OKAMET 500 MG 20 Tablets

Okamet 500 mg

Okamet 500 mg is a member of a class of anti-diabetic medications known as biguanides that is used to treat diabetes. It contributes to the reduction of elevated blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong disease that impairs our body’s glucose metabolism. Individuals with type 2 diabetes either produce insufficient insulin or the insulin produced is unable to work properly in the body (insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes is most commonly found in middle-aged or older adults, which is why it is also referred to as adult-onset diabetes.

Okamet 500 mg is administered to patients with type 2 diabetes who are unable to control their blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetic patients. Okamet 500 mg normalizes the body’s insulin response, reduces the quantity of blood sugar produced by the liver, and delays sugar absorption by the stomach or intestines. Additionally, Okamet 500 mg is used off-label in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to assist restore the menstrual cycle by reestablishing hormonal balance in the body, lowering blood sugar levels, and stimulating ovulation.

Generally, Okamet 500 mg has few serious adverse effects. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth are all common adverse effects. In extremely rare circumstances, it may result in lactic acidosis (excessive lactic acid in the body), which manifests as dizziness, drowsiness, and muscle soreness. Your blood sugar level may drop if you combine this medication with strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or meal skipping. Consult your physician if you have any of the health problems listed above that may require immediate medical attention.

Okamet 500 mg is most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that includes decreasing weight if you are overweight (BMI >25), consuming fewer calories (low fat and sugary foods), and increasing your physical activity (at least 150 min of activity every week).

Okamet 500 mg Indications Type 2 diabetic mellitus

Medicinal Advantages

Okamet 500 mg is critical for treating diabetes and maintaining stable blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar and enhancing the body’s insulin sensitivity. Okamet 500 mg does not induce a significant drop in blood glucose levels or hypoglycaemia. In comparison to other anti-diabetic medications such as sulfonylureas or insulin, Okamet 500 mg does not cause weight gain but may result in minor weight loss. Okamet 500 mg is the only suggested therapy option for prediabetes. Additionally, Okamet 500 mg aids in the prevention of significant diabetes consequences such as kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy), blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy), loss of sensation in the hands and feet (Diabetic Neuropathy), and even foot loss! Additionally, Okamet 500 mg helps to decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Use Instructions

Okamet 500 mg should not be used unless a doctor has prescribed it. Okamet 500 mg should be taken with meals or as advised by your doctor to help minimize stomach or intestinal side effects. Your doctor will determine the frequency with which you should take your medications based on your medical condition. Okamet 500 mg should be swallowed with a full glass of water.

Storage Keep out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry area.

Okamet 500 mg Side Effects

Digestive issues

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Pain in the abdomen

Appetite loss

Adverse Drug Reactions

Certain diabetic patients using Metformin may develop a potentially fatal disease known as lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs when the blood contains an abnormal amount of lactic acid. Thus, normal functioning of the liver and kidneys is essential for the clearance of excess lactic acid from the blood. Metformin should not be used if you have renal disease as determined by a blood test. Because metformin may deplete vitamin B-12 levels, it is recommended that you undertake blood and vitamin tests on a yearly basis. Metformin, when combined with insulin, has the potential to significantly reduce blood sugar levels. As a result, the doctor may reduce the insulin dose.

Interactions Between Drugs

Metformin interacts with antidepressants (bupropion), glaucoma medications, antibiotics (cephalexin, ciprofloxacin), anti-acidity medications (cimetidine), anti-HIV medications (dolutegravir), ethanol, saliva-thinning medications (glycopyrrolate), iodinated X-ray contrast agents, anti-epileptic medications (topiramate, lamotrigine), and heart-related chest (ranolazine). Other medications, such as sex hormones (androgens), antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid), pain relievers (aspirin), anti-TB drugs (prothionamide), growth hormones (pegvisomant), and other antidiabetic medications, may also contribute to an increased risk of low blood sugar.

Drug-Food Interaction: Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages may raise the risk of developing a potentially fatal illness called Lactic Acidosis. As a result, avoid alcoholic beverages when taking Metformin.

Metformin should be avoided by people with cardiac disorders (such as congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction), vitamin B12 deficiency, and alcoholism.

Safety Recommendations

ALCOHOL

It is recommended that you avoid alcohol while taking Metformin to avoid unpleasant side effects such as lactic acidosis.

