Metformin-Teva 500 mg is a fundamental oral hypoglycemic agent used to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Classified as a biguanide, it is the primary choice for patients whose hyperglycemia remains uncontrolled through diet and physical activity, particularly those with excess body weight. Metformin-Teva works efficiently to lower blood sugar levels by improving the body's response to insulin without triggering the pancreas to produce more, which helps prevent weight gain and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. It is approved for use as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetics and insulin for both adults and children aged 10 and older.
Each film-coated tablet is formulated for optimal therapeutic effect:
Active Substance: Metformin hydrochloride — 500 mg.
Tablet Core: Povidone K-30, colloidal anhydrous silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.
Film Coating: Hypromellose (2910/5), titanium dioxide (E 171), and macrogol (type 400).
Metformin-Teva lowers blood glucose through three distinct mechanisms:
Hepatic Inhibition: It reduces the liver's production of glucose by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.
Increased Peripheral Sensitivity: It enhances insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, improving the uptake and utilization of glucose.
Delayed Intestinal Absorption: It slows the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract.
By stabilizing glucose levels, metformin also has a beneficial impact on lipid metabolism, often resulting in lower total cholesterol and LDL levels.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Management in adults and children/adolescents (10+ years).
Overweight Patients: First-line therapy to reduce diabetic complications and stabilize weight.
Combination Regimens: Used alongside other oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin to achieve better glycemic control.
Hypersensitivity to metformin or any tablet components.
Severe Renal Failure: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 ml/min.
Metabolic Acidosis: Including lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Acute Conditions: Dehydration, severe infections, or shock.
Hypoxia-inducing Diseases: Heart failure, respiratory failure, or recent myocardial infarction.
Liver Health: Liver failure, acute alcohol intoxication, and chronic alcoholism.
Adults:
Starting Dose: Usually 500 mg or 850 mg taken 2–3 times daily.
Titration: Adjust the dose after 10–15 days based on blood glucose levels.
Maximum Dose: 3000 mg per day, divided into 3 doses.
Switching: When transitioning from another antidiabetic, stop the previous drug before starting Metformin-Teva.
Children (10+ Years):
Monotherapy or combination with insulin. Dosage titration is similar to adults to ensure gastrointestinal safety.
Timing: Always take the tablets during or after eating to minimize stomach upset.
Slow Increase: Gradually increasing the dose helps the body adapt and reduces side effects like nausea or diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal (Very Frequent): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These are most common at the start of treatment.
Nervous System (Frequent): Taste disturbances (metallic taste).
Metabolic: Lactic acidosis (rare but severe). Long-term use may cause decreased Vitamin B12 absorption.
Hepatobiliary: Isolated cases of impaired liver function or hepatitis, resolving after drug withdrawal.
Skin: Rare reactions like itching, redness, or hives.
Lactic Acidosis: A life-threatening emergency characterized by muscle cramps and weakness. Avoid alcohol and dehydration to minimize this risk.
Pregnancy: Switching to insulin is recommended to maintain the strictest possible blood glucose control and reduce risks to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: Not recommended as metformin passes into breast milk and safety data is insufficient.
Driving: Monotherapy is safe; however, combined therapy (with insulin or sulfonylureas) carries a risk of hypoglycemia.
No special temperature storage conditions are required.
Keep the medication in a secure place out of the reach of children.
Shelf Life: Refer to the expiration date printed on the original Teva packaging.
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