Glucophage: general characteristics of the drug for weight loss, indications and contraindications for use

General characteristics of the drug

The drug belongs to the biguanide class.
It has a hypoglycemic effect (lowers blood glucose levels). The product was developed for people suffering from non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, but shows good results in the fight against excess weight, so nutritionists recommend its use for weight loss.

Manufacturer

The developer of the drug is the French pharmaceutical company Merck Sante.
The medicine is produced at its production sites in Samois (France) and Barcelona (Spain). The manufacturer may also be indicated on the packaging (Russian Federation, Kirov region). In this case, the production of the drug takes place in France, and packaging in Russia.

Dosage form and packaging

The drug is produced in the form of round (dose 500 and 850 mg) and oval (1000 mg) streamlined tablets, covered with white cling film. Glucophage 1000 mg is additionally labeled indicating the dosage and has a division mark on both sides.

Pharmacies also sell a drug labeled “Long”, which has a prolonged effect. It comes in the form of streamlined, capsule-shaped white tablets with the dose indication on one side and MERCK engraved on the other.

The tablets are packaged in aluminum blisters of 10, 15 or 20 pcs. A cardboard pack can contain from 2 to 12 blisters (the number depends on the dose).

Glucophage for weight loss. Is it possible to lose weight with glucophage?

The issue of losing weight today is relevant for most women on the planet. As you know, demand creates supply, so new methods of losing weight appear very quickly.

One such method is glucophage. This is a special medical drug that is aimed at reducing blood sugar levels.

But glucophage has become popular among people because of its particular effectiveness in the fight against excess weight.

How does glucophage work?

This medicine regulates the amount of insulin that enters the blood.

The action scheme is very simple:

1. In order for food to be digested in the stomach, glucose is produced, and with it insulin.

2. With increased insulin secretion, nutrients do not benefit the body, but turn into fat.

3. Glucophage regulates the course of metabolic processes in the body, and thus leads to the active release of glucose and a decrease in the amount of insulin in the blood.

Metformin, also known as glucophage, as a medical drug has its disadvantages and advantages. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before starting to use it.

The first thing your doctor will do is order a blood sugar test and check your insulin levels.

If it is low, taking such drugs is strictly contraindicated!

Before taking metformin, visit your doctor and have your blood sugar checked.

Benefits of glucophage

The main advantages of metformin are its effects on the body of people with high blood sugar:

normalization of pressure;
control of insulin and blood glucose - therefore glucophage is considered a good medicine in the treatment of diabetes;
reducing cholesterol levels;
normalization of lipid metabolism, which stabilizes the functioning of the liver and intestines.

Some people choose to take glucophage for weight loss due to the fact that it eliminates exercise. These two concepts are not compatible, since physical exercise negates the effect of the medicine.

Glucophage cannot be used by everyone who dreams of losing excess weight, because:

Each medicine has its own contraindications;
excess weight is not always associated with excess glucose and insulin.

Glucophage and physical activity are incompatible

The dangers of glucophage

First of all, the use of metformin is not recommended for people with kidney disease and severe renal failure.
It is not advisable to take glucophage for the so-called heart patients, that is, people with any disorders of the cardiovascular system.
This medicine is prohibited for use by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Don’t pay attention to the thousands of positive reviews on the Internet and the inspiring example of your friends. What is medicine for one may be poison for another.

It is recommended to start taking any medications, including glucophage, strictly after a detailed study of all their features and consultation with a doctor.

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special instructions

Patients undergoing elective surgery should stop taking Glucophage 48 hours before the procedure. Resumption of therapy is allowed 48 hours after surgery, provided that the kidneys are functioning normally.

People with heart disease should take into account that treatment with metformin can lead to the development of oxygen starvation and kidney failure. To avoid these consequences, you should regularly monitor the condition of your heart and kidneys while taking the medication.

Monotherapy with the drug does not affect a person’s ability to drive a car or operate complex machinery. But if the drug is used in combination with other medications to treat diabetes, then it can affect concentration. In this case, you should not drive.

Dose of glucophage long for weight loss. How to determine the dosage and method of administration?

The drug "Glucophage Long" 1000 mg is taken orally, washed down with a small amount of water, it is best to do this in the evening with meals. The tablets are swallowed whole and should not be chewed.

The medication should be taken only once a day. You need to do this every day. If there is a need to stop taking the drug, the patient should notify the doctor. The dose of the medication is determined individually after the results of measuring blood glucose levels are analyzed.

At the beginning of therapy, people who have not previously taken metformin are prescribed Glucophage Long 500 or 750 mg.

Every 10–15 days, the dosage should be adjusted based on the same blood sugar results. With a gradual increase in dose, treatment tolerance in the stomach and intestines improves. The maximum daily dose will be 2000 mg. If glucose levels cannot be controlled, the possibility of taking the daily dose in two doses (in equal parts, during breakfast and dinner) is considered. If adequate glycemic control was not achieved in this case, you will need to switch to metformin in the form of tablets with regular release of the active substance (namely, standard Glucophage), then the maximum daily dose is 3000 mg.

For patients already receiving metformin, Glucophage Long 1000 mg is prescribed at the same dosage as the regular release drug. Patients taking metformin in the form of regular pills at a dose of more than 2000 mg per day should not switch to the long-acting drug.

