Okamet 500mg

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Okamet 500mg is an oral antidiabetic agent, prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Metformin lowers sugar and helps insulin work better.

HOW TO USE?

Take Metformin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. Metformin must be taken regularly for it to work well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor. Metformin must be taken with food. If you are taking an extended-release type of Metformin, swallow the tablet whole with food. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Low blood sugar signs include, anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar. Belly pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Diarrhea. Not hungry. Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal. Too much acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) may rarely happen.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug.

PRECAUTIONS:

Metformin may not be suitable for you if you suffer from heart, liver, kidney, adrenal or pituitary disease. Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are going for an operation, dental work or any X-ray procedure in which a dye is injected, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Metformin. You may need to stop taking Metformin before the procedure and wait 48 hours to restart your medicine.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug include wheezing, chest tightness, fever, itching, bad cough, blue or gray skin color, seizures, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar. Very bad dizziness. Trouble breathing. Feeling cold. Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Diarrhea. A big weight loss. Very bad muscle pain or weakness. Feeling very tired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

CAN I TAKE IT WITH OTHER MEDICINES?

A type of heart medicine called beta-blockers may mask the symptoms of hypoglycaemia when taken with Metformin. Some examples of beta-blockers are metoprolol, atenolol and propranolol. Inform your doctor if you are taking diuretics (medicines to remove excess water) such as hydrochlorothiazide; a group of heart medicine such as captopril or enalapril; a type of gastric medicine called cimetidine or birth control pills. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control. Avoid alcohol.

HOW TO STORE:

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY:

Category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

Antidiabetic Agents.