Metformin Hydrochloride (Metformin ER)

What is Metformin Hcl?

Metformin and Metformin ER (the drug whose brand name is Glucophage) is an oral medication most commonly prescribed for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. It is of particular benefit to patients who are obese, helping to reduce body weight when effectively combined with a nutritional program and exercise routine. The treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes are among the other Metformin uses for prescribing physicians.

Metformin ER helps to regulate the insulin levels in the blood without the need for daily injections, making this medication a preferred alternative for many patients. It lowers glucose production by the liver and consequently reduces these levels in the plasma as well. Recent medical research has shown that one of the other Metformin uses is to decrease the chance for potential resulting complications from Type 2 diabetes such as kidney disease, heart disorders and even blindness.

Some of the possible side effects of Metformin ER give the appearance of hypoglycemia. If the glucose levels are reduced too quickly, the patient may experience severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, moodiness, night sweats, fatigue, difficulty breathing and stomach cramps. The more life threatening consequences can include loss of consciousness, seizures or even coma.

Metformin Uses

Although the prescribed Metformin uses from medical experts include a variety of ailments and diseases, the patient is usually required to follow a very strict predefined dietary nutritional program. The doctor may even create a very special meal plan and exercise routine to be implemented in accordance with the prescription medication.

Metformin ER should be taken with food to avoid the possibility of the potential side effects. The first few weeks of treatment will typically be when the patient is more apt to exhibit these symptoms. Therefore, careful monitoring by the prescribing physician will be required, and the patient should communicate all possible side effects immediately.

Other Metformin uses, benefits and treatment programs can include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), premature onset of puberty disorders in children, and other types of disorders where insulin resistance is a common factor.

Metformin ER is thought to also act as a preventative measure against the onset of certain types of cancers, most notably reducing the possibility of pancreatic cancer in high risk patients by as much as 62%. The causes for this advantage, especially in Diabetes 2 Patients, is not yet clear, but medical professionals are taking this benefit into account when determining its potential positive effects during patient therapies.