General Information on Fortamet
Fortamet helps control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients with Type 2 non-insulin dependent diabetes. Controlling the blood sugar level has been found to be useful in preventing kidney damage, loss of limbs, nerve problems, sexual dysfunction, and blindness, and also reduces the risk of strokes or heart attacks.
The generic name of the drug is Metformin, and it belongs to the class of oral anti-diabetic medicines. It is available in the form of oral tablets.
Fortamet works by restoring your body’s response to naturally produced insulin. It also curbs natural sugar production in the liver and sugar absorption by the stomach or intestines.
Along with Fortamet, your doctor may also prescribe other drugs or insulin. Fortamet cannot be used by patients with Type 1 diabetes.
Side effects of Fortamet
Before you buy Fortamet, inform your doctor if you have a severe breathing problem (e.g. severe asthma or obstructive lung disease), metabolic acidosis (e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis), kidney or liver disease, or a blood problem (e.g. anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency).
In some cases, you may experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision because of high or low blood sugar levels. In such a situation, you should avoid driving a vehicle, operating a machine, or doing any such activity, as it may result in a serious mishap.
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages during Fortamet treatment, as it may increase your risks of suffering from low blood sugar or lactic acidosis.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Also avoid overexerting yourself due to exercise, jogging, or strenuous physical activity since you may suffer from dehydration. The risks of experiencing lactic acidosis may also increase significantly in such a case.
Fortamet may change your menstrual pattern, promote ovulation, and increase your risks of becoming pregnant. Therefore, use a reliable form of birth control during Fortamet treatment and notify your doctor immediately if you miss a period or witness signs of a pregnancy.
Vomiting, nausea, stomach upset, weakness, metallic taste in the mouth, or diarrhea may commonly occur during the first few days of Fortamet treatment. However, if these symptoms return after several days of starting treatment, it may be a sign of lactic acidosis, and you need to notify your doctor as soon as possible if you witness the above.
Although Fortamet does not lower the blood sugar to a dangerous level, the condition can surface if other anti-diabetic medicines are also prescribed along with Fortamet. Symptoms of low blood sugar level include shaking, sudden sweating, fast heartbeat, blurred vision, hunger, tingling in the feet or hands, or dizziness.
Dosage of Fortamet
Your doctor will advise you to take one Fortamet 1000mg tablet once a day, usually with your evening meal.
As these are extended release tablets, you should take them whole, without crushing, chewing or dissolving them.
Drug Interactions of Fortamet
Do not buy Fortamet and use it along with water pills, as they may cause dehydration and your condition may become worse.
Also do not take steroids (e.g. prednisone), blood pressure or heart medicines (e.g. cardizem or cartia), phenothiazines (e.g. compazine), thyroid medicines (e.g. synthroid), seizure drugs (dilantin), or medicines for treating cold, allergies, or asthma along with Fortamet, as severe drug interactions may take place.
