What is Glucophage?

Glucophage is a hypoglycemic product which is used for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. The main active ingredient is Metformin.

A metabolic syndrome is a combination of the metabolic disorders in the body which cause the increase of the fatty tissue, reduction of the sensitivity to insulin, and increase of the glucose level in the blood.

The modern Glucophage provides a complex action to the human body. As Glucophage is a hypoglycemic product, it is effectively used in the treatment of the excessive weight and reduces the level of subcutis.

Metformin reduces hyperglycemia by means of the increase of the sensitivity of the peripheral tissues to insulin. It does not stimulate an insulin secretion and does not cause a sudden hypoglycemia.

Glucophage is notable for a mild pharmacological action which is directed at the mild hypoglycemic effect. Taking a single dose, the sensitivity of the peripheral receptors to insulin is increased, and cells will quickly utilize the excessive amount of glucose.

Besides the increase of the sensitivity of the peripheral receptors to insulin, Glucophage slows down the glucose synthesis in the liver. Due to this, the medication is well tolerated and does not cause a lot of side effects.

Metformin improves metabolism of lipids and favors the utilization of those fats which come to the body with food. In order to achieve the maximal effect in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to maintain a diet and increase a physical activity. It will help to faster lower the glucose level in the blood and accelerate the burning of the excessive fatty tissue.

Directions for the use of Glucophage:

• Monotherapy of pancreatic diabetes type 2
• Complex therapy of obesity in people with the body mass ratio up to 35
• Complex therapy of the pancreatic diabetes type 2 in people over 10 years with insulin or other hypoglycemic products

Usage and dosage of Glucophage

The dosage of Glucophage is prescribed taking into account rates of the glucose concentration in the blood of each patient. Therefore, before the treatment, it is necessary to have laboratory blood tests to determine the glucose level.

The initial dose is 500 mg Glucophage 2 times per day for most patients with increased glucose level in the blood. The tablets should be taken during meals, or after meals, when the glucose level is increased in the blood.

The dose of Glucophage can be increased gradually in case of no side effects. The optimal daily dose of Glucophage for most patients is 1500-2000 mg (3-4 tablets Glucophage 500 mg per day).

The gradual increase of Glucophage dosage will lead to the addiction of the gastro-intestinal organs and reduction of the intensity of the side effects.

The maximal daily dose of Glucophage is 3000 mg. Only attending doctor can prescribe the maximal dose in case of the high glucose level in the blood.

To achieve more intense result of the hypoglycemia therapy, some patients are prescribed Glucophage in combination with insulin. The recommended daily dose should not exceed one tablet of Glucophage 1000 mg during the use of tabs with insulin.

Precautions

• Glucophage is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation
• If diabetic coma, renal/hepatic failure, chronic alcoholism, Glucophage is contraindicated
• A diet should be followed during the use of Glucophage, but one should consume not less than 1000-12000 Kcal, otherwise hypocaloric diet may cause a sever hypoglycemia
• Old patients should lower the daily dose of Glucophage up to 1000 mg because they have a possibility of the side effect development.