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Glyciphage - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Glyciphage: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is glyciphage?

Glyciphage is an anti-diabetic medication that belongs to the biguanide class of medicines. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is an important part of diabetes management. The drug lowers glucose production in the liver and delays its absorption from the intestines. This strengthens the body’s insulin sensitivity. 

This medication reduces the chances of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney damage, nerve damage, eye damage, heart attacks, and foot damage or loss of limbs. 

What are the uses of glyciphage?

Glyciphage SR 500mg helps regulate blood glucose levels when dietary changes and physical exercise fail to achieve suitable results. These are its uses:

  • The medication controls blood sugar levels. 
  • It increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
  • It reduces diabetes-related risks, such as kidney damage, eye damage, and nerve damage.
  • This medicine is used as part of the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to reduce insulin resistance.

Your physician will recommend a dosage depending upon your blood glucose levels. They will advise you regarding the precautions to be taken if you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease.

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What are the side effects of glyciphage?

The following are the common side effects of glyciphage, which disappear as the body gets used to the drug. 

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Change in taste

Please consult your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects so that they can change the dosage:

  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Rapid breathing

Long-term usage of glyciphage may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies. This could cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache. 

It may cause lactic acidosis, which occurs due to increased lactic acid in the blood. It is a rare but serious side effect and requires urgent medical attention. 

Please consult our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals for advice on diabetes management. They will guide you in the care and treatment of this lifestyle disease.

S.no Product Name Dosage Form
1. Glyciphage Metformin 500 mg Tablet
2. Glyciphage SR 1gm Metformin 1000 mg Tablet
3. Glyciphage-G 1 Glimepiride (1mg) + Metformin (500mg) Tablet
4. Glyciphage-VG2 Glimepiride (2mg) + Metformin (500mg) + Voglibose (0.2mg) Tablet

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Glyciphage

1. Can glyciphage be prescribed for type 2 diabetes?

Yes. Doctors prescribe glyciphage, an anti-diabetic medication, precisely for treating type 2 diabetes. It lowers the production of glucose in the liver, slows down its absorption from the intestines, and strengthens the body’s insulin sensitivity. As low glucose levels are crucial for diabetes management, glyciphage is the best medicine for type 2 diabetes.

2. Can pregnant women take glyciphage tablets?

Yes. Pregnant women can take glyciphage. As per animal studies, this medication has no harmful effects on the developing fetus. Although there aren’t any extensive studies conducted on humans, this medication is considered safe during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking the medication.

3. How does glyciphage help in pregnancy?

Glyciphage is recommended for reducing insulin resistance in pregnant women suffering from type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. If appropriate glucose levels are not achieved through diet and exercise, doctors prescribe glyciphage as it doesn’t harm the fetus and prevents the development of type 2 diabetes in the future.

4. How long does the effect of glyciphage last?

The effect of glyciphage lasts for approximately 96.8 hours or four days. The effects of the medication on your body depend upon the frequency of the dosage. This drug remains in your body for a longer period in the case of high body mass or excess weight, slow metabolism rate, old age, and poor health.

5. How long should we use glyciphage?

You should take glyciphage for as long as your doctor recommends it. Usually, they prescribe it for a year, as glyciphage shows effects gradually. It takes almost three months for noticeable changes in your HBA1C levels. Your doctor will check your blood glucose levels and once they observe an improvement in your fasting blood sugar levels, they may change the dosage.

6. Is glyciphage metformin?

Metformin is the generic name of glyciphage. It is an anti-diabetic medication that belongs to the biguanide group of medicines. Doctors prescribe metformin in the 500 mg dosage to patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This drug helps reduce high blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

7. When should I take glyciphage?

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking glyciphage. Take it at the same time every day. It is best to take a whole glyciphage tablet with meals to avoid nausea or stomach ache. Please do not stop taking the medicine abruptly. It could lead to an increase in your blood glucose levels.

8. Is glyciphage a steroid?

Steroids are artificial versions of the hormones existing in the human body. On the other hand, glyciphage is an anti-diabetic used in treating type 2 diabetes. According to a study conducted on patients using steroids to treat chronic inflammatory disease, metformin can reduce the side effects of steroids and improve the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids.

9. Is glyciphage safe?

Glyciphage is considered to be one of the safest anti-diabetic medications. Its side effects reduce as your body gets used to it. This drug is safe to be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it doesn’t harm the baby. Chances of low blood glucose levels and weight gain are also lesser with glyciphage.

10. Does glyciphage cause weight loss?

Glyciphage is not a weight loss medication. However, because of some of its side effects such as loss of appetite, your food intake may reduce, and you may consume fewer calories. This could result in a slight decline in your weight. This drug may cause diarrhea or an upset stomach, which may result in weight loss as well.

Please contact our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals for added information on type 1 and type 2 diabetes management. They will provide you with the necessary information regarding medications and dietary and lifestyle changes for a healthier life.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.