Diaphage Tablet 500mg/850mg.

COMPOSITION:

Each Diaphage tablet contains METFORMIN 500mg/850mg B.P
Diaphage Tablets are white, film-coated tablets. Each tablet contains 500mg/850mg of the active ingredient Metformin Hydrochloride.

PHARMACOLOGY:
Diaphage Tablets is one of a group of medicines called biguanide hypoglycaemic agents. These medicines work by lowering the amount of sugar in the blood by decreasing gluconeogenesis and by increasing peripheral metabolism of glucose.

INDICATIONS:
Diaphage Tablets may be used for the treatment of:

• non-insulin dependent diabetes (type 2) not controlled by diet and exercise alone.

CAUTION/WARNING:
Do not take Diaphage Tablets if:

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to Metformin. (An allergic reaction may include a rash, itching or difficulty breathing).
• You suffer from kidney or liver problems.
• You are a heavy drinker of alcohol.
• You have had heart failure or have recently had a heart attack, or have difficulty breathing.
• You have had serious complications with your diabetes (eg diabetic coma or ketones in your urine).
• You are dehydrated (eg if you have suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting recently).
• You have had a serious infection or recently suffered trauma (shock).
• You have been told that the amount of oxygen in your blood is low.
• You need to have an X-ray.
• Do not drink excessive alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol whilst taking these tablets.

When Diaphage Tablets are taken on their own, they do not cause “hypos” (symptoms of low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia, such as faintness, confusion and increased sweating). Therefore, they should not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. However, Diaphage Tablets can cause “hypos” when taken with other antidiabetic medicines, so in this case, you should take extra care when driving or operating machinery.

INTERACTIONS:
•Make sure you have told your doctor or pharmacist if you:
•Are taking other medicines, including any other medicines you buy without prescription, especially steroids (eg hydrocortisone, prednisolone, betamethasone), medicines to treat asthma (eg salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeterol, formoterol), “water” tablets (diuretics), ACE inhibitors (medicines to lower blood pressure eg captopril).

DOSAGE:
Adults:  Initially, one tablet 2 or 3 times daily with, or just after a meal.  After you have been taking the tablets for about 2 weeks, your physician may measure your blood sugar and adjust the dose.  Any change in dosage must only be made on the advice of your doctor.
Elderly:  Your physician may prescribe a different dose.
Children: Not recommended.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Lactic acidosis in presence of renal failure; nausea and vomiting; anorexia; diarrhoea; metallic taste; urticaria; decreased vitamin B12 absorption and rarely mild red rash.

PRESENTATION:
Diaphage Tablets are available in pack sizes of 3x10s and 10x10s in unit boxes 30s, 50s, 100s, 500s, 1000s in plastic tins.

STORAGE:
Do not store above 30°C. Store in a dry place. Protect from direct sunlight. Keep all medicines  out of reach of children.