Metformin Wonder Drug
A while back I wrote about why metformin is the number one treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Now new research finds metformin prevents cancer and heart disease and may actually slow aging! Where can I get this stuff? A study from Scotland found that people on metformin had only roughly half the cancer rate of people with diabetes who weren’t on the drug. This is important, because diabetes is associated with higher risks of liver, pancreas, endometrial, colon and rectum, breast, and bladder cancer. Nobody could explain how metformin helped, but then Canadian researchers showed that metformin reduces cell mutations and DNA damage. Since mutations and DNA damage promote both cancer and aging, this is striking news. No one thought we could limit mutations before, but perhaps metformin can do it. A study on mice exposed to cigarette smoke showed that those given metformin had 70% less tumor growth. A small study of humans in Japan showed similar improvements in colorectal cancer outcomes. Metformin is now being studied in clinical trials for breast cancer. The researchers write, “Women with early-stage breast cancer taking metformin for diabetes have higher response rates to [presurgical cancer therapies] than diabetic patients not taking metformin.” They also had better results than people without diabetes. How Does It Work? According to Michael Pollak, MD, professor in McGill’s Medicine and Oncology Departments, metformin is a powerful antioxidant. It slows DNA damage by reducing levels of “reactive oxygen species” (ROS). ROS are produced as byproducts when cells burn glucose. Just as oxygen helps fires burn or metals rust, ROS will oxidize (“burn” or “rust”) the nuclei or other parts of cells. ROS are what the antioxidant vitamins are supposed to block. Continue reading >>
Metformin
Postmarketing cases of Metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of Metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and Metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL (see PRECAUTIONS). Risk factors for Metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g. carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage Metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CONTRAINDICATIONS, and PRECAUTIONS). If Metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue Metformin and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended (see PRECAUTIONS). Table 1: Select Mean (±S.D.) Metformin Pharmacokinetic Parameters Following Single or Multiple Oral Doses of Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets Subject Groups: Metformin hydrochloride tablets dose* (number of subjects) Cmax† (mcg/mL) Tmax‡ (hrs) Renal Clearance (mL/min) * All doses given fasting except the first 18 doses of the multiple dose studies † Peak plasma concentration ‡ Time to peak plasma concentration § Co Continue reading >>
Metformin Side Effects And How To Deal With Them
Metformin side effects include diabetic neuropathy, brain fog, and digestive issues. You can address them through diet, Vitamin B12, CoQ10, and exercise. Let us understand the drug Metformin in detail and study different forms of metformin, its uses and common metformin side effects along with how to deal with them. Metformin: What Is It Used For? Metformin is an old warhorse in the pharma battle against diabetes. It has been the mainstay in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes for more than fifty years, often matching or outperforming newer drugs. In fact, many new combination drugs are often created with metformin as one of the main ingredients. Thanks to its long run in the pharmaceutical world, the side effects of Metformin are also well known. The Metformin-PCOS connection has been studied extensively since a majority of health complications associated with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) are due to hyperinsulinemia (high amounts of insulin in the blood stream). Metformin is known to reduce circulating insulin levels. The use of this drug in women with PCOS has shown highly encouraging results. RELATED: 10 Easy Breakfast Ideas For Diabetics Most Prescribed Names in Metformin Category Include: Fortamet: It is an extended-release formulation that contains metformin hydrochloride. The tablets are designed for once-a-day administration. They deliver either 500 mg or 1000 mg of metformin. The tablet is made using a patented technology called SCOTTM that delivers the active compound slowly and at a constant rate. Glucophage: Glucophage tablets contain metformin hydrochoride. They contain either 500 mg, 850 mg or 1000 mg of the active compound. Glucophage tablets do not contain any special covering and need to be taken multiple times a day until the prescribed dosage is me Continue reading >>
Weekly Dose: Metformin, The Diabetes Drug Developed From French Lilac
Metformin is the most widely used drug to treat type 2 diabetes globally. In Australia, approximately two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes are prescribed metformin, either alone or in combination with other pills, or with insulin injections. Alongside diet and exercise, metformin is considered the first-choice drug to improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride is the scientific or generic name for the active ingredient in tablets sold in Australia under 40 different proprietary or brand names. History Metformin was originally developed from natural compounds found in the plant Galega officinalis, known as French lilac or goat’s rue. Synthetic biguanides were developed in the 1920s in Germany, but their use was limited due to side effects. During the 1940s, however, French physician Jean Sterne examined a new biguanide called dimethylbiguanide or metformin. At the time, it was being studied for the treatment of influenza, but Sterne recognised it had glucose-lowering properties. He proposed calling it glucophage, meaning glucose eater, a name with which it is still commercially associated today. Metformin has been used to treat diabetes since the late 1950s. It is now on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines needed for a basic health care system. How does it work? Insulin suppresses the production of glucose by the liver. One reason glucose levels remain high in those with type 2 diabetes is due to insufficient insulin. The liver continues to inappropriately make large amounts of glucose, even when glucose levels are already high. Metformin is able to reduce glucose production by the liver by approximately one-third, through mechanisms that remain to be fully understood. When taken as directed, it will reduce the Continue reading >>
