GLYCOMET SR 850 (850mg Metformin)

Product Information

Glycomet SR 850 mg is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes worldwide. It helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of long-term complications. It may also be used alongside insulin in type 1 diabetes when recommended by a doctor.

Its active ingredient is Metformin hydrochloride (sustained release formulation). This allows gradual release of the medicine in the body, ensuring longer control of blood glucose levels with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

Doctors prescribe Glycomet SR (Metformin SR) to:

• Control blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Support lifestyle measures such as diet and exercise in diabetes management
• Reduce the risk of complications such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage
• Occasionally, as part of combination therapy with insulin in type 1 diabetes

Uses

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Adjunct treatment in type 1 diabetes (with insulin, if prescribed)

Benefits

• Provides sustained release of medicine for smoother blood sugar control
• Lowers glucose production in the liver
• Reduces absorption of sugar from the intestines
• Improves the body’s response to insulin
• Helps lower risk of complications such as kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease
• Supports weight management when combined with diet and exercise

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break sustained-release tablets.

• Take with food to reduce stomach upset.
• Take at the same time each day for best results.
• Continue following your doctor’s advice regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
• Do not stop the medicine without medical guidance.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which increases the risk of serious side effects.

Other Uses

May sometimes be used off-label for insulin resistance conditions such as PCOS, at the doctor’s discretion.

⚠️ Lactic Acidosis Risk Warning

Metformin, including sustained-release forms, may rarely cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. This is more likely in patients with kidney, liver, or heart problems, or with excessive alcohol use.

• Your doctor may check kidney function before and during treatment.
• Avoid excessive alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Seek urgent medical help if you develop:
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Muscle pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Dizziness or irregular heartbeat

⚠️ Sustained-Release Tablet Warning

Glycomet SR is a sustained-release formulation designed to release medicine slowly.

• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet.

• Swallow whole with a glass of water.
• Damaging the tablet coating can release the medicine too quickly, increasing side effects and reducing effectiveness.

Special Precautions

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before use.
• Medical history: Inform your doctor if you have:
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Heart disease or heart failure
• Alcohol: Avoid heavy alcohol use to reduce risk of lactic acidosis.
• Combination therapy: Risk of hypoglycemia may increase if taken with insulin or other antidiabetic medicines.

Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence (gas)
• Taste disturbances

Serious (seek immediate medical help):

• Lactic acidosis (see warning above)
• Severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms

Storage & Disposal

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after expiry date.
• Dispose of unused tablets safely; do not flush into toilets or drains.

Emergency Guidance

• Overdose: May cause lactic acidosis. Seek emergency care immediately.
• Missed dose: Take as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double dose.
• Hypoglycemia: If used with insulin or other antidiabetic drugs, watch for low blood sugar signs (sweating, dizziness, shaking, confusion). Carry glucose or sugar source if advised.