
Apo-gliclazide
How does this medication work? What will it do for me? Gliclazide belongs to the class of medications known as oral hypoglycemics. It is used for the control of blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to control blood glucose well enough without medication. Gliclazide increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas and helps the body use insulin more efficiently. This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. What form(s) does this medication come in? Each round, white, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet, engraved "APO" over "80" on one side and cross-scored on the other, contains gliclazide 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. How should I use this medication? The recommended dose of gliclazide ranges from 80 mg to 320 mg daily. Doses of 160 mg and above should be taken in two equally divided doses. Glicl Continue reading >>

Beware The Sun If You Take These Drugs
Did you know that your medication can damage skin? Most of you don't even think about that as a side effect. Photosensitivity is a fairly common skin reaction that is sparked by taking medicines which interact with ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It happened to me once and luckily the red burning rash and tingling only affected my hands. It took only 2 hours of sun exposure on a shady trail while hiking in California. Still, it rendered me out of writing commission for a few days. The big problem is that photosensitivity reactions are highly unpredictable. Nothing may happen the first three times you go swimming, but then the next time it's dreadful. The reaction can differ with each exposure and the specific medication you take. Perfumes containing "6-methylcoumarin" or "musk ambrette" may cause skin allergies, so it's not just drugs. For example, a classic reaction is a severe sunburn, but also possible are brown splotches in your skin, redness, pain and tenderness, an actual bumpy rash, hives, any inflammation. Photosensitivity reactions may cause permanent skin damage while others are reversible in a few days, it is very individual. Finally, just because you do not have a problem with medication now, doesn't guarantee smooth sailing every time you take it. There are hundreds of offenders, and again my list does not mean you'll have a reaction at all, it just means the possibility exists. Here goes: n Antibiotics: Sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and the UTI drug nitrofurantoin. n Psychoactive medications: Amitriptyline, imipramine, and other Tricyclic antidepressants. Also sertraline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor), mirtazapine (Remeron) and alprazolam (Xanax). The blockbuster Aripiprazole (Abilify) is another psych Continue reading >>