A Ci= Confidence Interval B Extended-release Metformin Was Clinically Similar To Immediate-release Metformin Based On The Pre-defined
Page 1 of 22 Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets 500 mg and 1000 mg Rx only DESCRIPTION Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets contain an oral antihyperglycemic drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N, N- dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is a member of the biguanide class of oral antihyperglycemics and is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other class of oral antihyperglycemic agents. The empirical formula of metformin hydrochloride is C4H11N5•HCl and its molecular weight is 165.63. Its structural formula is: Metformin hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder that 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. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are designed for once-a-day oral administration and deliver 500 mg or 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride. In addition to the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer type A, ammonio methacrylate copolymer type B, colloidal silicone dioxide, crospovidone, dibutyl sebacate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and povidone. USP dissolution test for metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablet is pending. SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND PERFORMANCE Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablet is designed for once-a-day oral administration using the swellable matrix coated with a permeable membrane technology. The tablet is similar in appearance to other film-coated oral administered tablets but it consists of a swellable active core formulation that is coated Continue reading >>
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The Surprising Truth About Metformin
The “natural” blood-sugar remedy that had been sidelined for far too long What I’m about to tell you may be shocking. And it’s sure to ruffle the feathers of many of the “natural know-it-alls.” But the science is clear, so I’m not afraid to say it: If you have unmanaged Type II diabetes, you should consider the drug metformin as a first line of treatment. And you won’t get the full story anywhere else, since the natural health industry wouldn’t be caught dead recommending a drug. So, please allow me to do the honors here… Think of it as your emergency “get out of jail free card” Diabetes is deadly. High blood sugar coursing through your body destroys your eyes, kidneys, heart, brain, and more. So the sooner you bring it down the better. (Just like high blood pressure, for which I also recommend tried and true medications as a first-line treatment for unmanaged hypertension.) And in this case, the science is clear—the drug metformin has been proven safe and effective for most people. And since it’s now a generic drug, it’s highly cost effective, too. Now don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying diet and exercise isn’t important. In fact, they’re the best means for preventing and even reversing Type II diabetes entirely. Something metformin can’t do. And there are certainly dietary supplements that can help with maintaining healthy blood sugar (like berberine). But Type II diabetes doesn’t develop overnight. And let’s face it, changing the habits and consequences that got us there in the first place isn’t an overnight task either. So if you need additional help, this is one rare instance where you shouldn’t be afraid to look at a mainstream therapy. And when an option this effective comes along to help kick-start your efforts saf Continue reading >>
Diabex Xr Extended Release Tablets
Brand Information Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Diabex XR Extended release tablets. Download CMI (PDF) Download large text CMI (PDF) What is in this leaflet This leaflet answers some common questions about Diabex XR. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator. All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Diabex XR against the benefits expected for you. If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator. Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again. What Diabex XR is used for Diabex XR is used to control blood glucose (sugar) in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in those who are overweight. It is used when diet and exercise are not enough to control high levels of blood glucose. Diabex XR can be used alone, or in combination with other medicines for treating diabetes. TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS Type 2 diabetes mellitus is also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that enables body tissues to take up glucose from the blood and to use it for energy or fat storage for future use. People with Type 2 diabetes are unable to make enough insulin or their body does not respond properly to the insulin it does make. This causes a build-up of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia), which can lead to serious medical problems. Long-term hyperglycaemia can lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney damage, poor blood circulation and gangrene. Signs of hyperglycaemia may include: tiredness or lack of energy headache thirst passing Continue reading >>
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Fortamet
