes a significant decrease in blood sugar, HbA1C and lipid levels, it is associated with weight gain, which would limit its utility. It has not been shown to cause weight loss.
Q. Can Pioglitazone be used to treat fatty liver?
Pioglitazone has also been used to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver), but this use is presently considered experimental.
Q. Can Pioglitazone be used for secondary stroke prevention?
Pioglitazone reduces recurrent stroke and major vascular events in stroke patients with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus. However, its use as a preventive therapy requires more research.
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