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Atret 0.05% (Tretinoin) Cream
Atret Cream general information
What is Atret Cream used for?
Atret Cream 0.05% is used to treat acne vulgaris of the face, chest or back, including pimples (papules), whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones) and can also be used to treat acne cysts, which can be deep, painful and inflamed. Atret Cream 0.05% may also be used to help reduce visible signs of ageing on the face by fading age spots, reducing fine wrinkles and reducing the roughness of dry skin, caused by sun damage and aging, as it promotes skin turnover to replace old damaged skin with new skin.
How does Atret Cream work?
Atret Cream 0.05% contains tretinoin, which is an active metabolite of Vitamin A and is a keratolytic medication. Tretinoin in Atret Cream 0.05% works by binding to specific retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus of skin cells that affects the way skin cells behave and this regulates cell growth and differentiation. Tretinoin is thought to act by enhancing skin epithelial cell proliferation and accelerating epithelial differentiation; it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Acne is often associated with puberty when a surge of androgen hormones can over stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles). Skin cells that are shed from the lining of the hair follicle become trapped in sebum forming a plug below the surface of the skin, clogging the pores, which then attracts bacteria, so that the clogged pores become infected and inflamed, causing an acne outbreak. Atret Cream 0.05% prevents formation of new pimples and blackheads (comedones) by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and increasing the shedding of old hardened skin cells, while at the same time promoting growth of new skin cells. The combined effect of these actions is to speed up skin cell turnover, clear up pimples and blackheads and reduce the spread of acne. This also works for aging or damaged skin by promoting skin turnover, where damaged skin is replaced by new skin cells giving the effect of lightening and smoothing the skin. Atret Cream 0.05% promotes healing of acne lesions and prevents formation of new acne lesions, as well as reducing the appearance of age spots and fine wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging.
What does Atret Cream contain?
Atret Cream contains the active ingredient tretinoin 0.05%, a keratolytic that is used to treat acne and reduce wrinkles and age spots. It also contains Butytlated Hydroxy Toluene, Propylen Glycol, Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether, Glyceryl Mono Stearate, Sodium Citrate, Polyethylne Glcol 400, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Sodium Metabisulphite, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Light Liquid Paraffin, Ceto Stearyl Alcohol, Paraffin wax and Micro Wax.
Treating acne with Atret Cream
Atret Cream 0.05% contains tretinoin, a keratolytic that regulates growth and differentiation of skin cells. Acne is often associated with puberty when a surge of androgen hormones can over stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles). Skin cells that are shed from the lining of the hair follicle become trapped in sebum forming a plug below the surface of the skin, clogging the pores, which then attracts bacteria, so that the clogged pores become infected and inflamed, causing an acne outbreak. Tretinoin in Atret Cream 0.05% prevents formation of new pimples and blackheads (comedones) by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and increasing the shedding of old hardened skin cells, while at the same time promoting growth of new skin cells. The combined effect of these actions is to speed up skin cell turnover, clear up pimples and blackheads and reduce the spread of acne. Atret Cream 0.05% also has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes healing of acne lesions and prevents formation of new acne lesions.
Atret Cream for aging skin
Atret Cream 0.05% contains tretinoin, a keratolytic that regulates growth and differentiation of skin cells. The visible signs of aging of the skin include age spots, which are pigmented patches of skin, and fine wrinkles, both caused by sun damage and general aging of the skin. Tretinoin in Atret Cream 0.05% helps speeds up skin turnover by promoting the shedding of old damaged skin and growth of new skin cells giving the effect of lightening and smoothing the skin. It also promotes skin cells to produce collagen, which keeps skin flexible.
What are the side effects of Atret Cream?
The most commonly reported side effects when using Atret Cream 0.05% include increased sensitivity to sunlight, irritation, burning or stinging where applied to the skin, redness, peeling blistering or dryness of the skin, discolouration.
When should Atret Cream not be used?
You should not use Atret Cream 0.05% if you:
- are allergic to tretinoin or any ingredients in Atret Cream
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, as tretinoin may cause birth defects
- have acute eczema, as tretinoin can cause severe irritation on eczematous skin
- have a skin condition such as rosacea or perioral dermatitis
- have a personal or familial history of cutaneous epithelioma
- are using any topical skin peeling medication containing sulphur, resorcinal or salicylic acid
- are exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods. If unavoidable use a sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas to protect the skin.
How should Atret Cream be used?