FORTAMET® (metformin hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets DESCRIPTION FORTAMET® (metformin hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets contain an oral antihyperglycemic drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N, Ndimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is a member of the biguanide class of oral antihyperglycemics and is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other class of oral antihyperglycemic agents. The empirical formula of metformin hydrochloride is C4H11N5•HCl and its molecular weight is 165.63. Its structural formula is: Metformin hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder that 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. FORTAMET® Extended-Release Tablets are designed for once-a-day oral administration and deliver 500 mg or 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride. In addition to the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: candellila wax, cellulose acetate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols (PEG 400, PEG 8000), polysorbate 80, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic black iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. FORTAMET® meets USP Dissolution Test 5. System Components And Performance FORTAMET® was developed as an extended-release formulation of metformin hydrochloride and designed for once-a-day oral administration using the patented single-composition osmotic technology (SCOT™). The tablet is similar in appearance to other film-coated oral administered tablets but it consists of an osmotically active core formulation that is surrounded by a semipermeable membra Continue reading >>
Glucophage (metformin) And Diabetes
Tweet Glucophage and Metformin are often mentioned in relation to diabetes treatment. But what exactly is Glucophage and how does Glucophage help control type 2 diabetes? The following guide to Glucophage should help you to understand more about this medication, its side effects and its value. What is Glucophage? Glucophage tablets (and Glucophage SR tablets) each have an active ingredient called Metformin hydrochloride. Metformin is widely used to aid in the control of blood glucose levels amongst people with type 2 diabetes. How does Glucophage help people with type 2 diabetes? Amongst people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce sufficient levels of insulin. Furthermore, the cells in the body may be resistant to any insulin that is present. Normally, insulin would instruct cells to remove sugar from the blood, but in people with diabetes blood sugar levels can climb too high. As we said before, Glucophage contains the ingredient Metformin. Metformin (Metformin hydrochloride) is a type of medicine known as a biguanide. This works to lower the amount of sugar in the blood of people with diabetes. It does this by lowering the amount of sugar produced in the liver, and also increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. The cells are therefore more able to remove sugar from the blood. Metformin also slows the absorption of sugars from the intestines. Metformin lowers blood sugar levels between and after meals. Who is Glucophage prescribed to? Glucophage is usually prescribed as a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese. When diet and exercise fail to adequately control blood glucose levels, Glucophage is prescribed. Sometimes, this medicine is used in conjunction with other anti-diabetic medication. How often do people Continue reading >>
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Metformin Hydrochloride (sandoz) | Healthdirect
Brand name: Metformin Hydrochloride (Sandoz) Metformin Hydrochloride (Sandoz) is a medicine containing the active ingredient(s) metformin. On this page you will find out more about Metformin Hydrochloride (Sandoz), including side effects, age restrictions, food interactions and whether the medicine is subsidised by the government on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional. Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions . Active ingredient in this medicine: metformin Continue reading >>
Metformin History
Metformin, a principle biguanide antihyperglycemic agent used agent, represents a mainstay of today's therapy in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and shows significant effectiveness in decreasing the risk of disease development. The discovery of this drug can be traced back to the pioneering work with extracts of the herb Galega officinalis, which led to the characterization of the blood lowering effects of an active ingredient named galegine. Galega officinalis (also known by many other names including as goat's rue, false indigo, professor-weed, French lilac, Spanish sanfoin and Italian fitch) is a summer-flowering perennial herb with white, blue or purple flowers found in most temperate regions. It originated in southern Europe and western Asia, but in the last two centuries it has spread to many countries around the globe. In medieval times, a prescription of Galega officinalis was used in folklore medicine to relieve the frequent urination accompanying the disease that is today known as diabetes mellitus. The plant was also given as a medicine in plague epidemics to promote perspiration of the affected individuals, and has been widely used to stimulate lactation in cows. Still, the plant was too toxic for widespread agricultural usage. Traditional herbal remedies were poorly understood at the beginning of 20th century. Although Galega officinalis successfully lowered blood glucose concentrations in diabetic patients, the quest for an active ingredient was slow in the early days of the last century. The main reasons were mild effects from the plant and the introduction of potent insulin, which was effective for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in the French lilac that produced the lowering of blood glucose was shown to Continue reading >>
Ingredients Of Metformin
