Glucophage Prices, Total Costs & Coupons

How does Glucophage (metformin) work?
Glucophage and its generic drug counterpart, metformin, are biguanides. They work by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity, which helps to lower blood sugar levels and manage type 2 diabetes effectively.

What is Glucophage used for?

• Type 2 diabetes

Pros

• Effective in lowering blood sugar levels
• Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
• Can help with weight loss
• Low cost, especially the generic version

Cons

• Can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea
• May lead to vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use
• Not suitable for people with severe kidney issues

• Take Glucophage exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Complete the full course of the medication, even if you start to feel better.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any other medications or supplements you are taking.
• Store Glucophage at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Risks and benefits are inherent in any treatment. Even if the medicine is effective, you may experience unpleasant side effects. If you have any of the following symptoms from this prescription drug, contact your doctor right away:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome or NMS: A severe adverse (life-threatening) drug effect of antipsychotic medications that include high temperature, sweating, amnesia, stupor, and decreased blood pressure or instability.
• Impulse control difficulties: Binge eating, gambling, shopping, and having sexual relations are just a few examples.
• Allergic reactions include uncontrollable facial, tongue, or other body parts movements, thoughts or behavior that are suicidal, having difficulties swallowing, having a low white blood cell count, having a seizure, or having a stroke.

The following adverse effects usually go away on their own after a few weeks. These symptoms might improve with time as your body adjusts to the treatment. If you continue to have these symptoms or if they become worse, notify your doctor right away.

Common side effects:

• Adults:
• Feeling dizzy
• Having anxiety
• Having constipation
• Having headaches
• Vomiting or nausea may occur
• Insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep)
• Restlessness or a lack of calmness
• Children:
• Becoming sleepy
• Insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep)
• Having headaches
• Vomiting or nausea may occur
• Becoming tired
• Having a greater appetite
• Gaining weight regularly
• Common cold (upper respiratory infection)
• Having uncontrolled body movements (restlessness or shaking)

Metformin (Glucophage) can be harmful to your health. This risk may be higher for certain groups. If this concerns you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

In elderly individuals with dementia, there is a greater chance of dying. Risk factors include those who are over the age of 65 with dementia. Taking medicines like metformin (Glucophage) to treat psychosis is linked to an increased danger of death in elderly patients over 65 years old with dementia. For patients with dementia-related psychosis, metformin (Glucophage) is not approved.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): This is a relatively uncommon but life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications. Symptoms include fever, a racing heart rate, total body stiffness, and confusion. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor or healthcare provider will likely switch you to a different medicine that is more effective for you.

Increased weight, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol: Metformin (Glucophage) can lead to high blood sugar and diabetes, as well as increased cholesterol and weight. These changes in your body may put you at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, any potential health risks, and preventative measures you might take.

Difficulty controlling your body movements: Tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition in which you feel restless and unable to sit still, has been linked with the long-term use of metformin (Glucophage). If it's not treated promptly, this may be irreversible. Lip-smacking, grimacing, and unusual eye blinking are all possible signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

Blood pressure and heart rate changes: Changes in blood pressure and heart rate are possible when you take Glucophage. Be cautious the first few days you’re taking metformin (Glucophage) when getting up after being in a sitting or lying position for a while because you might feel dizzy and fall. If you have prior heart or heart rhythm difficulties, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider about whether you should take anything else besides Glucophage. Also, be sure to contact your doctor right away if you begin to feel dizzy or have abnormal heartbeats while taking this medication.

Seizures: Glucophage might make you more likely to have a seizure. Let your doctor or healthcare provider know if you’ve had seizures or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for them before beginning this medication.

Impulse control behaviors: Metformin (Glucophage) might cause you to have impulsive and uncontrolled behavior, such as compulsive gambling, eating, shopping, and sex. If you have impulse-control issues while taking this medication, your provider may lower the dose or stop the treatment entirely.

Interactions between Glucophage (metformin) and other prescription drugs: Metformin (Glucophage) may interact with other over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and supplements. Never take more than the recommended dosage of prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements unless directed to do so by your physician. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements) that you are currently using.