Glucophage Safety Information Online

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Glucophage, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucophage, if you have a history of heart problems, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, paralysis, blockage), adrenal or pituitary problems, or lactic acidosis, if you have vomiting, diarrhea, poor health or nutrition, low blood calcium or vitamin B12 levels, or anemia, or if you are dehydrated, have an infection, fever, recent injury, or moderate to severe burns, you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Glucophage while you are pregnant. It is not known if Glucophage is found in breast milk.
Do not breast-feed while taking Glucophage. Some medicines may interact with Glucophage. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking.

Tell you doctor if you are taking a beta-blocker or you will be having surgery or certain lab procedures.
Do not take Glucophage if you have low blood oxygen levels, kidney or liver problems, high blood ketone or acid levels (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis), have had a stroke or a recent heart attack, or you are in shock or if you are 80 years old or older and have not had a kidney function test. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your doctor. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Glucophage.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Glucophage before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher or lower than they should be and you take Glucophage exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.

Glucophage does not usually lower your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar may be more likely to occur if you skip a meal, exercise heavily, or drink alcohol. It may also be more likely if you take Glucophage along with certain medicines for diabetes (eg, sulfonylureas, insulin). Tell your doctor right away if this happens.

Glucophage may commonly cause stomach upset, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea at the beginning of treatment. If you develop unusual or unexpected stomach problems, or if you develop stomach problems later during treatment, contact your doctor at once. This may be a sign of lactic acidosis. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Glucophage. Do not use Glucophage in children younger than 10 years old. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.