PREGNANCY

Metformin is contraindicated in pregnancy. However, if your doctor believes the benefit to you outweighs the danger, he or she may prescribe it for you during pregnancy. Metformin should not be taken without consulting a physician.

BREAST FEEDING

Metformin is not suggested if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.

DRIVING

Metformin monotherapy (treatment of a condition with a single medicine) has no effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery since it does not produce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

LIVER

Metformin should be used cautiously in the liver, especially if you have a family history of liver disease/conditions. Your doctor may need to alter the dose.

KIDNEY

Metformin should be used cautiously, particularly if you have a family history of kidney disease/conditions. Your doctor may need to change the dose based on your renal function. Metformin is not advised in patients with end-stage renal disease. If you are using Metformin, it is critical to monitor your kidney function on a regular basis.

Advice on Diet and Lifestyle

Spend at least 150 minutes per week in moderate-intensity physical activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes per week in high-intensity physical activity.

Gradually losing weight to obtain a healthy body mass index (18.5 to 24.9).

Substituting whole grain foods for refined carbohydrates and boosting consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich meals.

Reduce saturated fat (or hidden fat) consumption in foods such as chips, crisps, pastries, biscuits, and samosas. For daily cooking, choose oils high in omega 3 fatty acids. Use palm oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, rice bran oil, or safflower oil for frying.

Avoid excessive stress, as it may cause your blood sugar level to rise. You can learn stress management strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help you manage stress-related blood sugar changes.

Make a point of purchasing low-fat dairy products (low-fat yoghurt, fat-free milk and cheese etc.).

Maintain a normal blood pressure (140/90) as much as possible because this minimizes the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic people.

Special Guidance

Continue taking Metformin even if you believe your blood sugar levels are stable. If you miss a dosage, do not double the dose; instead, visit your medical physician.

When taking Metformin, consume small frequent meals and prevent prolonged fasting. Be aware of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, severe thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, and frequent urination. If you encounter any of the symptoms listed above, immediately ingest 5-6 candies, 3 glucose biscuits, or 3 teaspoons of honey/sugar and see your physician. Carry these with you at all times, especially on lengthy journeys.

It is always preferable if your physician is aware of any underlying illnesses such as renal or liver disease, prior heart attack, or alcohol consumption before prescribing Metformin.

Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Metformin as it raises the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar that can be fatal in some situations) and lactic acidosis (when the lactic acid increases in the body which impacts the functioning of various organs in the body).

Quit smoking and limit carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes, rice, mangoes, bread, and sugar.

Bear in mind that the most critical step toward controlling blood sugar levels is lifestyle adjustment.

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Concern for Patients

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong illness that impairs the body’s ability to utilize insulin appropriately. As a result, patients with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or develop resistance to insulin’s activity. Type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in people who are middle-aged or older, which is why it is often referred to as adult-onset diabetes. Increased thirst, frequent urine at night, poor wound healing, increased hunger, weariness, and blurred eyesight are all symptoms of type 2 diabetes. In certain circumstances, weight increase may occur, whereas in rare instances, weight reduction may occur. Type 2 diabetes complications include neuropathy (nerve damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), retinopathy (damaged retina of the eyes or blindness), amputation of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

FAQs

Metformin may induce mild stomach distress. However, do not discontinue use. Consult your physician if you experience severe stomach distress.

Metformin is known to produce weight reduction during the initial phase of treatment. However, if you have significant weight loss while taking Metformin, contact your doctor immediately. It is possible that your dosage might be modified.

Metformin is often not associated with constipation. However, some persons using Metformin may have flatulence, stomach pain, or constipation. Consult your physician if you develop discomfort.

If you take Insulin on a regular basis, you should see your doctor before using Metformin.

If you miss a dose of Metformin, DO NOT take a double dose to compensate. Overdosing may result in a quick drop in blood sugar. Attempt to take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Metformin, since this may raise your chance of developing a potentially fatal condition called lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the body), which manifests as dizziness, drowsiness, muscle discomfort, and rapid, shallow breathing.

Consult your physician prior to getting an X-ray or scan that requires the injection of contrast materials containing iodine into your bloodstream, as this procedure may impair your kidney function.

Your doctor will determine when you must discontinue and resume Metformin treatment prior to and following surgery.

No. Metformin is only prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes also called as ‘non-insulin-dependent diabetes’.