Metformin (metformin)
My Metformin Guide
Fairview Pharmacy. Call 601-544-4871.
My dose and form (IR or ER)Your pharmacist or doctor fills this in.
Taking it right
- Know my form: IR with meals, ER usually with the evening meal.
- Take each dose with the meal on my label.
- Swallow ER tablets whole. Never crush, cut, or chew.
If I miss a dose
- Take it with food when I remember, if the next dose is not close.
- Close to the next dose: skip it.
- Never double up.
Watch for
- Stomach upset when starting. Food helps.
- An empty ER shell in stool can be normal.
- Numbness, fatigue, sore tongue, or balance changes. Possible low B12.
Call the doctor if
- Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or very little urine.
- Low glucose when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
- A contrast scan or surgery with no metformin instructions.
Emergency. Call 911
- Fast or difficult breathing, severe weakness, unusual sleepiness.
- Severe nausea or belly pain, feeling cold, slow or irregular heartbeat.
- These can be signs of lactic acidosis.
Before a scan or surgery
- Tell the team I take metformin.
- Some contrast scans need a stop and a kidney recheck after 48 hours.
- Restart only when the clinician says it is safe.