You should apply your Atret Cream 0.05% to the affected area of the skin once daily in the evening before going to bed. Clean the skin with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, rinse with water then apply a small amount with clean fingers and rub gently into the skin. Do not use large amounts or apply more often than directed, as your skin will not clear up faster, instead you may increase the chance for side effects like skin irritation. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, inside of the nose and mouth, which are easily irritated areas, or other areas where treatment is not intended. Do not apply to severely inflamed skin or to open lesions. Avoid excess sun exposure and use of oil-based makeups and creams or abrasive cosmetic products. You should use Atret Cream 0.05% for as long as is recommended, it usually takes 4-8 weeks for acne to clear up, with more improvement after further use.
How long should you take Atret Cream?
You should use Atret Cream 0.05% for as long as is recommended, it usually takes 4-8 weeks for acne to clear up, with more improvement after further use.
Missed dose of Atret Cream
If you miss a dose of Atret Cream apply 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 Atret Cream be stored?
You should store your Atret Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Phenergan 25mg (Promethazine)
Phenergan general information
What is Phenergan used for?
Phenergan tablets 25mg are used to treat a variety of allergic conditions, including allergic contact dermatitis, allergic reactions to drugs, hives (urticaria), and bites and stings, to relieve symptoms of redness, swelling and itching of the skin; also to relieve upper respiratory tract symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, runny itchy nose and sneezing, caused by seasonal allergies like hayfever. Phenergan tablets 25mg are also used as an antiemetic to reduce nausea and vomiting due to several conditions including postoperative vomiting, irradiation sickness, drug-induced nausea and motion sickness. Phenergan tablets 25mg have sedative properties, which can be used to help with management of the symptoms of measles and chicken pox; also for short-term sedation.
How does Phenergan work?
Phenergan tablets 25mg contain promethazine, an antihistamine belonging to phenothiazine group of drugs that also has antiemetic (prevents nausea) and sedative properties. Histamine is a chemical released from mast cells, (cells involved in allergies) as part of the body’s defence mechanism during an allergic reaction. Histamine and binds to H1 receptors in small blood vessels causing them to leak, allowing white blood cells and blood proteins into the tissues. These infiltrating cells produce inflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) that cause tissue swelling and irritation, which are symptoms of an allergic reaction. Promethazine in Phenergan tablets 25mg is an H1 receptor antagonist and works by binding to histamine receptors and blocking the action of histamine without blocking its secretion. This action blocks histamine-mediated allergic reactions, relieving symptoms in the upper respiratory tract like nasal congestion, runny itchy nose and sneezing, and in the skin like redness, swelling and itching. Promethazine in Phenergan tablets 25mg also acts on the central nervous system (CNS). Some brain neurones (nerve cells) produce histamine and the action of histamine in the brain is involved in stress and anxiety reactions. Blocking these brain histamine receptors is thought to be responsible for causing sedation. The same CNS mechanism is also responsible for the anti-emetic effect of Phenergan tablets 25mg. Motion sickness is caused by conflicting information being received by the brain from the eyes and the vestibular system in the inner ear; messages sent by the ear suggest motion, whereas the messages sent by the eye suggest that the body is still. The conflicting information received into the brain stimulates the vomiting centre of the brain to induce the vomiting reflex. Promethazine in Phenergan tablets 25mg binds to histamine receptors on cells of the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear and is also thought to bind to histamine receptors on nerve cells in the brain to block the transmission of nerve impulses from the inner ear to the vomiting center in the brain, which in turn prevents transmission of nerve signals from the brain to receptors in the stomach, so that the vomiting reflex is blocked.
What does Phenergan contain?
Phenergan tablets 25mg contain the active ingredient promethazine hydrochloride, an antihistamine belonging to phenothiazine group of drugs that also has antiemetic (prevents nausea) and sedative properties. They also contain lactose, starch maize, povidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 200, blue opaspray.
Treating allergy with Phenergan
Phenergan tablets 25mg contain the antihistamine promethazine, which is used to relieve symptoms of allergy in several allergic conditions, including allergic contact dermatitis, allergic reactions to drugs, hives (urticaria), bites and stings; also allergic rhinitis caused by seasonal allergies like hayfever. Histamine is a chemical released from mast cells, (cells involved in allergies) as part of the body’s defence mechanism during an allergic reaction and binds to H1 receptors in small blood vessels causing them to leak, allowing white blood cells and blood proteins into the tissues. These infiltrating cells produce inflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) that cause tissue swelling and irritation, which are symptoms of an allergic reaction. Promethazine in Phenergan tablets 25mg is an H1 receptor antagonist and works by binding to histamine receptors and blocking the action of histamine without blocking its secretion. This action blocks histamine-mediated allergic reactions, relieving symptoms in the upper respiratory tract like nasal congestion, runny itchy nose and sneezing, and in the skin like redness, swelling and itching.