In Vitro And In Vivoanti-tumor Effect Of Metformin As A Novel Therapeutic Agent In Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In vitro and in vivoanti-tumor effect of metformin as a novel therapeutic agent in human oral squamous cell carcinoma Luo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.2012 Metformin, which is widely used as an antidiabetic agent, has recently been reported to reduce cancer risk and improve prognosis in certain malignancies. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the effect of metformin on the development and progression of several cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of metformin on OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. OSCC cells treated with or without metformin were counted using a hemocytometer. The clonogenic ability of OSCC cells after metformin treatment was determined by colony formation assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry, and the activation of related signaling pathways was examined by immunoblotting. The in vivo anti-tumor effect of metformin was examined using a xenograft mouse model. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining were used to determine the expression of cyclin D1 and the presence of apoptotic cells in tumors from mice treated with or without metformin. Metformin inhibited proliferation in the OSCC cell lines CAL27, WSU-HN6 and SCC25 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and significantly reduced the colony formation of OSCC cells in vitro. Metformin induced an apparent cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, which was accompanied by an obvious activation of the AMP kinase pathway and a strongly decreased activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and S6 kinase. Metformin treatment led to a remarkable decrease of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and CDK6 protein levels and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein, but did not Continue reading >>
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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Glipizide And Metformin (metaglip)?
METAGLIP™ (glipizide and metformin HCl) Tablets 2.5 mg/250 mg 2.5 mg/500 mg 5 mg/500 mg DESCRIPTION METAGLIP™ (glipizide and metformin HCl) Tablets contain 2 oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes, glipizide and metformin hydrochloride. Glipizide is an oral antihyperglycemic drug of the sulfonylurea class. The chemical name for glipizide is 1-cyclohexyl-3-[[p-[2-(5-methylpyrazinecarboxamido)ethyl]phenyl]sulfonyl]urea. Glipizide is a whitish, odorless powder with a molecular formula of C21H27N5O4S, a molecular weight of 445.55 and a pKa of 5.9. It is insoluble in water and alcohols, but soluble in 0.1 N NaOH; it is freely soluble in dimethylformamide. The structural formula is represented below. Metformin hydrochloride is an oral antihyperglycemic drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide monohydrochloride) is not chemically or pharmacologically related to sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, or α-glucosidase inhibitors. It is a white to off-white crystalline compound with a molecular formula of C4H12ClN5 (monohydrochloride) and a molecular weight of 165.63. Metformin hydrochloride is freely soluble in water and is practically insoluble in acetone, ether, and chloroform. The pKa of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin hydrochloride is 6.68. The structural formula is as shown: METAGLIP (glipizide and metformin) is available for oral administration in tablets containing 2.5 mg glipizide with 250 mg metformin hydrochloride, 2.5 mg glipizide with 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, and 5 mg glipizide with 500 mg metformin hydrochloride. In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, crosc Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Sun Protection
It's important to take precautions with medication in the sun The sun releases UV radiation which can damage our skin and eyes, particularly when the sun is strong. When the sun is out, all of us should take certain precautions to limit over exposure to the sun. Many of us like to enjoy the sun but no-one enjoys sunburn. The NHS advise people to use a sun cream with a sun protection factor of at least 15 (SPF15 or higher). Make sure you spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm. People on sulphonylureas (an oral antidiabetic medication ) should be aware that these tablets can increase sensitivity to the sun and should take precautions to limit overexposure to the sun. People with diabetes need to take care of their feet as diabetes can affect the nerves of the feet and can cause difficulties with healing. If cuts, burns and blisters are not able to heal, this can become dangerous in people with diabetes. It is therefore important to prevent the feet from getting damaged. People with diabetes are advised not to walk around barefoot as burns and blisters could be sustained without us realising. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes that do not rub or pinch the feet as these can lead to blisters. When out in the sun, check your feet through the day. Charity Diabetes UK advises people with diabetes to seek immediate advice from their health team if they sustain any damage to the feet. Diabetes UK also advises people with diabetes to remember to apply sun cream to the toes and top of the feet. We should all avoid looking directly into the sun, whether we have diabetes or not, as looking into the sun can lead to damage to the retina, known as solar retinopathy. Diabetes can also raise the risk of diabetic retinopathy and so those of us with diabetes should protec Continue reading >>
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Important Safety Information
When you’re considering a new medication, understanding the side effects can be just as important as understanding the benefits. Below are some of the side effects that have been reported with INVOKAMET® XR and INVOKAMET®, followed by the Important Safety Information: Risk of lower-limb amputations Lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood) Dehydration due to the loss of body water and salt Ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine) Kidney problems High potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) Potentially serious urinary tract infection Low blood sugar (hyperglycemia) Risk of bone fracture Changes in urination, including the urgent need to urinate more often, in larger amounts, or at night Other side effects were reported. Please keep reading this section to learn more. what is the most important information I should know about INVOKAMET® XR and INVOKAMET®? INVOKAMET®/INVOKAMET® XR can cause serious side effects, including: Amputations. INVOKAMET®/INVOKAMET® XR may increase your risk of lower-limb amputations. Amputations mainly involve removal of the toe or part of the foot; however, amputations involving the leg, below and above the knee, have also occurred. Some people had more than one amputation, some on both sides of the body. You may be at a higher risk of lower-limb amputation if you: have a history of amputation, have heart disease or are at risk for heart disease, have had blocked or narrowed blood vessels (usually in leg), have damage to the nerves (neuropathy) in the leg, or have had diabetic foot ulcers or sores. Call your doctor right away if you have new pain or tenderness, any sores, ulcers, or infections in your leg or foot. Your doctor may decide to stop your INVOKAMET®/INVOKAMET® XR for a while if you have any of th Continue reading >>

Adverse Effects Of Drugs
Adverse Drug Reactions [hide all summaries] Although some adverse drug reactions (ADR) are not very serious, others cause the death, hospitalization, or serious injury of more than 2 million people in the United States each year, including more than 100,000 fatalities. In fact, adverse drug reactions are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Most of the time, these dangerous events could and should have been avoided. Even the less drastic reactions, such as change in mood, loss of appetite, and nausea, may seriously diminish the quality of life. Allergy and Hayfever [hide all summaries] If you suffer from an itchy and runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and a tickle in the back of your throat, then you probably have an allergy. An allergy means a hypersensitivity to a particular substance called an allergen. Hypersensitivity means that the body’s immune system, which defends against infection, disease, and foreign bodies, reacts inappropriately to the allergen. Examples of common allergens are pollen, mold, ragweed, dust, feathers, cat hair, makeup, walnuts, aspirin, shellfish, poison ivy, and chocolate. Antipsychotic Drugs: Dangerously Overused [hide all summaries] Antipsychotic drugs, also called neuroleptic drugs or major tranquilizers, are properly and successfully used to treat serious psychotic mental disorders, the most common of which is schizophrenia. In younger adults, an alarming number of those with schizophrenia who could and often have previously benefited from antipsychotic drugs are not receiving them. They are seen, among other places, on the streets and in homeless shelters. In older adults, the problem is not underuse but, rather, gross overuse by people who are not psychotic. Arthritis and Inflammation [hide all summaries] At leas Continue reading >>

