An effective drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and a number of other diseases
Glucophage, a drug from the French company Merck Sante, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and a number of other diseases in which insulin resistance can be an important factor. The drug is based on metformin, a hypoglycemic substance from the biguanide class. You can order original glucophage in our pharmacy.
Metformin was firstly described in the scientific literature in 1922 by Emil Werner and James Bell. In 1929, its hypoglycemic effect was discovered in rabbits, but until 1950 this substance was practically forgotten, until researchers returned to it again. Scientists have found that metformin decently lowers blood sugar levels, but unlike other similar compounds, it does not lower blood pressure or heart rate. In 1972, metformin was approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Canada, and in 1994 it was approved by the FDA in the United States.
Research is currently underway on the use of metformin in gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome and a number of other diseases.
How does Glucophage work?
Glucophage reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood by inhibiting the formation of glucose in the liver. In a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the rate of gluconeogenesis is 3 times higher than the norm, this drug reduces this indicator by more than one third.
In addition to suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver, glucophage increases tissue sensitivity to insulin, enhances peripheral glucose uptake, increases fatty acid oxidation, and reduces glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
The drug reduces the concentration of thyroglobulin, cholesterol and low density lipoproteins in the blood serum and does not change the concentration of lipoproteins of other densities. It also stabilizes or reduces body weight. In the absence of insulin in the blood, the therapeutic effect is not manifested.
How to use Glucophage?
Glucophage is available in the form of pills and prolonged-release tablets. The drug should be taken orally with food or immediately after a meal.
The treatment regimen with glucophage and the dosage regimen is individual for each patient. Before ordering Glucophage in our pharmacy, you should consult with your doctor to choose the appropriate treatment regimen and form of release of the drug.
What contraindications Glucophage has?
Glucophage and metformin-based drugs have a rather mild effect on the body, but like any drug, they have a number of contraindications and side effects.
So Glucophage should not be taken by people with diseases of the kidneys, lungs, liver, alcoholism and any diseases that may increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis.
It is recommended to temporarily discontinue metformin two days before any radiographic study with the introduction of iodized contrast.
The most common side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal upset, including a metallic taste in the mouth, decreased appetite, diarrhea, colic, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence; Metformin is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects than most other antidiabetic drugs.
A complete list of contraindications and side effects can be found in the official instructions attached to Glucophage when ordering it from our pharmacy.
