Metformin

Question 1

Drug Class

Answer 1

Biguanide

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Metformin

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Type 2 Diabetes in adults and children >10 years

- Anovulatory infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome

Question 4

Dose Range

Answer 4

500 – 3000mg d in divided doses (usually 1-3 times d)

Max. 3g (6 tablets) daily of normal release or 2g (4 tablets) of XR

Question 5

SE’s

Answer 5

• n/v, diarrhoea
• anorexia
• malabsorption of vitamin B12
• rash

LACTIC ACIDOSIS (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, fatigue, diarrhoea or weight loss)

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

Label: 10a

• Take with or after food to reduce stomach upset.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you have loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, fatigue, diarrhoea or weight loss.
• Alcohol reduce your BSL and can mask warning signs of hypoglycaemia; avoid binge drinking and have something to eat when drinking alcohol.
• Make sure that you, and your friends and family, know how to recognise and treat hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose); ask your doctor or diabetes educator if you are unsure.
• monitor and record blood sugar levels as prescribed – have diabetic action plan.
• continue to adhere to diabetic diet and attending regular medical and allied health appointments (optometrist and podiatrist).

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• BSL
• Renal function (before starting treatment and every 4-6 months)
• Hepatic function
• monitor for lactic acidosis
• regularly visit Optomitrist, podiatrist