Michelle Kerns writes for a variety of print and online publications and specializes in literature and science topics. She has served as a book columnist since 2008 and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. Kerns studied English literature and neurology at UC Davis. Metformin is an effective type 2 diabetes medication that contains a number of active and inactive ingredientsPhoto Credit: Kritchanut/iStock/Getty Images Metformin is the generic name for the type 2 diabetes medication known by a number of brand names, including Glucophage, Riomet and Fortamet. Metformin decreases the amount of circulating blood glucose, decreases the chance of diabetes complications such as kidney or heart disease, lowers cholesterol levels and can cause a mild amount of weight loss. Metformin consists of the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride, and inactive ingredients that function as anti-caking agents, emulsifiers and delayed release agents. The active chemical in metformin, metformin hydrochloride, works as an effective non-insulin dependent diabetes treatment in a number of ways: it decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver, inhibits the absorption of glucose in your stomach and enhances the function of insulin, causing you to burn through circulating glucose faster. Metformin hydrochloride cannot be used as a treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes as it is broken down in the digestive system, destroying the effect of the medication. Silicon dioxide is an inactive ingredient in metformin as a way to prevent the various other compounds in the medication from coagulating or clumping together in uneven amounts throughout the tablet. The silicon dioxide--which has the consistency of very fine sand--helps to create a smooth mixture with which to form the me Continue reading >>
Dailymed - Metformin Hydrochloride - Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release
Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. The structural formula is as shown: Metformin hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline compound with a molecular formula of C4H11N5 HCl 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. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP contain 500 mg or 750 mg of metformin hydrochloride USP as the active ingredient. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 500 mg contain the inactive ingredients xanthan gum, hypromellose, sodium carbonate, povidone, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 750 mg contain the inactive ingredients xanthan gum, hypromellose, sodium carbonate, povidone, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate and ferric oxide (red). Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets meet USP dissolution test 10. System Components and Performance-Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets comprises a hydrophilic polymer matrix system. Metformin hydrochloride is combined with a drug release controlling polymers to form a monophasic matrix system. After administration, fluid from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract enters the tablet, causing the polymers to hydrate and swell. Drug is released slowly from the dosage form by a process of diffusion through the gel matrix t Continue reading >>
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Metformin Sandoz®
PDFLARGE FONT PDF metformin hydrochloride tablets Consumer Medicine Information WHAT IS IN THIS LEAFLET This leaflet answers some common questions about Metformin Sandoz. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you. If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again. WHAT METFORMIN SANDOZ IS USED FOR This medicine is used to control blood sugar (glucose) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Metformin Sandoz is used to treat Type 2 diabetes when it cannot be properly controlled by diet and exercise. It can also be used in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus where insulin alone is not enough to control your blood glucose levels. Metformin Sandoz can be used alone, or in combination with other medicines for treating diabetes. It contains the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride. Metformin belongs to a group of medicines called oral hypoglycaemics. It works to reduce high levels of blood glucose by helping your body to make better use of the insulin produced by your pancreas. Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the blood glucose levels are not adequately controlled. People with type 2 diabetes are not able to make enough insulin or do not respond normally to the insulin their bodies make. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems including kidney damage, amputation and blindness. If your blood glucose is not properly controlled, you may experience hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose Continue reading >>
Metformin: Uses, Action, Dosage, Side Effect And Brand Information
What is metformin used for? Controlling blood sugar levels in adults, adolescents and children aged 10 years and over with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is used when diet alone has failed to fully control blood sugar. It may be used on its own, in combination with other oral antidiabetic medicines, or with insulin. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is an off-licence use of metformin, so you won't find it mentioned in the information leaflets that come with the medicine. However, metformin is a widely used and established treatment option for this condition. How does metformin work? In type 2 diabetes the cells in the body, particularly muscle, fat and liver cells, become resistant to the action of insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for controlling the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It makes cells in the body remove sugar from the blood. When the cells are resistant to insulin this makes blood sugar levels rise too high. Metformin hydrochloride is a type of antidiabetic medicine called a biguanide. It works in a number of ways to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Firstly, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This enables these cells to remove sugar from the blood more effectively. Secondly, it reduces the amount of sugar produced by cells in the liver. Finally, it delays the absorption of sugar from the intestines into the bloodstream after eating so that there is less of a spike in blood sugar levels after meals. Metformin is taken regularly every day to help control blood sugar levels both between and directly after meals. In polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS many women have high insulin levels, and as a result their cells become resistant to the action of insulin. The high insulin levels also cause an Continue reading >>
