Metchek tablets 500mg contain the oral antihyperglycaemic medication metformin which is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus.  

Metchek general information

What is Metchek used for?

Metchek tablets 500mg are an oral diabetes medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone, which is a particular problem in overweight people.  Metchek tablets 500mg can be used as first time treatment for newly diagnosed diabetics, or for patients who are not responding to an alternative medication, and can be used either alone or in combination with another oral antihyperglycaemic medication (lowers blood sugar).  In some cases Metchek 500 is used in conjunction with insulin in type 1 diabetes (also called insulin -dependent diabetes), where insulin alone is not enough to control blood sugar levels. 

How does Metchek work?

Metchek tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the biguanide group of drugs.  Metchek tablets 500mg controls blood glucose (sugar) by lowering levels of glucose after a meal (posprandial) as well as keeping levels normal between meals (basal levels), by helping the body respond to insulin without increasing insulin production.  Metchek tablets 500mg work using three different mechanisms: decreasing glucose production in the liver, which is normally switched off when blood glucose levels are high enough; increasing sensitivity to insulin in fat and muscle tissue, where excess glucose is removed from the blood and stored; reducing absorption of glucose by the intestines from the diet.  Maintaining glycaemic control with Metchek tablets 500mg reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage). 

What does Metchek contain?

Metchek tablets contain the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus.  

Treating type 2 diabetes with Metchek

Metchek tablets 500mg contain metformin hydrochloride, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone, which is a particular problem in overweight people.  Metformin in Metchek tablets 500mg lowers blood sugar after a meal (posprandial) as well as keeping levels normal between meals (basal levels), by helping the body respond to insulin without increasing insulin production, using three different mechanisms: decreasing glucose production in the liver, which is normally switched off when blood glucose levels are high enough; increasing sensitivity to insulin in fat and muscle tissue, where excess glucose is removed from the blood and stored; reducing absorption of glucose by the intestines form the diet.  Maintaining glycaemic control with Metchek tablets 500mg reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).  

What are the side effects of Metchek?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Metchek tablets 500mg include: gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting) which are usually mild and resolve spontaneously during continued treatment, metallic taste in the mouth and skin rash.  A rare and potentially life threatening side effect is lactic acidosis (a build up of lactic acid in the blood) that can occur due to accumulation of metformin, particularly if you are taking high doses of metformin above 2000mg per day, have kidney problems, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, are elderly.

What are the health risks of Metformin?

A rare and potentially life threatening side effect of taking Metchek tablets 500mg is lactic acidosis (a build up of lactic acid in the blood) that can occur due to accumulation of metformin, particularly if you are taking high doses of metformin above 2000mg per day, have kidney problems, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, are elderly.

When should Metchek not be used?

You should not use Metchek tablets 500mg if you:

• are allergic to metformin or any other biguanide or or any ingredients in Metchek
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney or liver disease
• have a conditions affecting renal function, like dehydration, severe infection or shock
• have diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic precoma
• have acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia such as heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, shock, acute significant blood loss, sepsis, gangrene, pancreatitis
• have a history of lactic acidosis
• have a problem with alcohol
• are taking medicines that interact with Metchek, inclusing cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions like nifedipine, beta-blockers, diuretics, other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas and repaglinide, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone, anticoagulants like digoxin for heart failure
• undergoing radiological treatment with intravascular iodinated contrast agents which may lead to renal failure, resulting in metformin accumulation and a risk of lactic acidosis

What medications interact with Metchek?

Several medications interact with Metchek tablets 500mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Metchek or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that interact with Metchek to increase side effects: other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas and repaglinide, ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone
• Drugs that affect Metchek: cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions like nifedipine, beta-blockers, diuretics, thyroid medicines
• Drugs that are affected by Metchek: anticoagulants like digoxin for heart failure

How should Metchek be taken?

You should take your Metchek tablets 500mg with a glass of water and with food.  The dose you take and how often should be as recommended by your doctor.  The usual starting dose is one tablet once, twice or 3 times daily during or immediately after a meal, to reduce stomach effects.  You will have your blood sugar levels monitored and your dose may be adjusted after a few weeks, depending on how well your blood sugar levels are controlled.  You should continue to take your Metchek tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods. 

How long should you take Metchek?

You should continue to take your Metchek tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods. 

Missed dose of Metchek

If you miss a dose of Metchek tablets 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Metchek be stored?

You should store your Metchek below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.