Glucophage

You should stop taking Glucophage if you become seriously dehydrated, since this increases the likelihood of developing lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you lose a significant amount of fluid due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or some other condition.

The effectiveness of any oral antidiabetic, including Glucophage, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Glucophage

If Glucophage is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Glucophage with the following:

• Amiloride
• Calcium channel blockers (heart medications) such as nifedipine and verapamil
• Cimetidine
• Decongestant, airway-opening drugs such as albuterol and pseudoephedrine
• Digoxin
• Estrogens
• Furosemide
• Glyburide
• Isoniazid, a drug used for tuberculosis
• Major tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine
• Morphine
• Niacin
• Nifedipine
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenytoin
• Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Quinine
• Ranitidine
• Steroids such as prednisone
• Thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine
• Triamterene
• Trimethoprim
• Vancomycin
• Water pills (diuretics) such as hydrochlorothiazide

Do not drink too much alcohol, since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar and alcohol enhances some effects of this drug.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Glucophage should not be taken during pregnancy. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe insulin injections instead.

It is not known whether Glucophage appears in human breast milk. Therefore, women should discuss with their doctors whether to discontinue the medication or to stop breastfeeding. If the medication is discontinued and if diet alone does not control glucose levels, then your doctor may consider insulin injections.