Glyburide And Metformin
Metformin may rarely cause a serious, life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take glyburide and metformin. Also, tell your doctor if you are over 65 years old and if you have ever had a heart attack; stroke; diabetic ketoacidosis (blood sugar that is high enough to cause severe symptoms and requires emergency treatment); a coma; or heart or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you are taking acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Keveyis), methazolamide, topiramate (Topamax, in Qsymia), or zonisamide (Zonegran). Tell your doctor if you have recently had any of the following conditions, or if you develop them during treatment: serious infection; severe diarrhea, vomiting, or fever; or if you drink much less fluid than usual for any reason. You may have to stop taking glyburide and metformin until you recover. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, or any major medical procedure, tell the doctor that you are taking glyburide and metformin. Also, tell your doctor if you plan to have any x-ray procedure in which dye is injected, especially if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol or have or have had liver disease or heart failure. You may need to stop taking glyburide and metformin before the procedure and wait 48 hours to restart treatment. Your doctor will tell you exactly when you should stop taking glyburide and metformin and when you should start taking it again. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking glyburide and metformin and call your doctor immediately: extreme tiredness, weakness, or discomfort; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; decreased appetite; deep and rapid breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness; lighthea Continue reading >>

What Is Metformin And Who Makes It?
Metformin hydrochloride is an oral antihyperglycemic drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin is believed to improve glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes by lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Specifically, metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. As for your question about who makes metformin, a more apt question might be "Who doesn't make metformin?" Metformin is or has been marketed in generic form by a very large number of drugmakers, including Actavis, Apotex, Barr, Chartwell, Dr. Reddy, Impax, Indicus, Lupin, Mutual, Mylan, Ranbaxy, Sandoz, Sun Pharma, Teva, Torrent, Watson, and Zydus. Additionally, in the United States, metformin is also sold under the brands Fortamet (Andrx), Glucophage/Glucophage XR (BMS), Glumetza (Santarus), and Riomet (Sun). Finally, metformin is a component of many fixed-dose combination drugs, including Actoplus Met, ActoPlus Met XR, Avandamet, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Janumet XR, Jentadueto, Kazano, Kombiglyze XR, Metglip, Prandimet, Synjardy, and Xigduo XR. I previously blogged on the regulatory status of some of the metformin combo drugs, which is a complete topic in its own right, and you can find my blog post here: FDA proposes widening New Chemical Entity designation for certain combination drugs with at least one NCE. Continue reading >>

Common Diabetes Drug Metformin Could Cause Thyroid And Heart Problems, Experts Warn
A drug widely prescribed to those with diabetes could cause thyroid, heart and a host of other health problems, a study has warned. Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels by reducing glucose production in the liver. But new research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found the drug is linked to having an underactive thyroid. And the increased risk of producing low levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), can lead to complications, scientists have warned. The condition can cause heart disease, goitre - a lump in the throat caused by a swollen thyroid - pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma. Both men and women can have an underactive thyroid, though the condition is more common in women. In the UK, it affects 15 in every 1,000 women and one in 1,000 men. The condition can also develop in children. The amount of metformin an individual needs to control blood sugar levels is worked out by a person's doctor or diabetes team. However, some previous research has raised concerns that the drug may lower thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The study, published in Canadian Medical Association Journal, examined data on 74,300 patients who received metformin and sulfonylurea, another common diabetes drug, over a 25-year study period. Of these people, 5,689 were being treated for an underactive thyroid, and 59,937 had normal thyroid function. In the group with an underactive thyroid, there were 495 incidences of low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (119.7 per 1000) per year compared with 322 in the normal group (4.5 per 1000). In patients with a treated underactive thyroid, metformin was associated with a 55 per cent increased risk of low TSH levels compared with treatment wit Continue reading >>

Is Your Medicine Setting You Up For Heat Stroke?
Is Your Medicine Setting You Up for Heat Stroke? Dont get mad at us; were as tired of that question as you are. Cows are dying, chickens are exploding and athletes are dropping like flies. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are striking people around the country, especially children, the elderly, athtletes and people taking medications. If your body were an automobile, you wouldnt get far when the water in your radiator boiled away. Ignore the warning light, and you could easily blow the engine. The body doesnt come with an idiot light or a gauge to signal overheating, but overlooking the warning signs of heat exhaustion could lead to a serious medical emergency. Heat stroke can result in brain damage or even death. First, lets clear up the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs as a result of a loss of fluid. This may occur as a result of not drinking enough to replace sweating losses. The person becomes weak and may feel nauseated, anxious and lightheaded. When a crowd gathers and stands around for some event in hot weathera military parade, a baseball gamesome folks are overcome by heat exhaustion and they faint. Their pulses are weak and slow, their skin is pale and clammy, and their blood pressure is low. Heat stroke, on the other hand, happens when the bodys normal means of losing heat shut down or cant cope with extreme temperature. The onset of symptoms may be sudden, with headache, weakness and disorientation signaling an imminent loss of consciousness. The skin is hot, USUALLY dry, and flushed. The pulse is fast and hard, and the body temperature is elevated. Children and pets have died from heat stroke when they were left in a closed car. HEAT STROKE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION. Odd behavior, agitation, co Continue reading >>

