PRODUCT DETAILS

About Gala M 500mg Tablet SR

METFORMIN belongs to a group of anti-diabetic medicines called biguanides used in the treatment of diabetes. It helps to lower the increased blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes patients. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong disorder that affects the way our body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced is unable to perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes.

Uses of Gala M 500mg Tablet SR

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Medicinal Benefits of Gala M 500mg Tablet SR

METFORMIN plays a vital role in managing diabetes and achieving good control of blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity in the body. METFORMIN does not cause a sudden lowering of the blood glucose level or cause significant hypoglycaemia. Unlike other anti-diabetic therapies like sulfonylureas or insulin, METFORMIN does not cause weight gain but may cause modest weight loss. In the prediabetic condition, METFORMIN is the only recommended treatment available. METFORMIN also helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy), blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy), loss of sensation in your hands and feet (Diabetic Neuropathy) or even loss of foot! METFORMIN also helps to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. 

Directions for Use

METFORMIN should not be used unless prescribed by a doctor. METFORMIN should be taken with meals to help reduce stomach or bowel side effects or as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets on the basis of your medical condition. Swallow METFORMIN with a full glass of water.

Side Effects of Gala M 500mg Tablet SR

• Digestive problems
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Some diabetic patients taking METFORMIN may develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. In lactic acidosis, there is too much lactic acid accumulated in the blood. So, your liver and kidney proper functioning is required for the elimination of excess lactic acid from the blood. You should not take metformin if you have kidney disease, as measured by a blood test. METFORMIN may lower vitamin B-12 levels, so try to have blood test annual blood and vitamin. METFORMIN, when used with insulin, may extremely lower the blood sugar level. So, the doctor may lower the dose of insulin.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

METFORMIN interacts with an anti-depressant (bupropion), drugs used to treat glaucoma, antibiotics (cephalexin, ciprofloxacin), anti-acidity drugs (cimetidine), heart condition drugs (digoxin), anti-HIV drugs (dolutegravir), ethanol, saliva reducing drugs (glycopyrrolate), iodinated X-ray contrast agents, anti-epileptic drugs (topiramate, lamotrigine), heart-related chest medicine (ranolazine). Other drug interactions can contribute to an increased low blood sugar including sex hormones (androgens), anti-oxidant (alpha-lipoic acid), painkillers (aspirin), anti TB drugs (prothionamide), growth hormones (pegvisomant), and other antidiabetic medicines.

Drug-Disease Interaction:

 People affected with heart diseases (like congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction), Vitamin B12 deficiency, and alcoholism should avoid intake of METFORMIN.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

• It is advisable not to consume alcohol along with METFORMIN to avoid unpleasant side-effects like lactic acidosis.

PREGNANCY

• METFORMIN is not recommended during pregnancy. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during pregnancy if he/she feels that the benefit to you outweighs the risk. You should not take METFORMIN without doctor's advice.

BREAST FEEDING

• METFORMIN is not recommended if you are breast-feeding or if you are planning to breast-feed your baby.

DRIVING

• METFORMIN monotherapy (the treatment of a disease with a single drug) does not cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and therefore has no effect on the ability to drive or to use machines.

LIVER

• METFORMIN to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

KIDNEY

• METFORMIN to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending on your renal functions. METFORMIN is not recommended in severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is therefore important if you're taking METFORMIN.