Treating motion sickness with Phenergan
Phenergan tablets 25mg contain promethazine, an antihistamine that is used to control the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness caused by all forms of travel including, air, sea train or car travel. The inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus, comprising the membranous labyrinth structures of the cochlea and semicircular canals, where motion or changes in the body’s position is detected and continual information about body position is transmitted to the brain. Motion causes the endolymph (fluid that fills the inner ear) to trigger electrical signals via special sensory cells sending nerve impulses via neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) along the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted. Motion sickness is caused by conflicting information being received by the brain from the eyes and the vestibular system; messages sent by the ear suggest motion, whereas the messages sent by the eye suggest that the body is still. The conflicting information received into the brain stimulates the area postrema or vomiting centre of the brain to induce the vomiting reflex. Promethazine in Phenergan tablets 25mg binds to histamine receptors on cells of the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear and is also thought to bind to histamine receptors on nerve cells in the brain and this blocks the transmission of nerve impulses from the inner ear to the vomiting center in the brain, which in turn prevents transmission of nerve signals from the brain to receptors in the stomach, so that the vomiting reflex is blocked. Phenergan tablets 25mg are also used to reduce nausea and vomiting due to several conditions including postoperative vomiting, irradiation sickness and drug-induced nausea.
Phenergan for sedation
Phenergan tablets 25mg contain promethazine, an antihistamine that has sedating properties. Promethazine in Phenergan tablets 25mg is an H1 receptor antagonist and works by binding to histamine receptors in various parts of the body including the brain. Some brain neurones (nerve cells) produce histamine and the action of histamine in the brain is involved in stress and anxiety reactions. Blocking these brain histamine receptors is thought to be responsible for causing sedation.
What are the side effects of Phenergan?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Phenergan tablets 25mg include: dry mouth, gastro-intestinal disturbances (diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain) loss of appetite, tiredness, sleepiness, restlessness, dizziness, blurred vision.
When should Phenergan not be used?
You should not use Phenergan tablets 25mg if you:
- are allergic to promethazine or any ingredients in Phenergan
- are allergic to sulphites, benzoates or phenothiazines
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have had jaundice induced by other phenothiazine derivatives
- are taking medicines that interact with Phenergan, including: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (up to 14 days previously), tricyclic antidepressants, sedatives and hypnotics, opioid analgesics, barbiturates
Phenergan tablets 25mg should not be used for children under 2 years or for anyone in a coma.
What medications interact with Phenergan?
Several medications interact with Phenergan tablets 25mg to increase side effects and can cause a serious reaction and should either not be taken while you are taking Phenergan or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor: including: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (up to 14 days previously, tricyclic antidepressants, sedatives and hypnotics, opioid analgesics, barbiturates.
How should Phenergan be taken?
You should take your Phenergan tablets 25mg swallowed whole with a glass of water. The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation. For allergy and sedation you should take your Phenergan tablets 25mg at night. For travel sickness you should take one tablet the night before travel and you can take another dose the next day, provided 6-8 hours has elapsed. For nausea and vomiting you should take your Phenergan tablets 25mg every 4 to 6 hours as recommended by your doctor. You should continue to take your Phenergan tablets 25mg for as long as your symptoms persist, or as recommended by your doctor but for no longer than 10 consecutive days.
How long should you take Phenergan?
You should continue to take your Phenergan tablets 25mg for as long as your symptoms persist, or as recommended by your doctor but for no longer than 10 consecutive days.
Missed dose of Phenergan
If you miss a dose of Phenergan tablets 25mg 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 Phenergan be stored?
You should store your Phenergan below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Kenozole Cream (Ketoconazole)
Kenozole general information
What is Kenozole used for?
Kenozole Cream 2% is used as a topical treatment for fungal infections of the skin and scalp, due to the Tinea fungus. Tinea is a dermatophyte fungus also known as ringworm. Tinea causes fungal infection in different parts of the body including ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), and of the scalp (tinea capitis). Kenozole Cream 2% is also used to treat infection by the yeast fungus Malassezia, which causes Pityriasis versicolor, characterised by flaky discoloured patches that appear on the chest and back and seborrhoeic dermatitis, a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin that affects mainly the scalp and face. Kenozole Cream 2% is also effective against infection with the yeast fungus Candida, which causes cutaneous candidiasis, characterised by itchy red rash on various parts of the body, usually in warm, moist creased areas of skin, like under the arms and in the groin.
How does Kenozole work?
Kenozole Cream 2% contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections of the skin. Ketoconazole in Kenozole Cream 2% prevents growth of dermatophyte and yeast fungi by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells. This results in altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane causing it to become weakened, so that the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including pain and inflammation. When used as a topical antifungal, no detectable ketoconazole enters the blood, reducing risk of systemic side effects.