Metformin - Everything Natural Under The Sun
Brand Names: U.S.: Fortamet;Glucophage;Glucophage XR;Glumetza;Riomet Brand Names: Canada: Apo-Metformin;Ava-Metformin;CO Metformin;Dom-Metformin;Glucophage;Glumetza;Glycon;JAMP-Metformin;JAMP-Metformin Blackberry;Med-Metformin;Mylan-Metformin;Novo-Metformin;Nu-Metformin;PHL-Metformin;PMS-Metformin;PRO-Metformin;Q-Metformin;RANT-Metformin;ratio-Metformin;Riva-Metformin;Sandoz-Metformin FC It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes). It may take 1 month to see the full effect. It is used to stop high blood sugar (diabetes). Metformin lowers sugar and helps insulin work better. This drug may be used alone or with other high blood sugar (diabetes) drugs. Take as you have been told, even if you are feeling better. Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. Fortamet: Take with a full glass of water. Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about. 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. Talk with the doctor. A small number of people may have more acid in their blood. Metformin may cause this. It may happen in people whose liver or kidneys do not work the right way. Do not give the extended release product to a child younger than 17 years of age. If you have an allergy to metformin or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lip Continue reading >>

Heat And Diabetes
Living with diabetes blog Diabetes research is turning up new information on diabetes and diabetes management all the time. In 2009, I wrote a blog about the effects of heat on blood glucose control if you have diabetes. I mentioned, then, that heat doesn't have a direct effect on your blood glucose, but that heat can lead to changes in your daily routine which, in turn, can affect your blood glucose. Later research, published in September 2010 by researchers at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz., suggests, additionally, that some Arizonans with diabetes have considerable gaps in their "heat awareness." This lack of awareness led to actions such as waiting until temperatures were quite high (above 101 F, or 38.3 C) before taking precautions against the heat and leaving medications and supplies at home rather than risk exposing them to the heat — meaning not having the supplies to manage diabetes while away from home. Sweating is an important means of cooling the body in hot weather, and the ability to sweat can be affected in some people with diabetes. Other studies have shown an increase in emergency room visits, in those who have diabetes, when temperatures are high. Diabetes equipment and medications can also be affected by heat. Tips for managing diabetes in warm temperatures remain the same: Avoid sunburn, it can stress your body and can raise your blood glucose. Wear a good sunscreen, sunglasses and hat when out in the sun. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Carry a bottle of water with you on walks, etc. Exercise and do more strenuous activities in the early or later hours of the day when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is not at its peak. Check blood sugar levels frequently, since they may fluctuate. Remember, extreme temperature changes can have Continue reading >>

Skin Conditions And Diabetes: What You Need To Know
Everyone knows about the major long- and short-term complications of diabetes. But what many newly-diagnosed patients might not realize, is that skin conditions often come with having diabetes. My first exposure to skin conditions was a fungal infection. I can remember saying to the trainer that I could not have a fungal infection because my A1c was 6%. A specific over-the-counter anti-fungal ointment stopped the fungal infection process, and now I travel with this small tube just in case. I use it in the summer when I'm in the water and I develop itchy skin on my upper shoulder always in the same place. It's gone, and I'm happy. First, we want you to know that people who do not have diabetes get these skin conditions also, but as with many other complications, we tend to get them more often. About one-third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time. In fact, doctors report noting the presence of skin disorders before they diagnose diabetes. Second, if you think you have one of the skin conditions outlined in this article, please see your physician right away. Don't wait. Finally, we end this article with some easy ways to protect your skin when you have diabetes (either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes). Skin Conditions that Can Affect People with Diabetes Bacterial Infections: People with diabetes appear to suffer more bacterial infections than the general population. There are several kinds of infections that can affect those of us with diabetes. One is a sty, which is an infection of the glands of the eyelids. A second type is a boil, which are infections of the hair follicles. Carbuncles are deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath. Infections can also occur around the nails. We all know bacterial i Continue reading >>

Glyburide / Metformin Side Effects
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them. Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar . Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar , such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine. Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar. This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You should not take this medicine if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant. If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure. This medicine can make you more sensitiv Continue reading >>