What does Kenozole contain?
Kenozole Cream contains the active ingredient ketoconazole 2% (w/w), a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections.
Treating fungal infections with Kenozole
Kenozole Cream 2% contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections due to dermatophyte fungus Tinea, known as ringworm and the yeast Candida. These infections include, ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), and of the scalp (tinea capitis). Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that causes Pityriasis versicolor, characterised by flaky discoloured patches that appear on the chest and back and seborrhoeic dermatitis, a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin that affects mainly the scalp and face. Candida causes cutaneous candidiasis, characterised by itchy red rash on various parts of the body, usually in warm, moist creased areas of skin, like under the arms and in the groin. Ketoconazole in Kenozole Cream 2% prevents growth of dermatophyte and yeast fungi by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells. This results in altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane causing it to become weakened, so that the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including pain and inflammation.
What are the side effects of Kenozole?
The most commonly reported side effects when using Kenozole Cream 2% include, burning sensation or irritation at the site of application, such as redness, pain and swelling; oily or dry scalp, mild hair loss.
When should Kenozole not be used?
You should not use Kenozole Cream 2% if you:
- are allergic to ketoconazole or any ingredients in Kenozole
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
How should Kenozole be used?
You should apply your Kenozole Cream 2% to the affected area and rub gently into the skin once or twice daily depending on what you are being treated for and the severity of the infection. You should continue your course of treatment with Kenozole Cream for 2-6 weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, until signs and symptoms of the infection has disappeared. Wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection and do not get the cream into your eyes.
How long should you take Kenozole?
You should continue your course of treatment with Kenozole Cream for 2-6 weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.
Missed dose of Kenozole
If you miss a dose of Kenozole apply 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 Kenozole be stored?
You should store your Kenozole below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Glyciphage 850mg (Metformin)
Glyciphage general information
What is Glyciphage used for?
Glyciphage tablets 850mg are an oral diabetes medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with 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. Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage work?
Glyciphage tablets 850mg contain the active ingredient Metformin hydrochloride, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the biguanide group of drugs. Metformin in Glyciphage tablets 850mg 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. Metformin in Glyciphage tablets 850mg works 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 Glyciphage tablets 850mg 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 Glyciphage contain?
Glyciphage tablets 850mg contain the active ingredient metformin, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Treating type 2 diabetes with Glyciphage
Glyciphage tablets 850mg contain Metformin, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with 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 Glyciphage tablets 850mg 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 Glyciphage tablets 850mg 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 Glyciphage?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Glyciphage tablets 850mg 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.
When should Glyciphage not be used?
You should not use Glyciphage if you:
- are allergic to metformin or any other biguanide or any ingredients in Glyciphage tablets 850mg
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
- have liver or kidney 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 medications that may interact with Glyciphage tablets 850mg including: 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
- 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 Glyciphage
Several medications interact with Glyciphage and should either not be taken while you are taking Glyciphage or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that interact with Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage: 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 Glyciphage: anticoagulants
How should Glyciphage be taken?
You should take your Glyciphage tablets 850mg 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 Metformin tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods.
How long should you take Glyciphage?
You should continue to take your Glyciphage tablets 850mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods.
Missed dose of Glyciphage
If you miss a dose of Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage be stored?
You should store your Glyciphage tablets 850mg below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
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Glyciphage 500mg (Metformin)
Glyciphage general information
What is Glyciphage used for?
Glyciphage tablets 500mg are an oral diabetes medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with 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. Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage work?
Glyciphage tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient Metformin hydrochloride, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the biguanide group of drugs. Metformin in Glyciphage 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. Metformin in Glyciphage tablets 500mg works 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 Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage contain?
Glyciphage tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient metformin, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Treating type 2 diabetes with Glyciphage
Glyciphage tablets 500mg contain Metformin, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with 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 Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Glyciphage 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.
When should Glyciphage not be used?
You should not use Glyciphage if you:
- are allergic to metformin or any other biguanide or any ingredients in Glyciphage tablets 500mg
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
- have liver or kidney 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 medications that may interact with Glyciphage tablets 500mg including: 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
- 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 Glyciphage
Several medications interact with Glyciphage and should either not be taken while you are taking Glyciphage or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that interact with Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage: 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 Glyciphage: anticoagulants
How should Glyciphage be taken?
You should take your Glyciphage 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 Metformin tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods.
How long should you take Glyciphage?
You should continue to take your Glyciphage tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods.
Missed dose of Glyciphage
If you miss a dose of Glyciphage 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 Glyciphage be stored?
You should store your Glyciphage tablets 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
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