If there is moderate renal failure (creatinine clearance about 45–59 ml/min), metformin can be used only in cases where there is no likelihood of lactic acidosis. At the beginning of therapy, they are prescribed Glucophage Long 500 mg or 750 mg once, the maximum daily dose will be 1000 mg. Renal function should be monitored every 3–6 months. If creatinine clearance is less than 45 ml/min, therapy is stopped immediately.

In older patients, the dose of metformin should be adjusted based on assessment of renal function, which should be carried out regularly (optimally twice a year). If a dose is accidentally missed, take it as soon as possible. A double dose of the drug is not expected.

We will describe in more detail below how to take Glucophage Long 1000 for weight loss.

Reviews of Glucophage for weight loss

Marianna, 37 years old, Yekaterinburg, took Glucophage 500 for weight loss for 3 weeks.
Thanks to the medicine, I lost 9 kg, without particularly restricting myself in food and without playing sports. In the first days of taking it, there was an intestinal upset, but it went away when I reduced the amount of vegetables in the diet. I’m happy with the results of my weight loss, but I want to repeat the course after a while to lose another 5-6 kg.

Ksenia, 30 years old, Khabarovsk After her second birth, she gained a lot of weight. I decided to fight excess weight in the simplest way - with the help of pills. My choice fell on Glucophage.

I read on the Internet how to take it, and began to “lose weight.” But it didn’t work out, because after every pill I took, I felt nauseous.

In addition, there was a constant feeling of weakness. After 5 days, due to poor health, I decided to stop taking the pills, even though my weight decreased by 2 kg. I’d rather go on a diet, I’m afraid that the drug will harm my health.

Mechanism of action

The main active ingredient of the drug is metformin, a hypoglycemic substance that has a fat-burning effect and helps regulate blood sugar levels. According to doctors, Glucophage, instructions for use of which will be given below, is not always suitable for weight loss, since the reasons for weight gain vary among patients. Meanwhile, drugs based on metformin can normalize carbohydrate metabolism, prevent the growth of tumors, and lower blood sugar levels.

If we talk about the drug "Glucophage", doctors often offer this drug to patients with high cholesterol and excess fat mass. The anti-sclerotic effect of the drug allows the drug to be used for the prevention of treatment of atherosclerosis in the initial stage.

Today, this development is considered completely safe, but the effectiveness of the product largely depends on the lifestyle of the person losing weight. Abuse of simple carbohydrates will not achieve high results in the treatment of obesity, regardless of whether it is accompanied by diabetes or not. The drug has a positive effect on the pancreas, as well as:

reduces the need for sweets - this is due to the fact that the drug allows you to control the production of insulin, reducing its level and suppressing appetite;
enhances lipid metabolism - the drug works especially well when fat processing is impaired due to endocrine pathologies, which are often observed in patients with diabetes;
inhibits the breakdown of carbohydrates - this is especially important when food has just entered the body. If carbohydrates are broken down too quickly, then their excess is inevitably deposited in the form of fat deposits on the sides and abdomen;
suppresses the formation of cholesterol plaques - the drug cleanses blood vessels and helps remove “bad” cholesterol from the body.

For diabetics, this remedy can significantly improve the quality of life. For those who do not suffer from diabetes, the drug helps keep sugar levels normal and promotes the processing of fat deposits.

Glucophage for weight loss with normal sugar levels. Alphabet drugs for weight loss

I bought 1000 mg and want to take it 2 times a day. Do you think it’s possible or not? please tell me. But we must not let him panic - be sure to eat small portions four times a day and drink a lot. The doctor told me to remove sweets from my diet - I removed them, and so did flour. I just started taking it and, with hope, I’m waiting for the results. Sugar level is 5.8, but I’m 64 years old and extremely overweight, plus problems with the spine, etc. However, after 6 months of taking it with periodic breaks, I was able to lose weight by about 14 kg.

In recent years, I somehow began to gain weight quickly. As a result, at some point I realized that I had gained weight from the previously usual 58 to 72 kg. I wish you to find your taste in the process of getting rid of excess weight and enjoy it) Lola. I will explain why Glucophage. But seven days before the New Year holidays, I stopped taking the drug and have not taken it for a month. This is most likely why metformin was originally used by bodybuilding athletes.

Belongs to the group of biguanides, the main active ingredient in them is metmorphine, which has the ability to reduce weight. This effect can be achieved in just a few months, without diets or exhausting workouts, and most importantly, with the effect retained!

How to take Glucophage for weight loss Reviews of those losing weight page 2
Glucophage for weight loss reviews, application, action
How to take Glucophage for weight loss

If you want to help your body lose weight, it is better to take natural dietary supplements for weight loss. Glucophage may have the following effects on the digestive system: On the circulatory system, the drug may cause megaloblastic anemia (the predominance of individual cells in the blood).

Glucophage after childbirth

Many women face the problem that the pounds gained during pregnancy do not disappear even a year or two after giving birth. This happens for various reasons: hormonal imbalance, lack of adequate sleep, low physical activity and poor diet. The figure deteriorates, and this greatly reduces the self-esteem of young mothers.

Glucophage is one of the most popular means for losing excess weight, including after childbirth. Doctors' opinions on this matter are quite contradictory: some say that this drug is intended to treat diabetes, and you should not take it just for the sake of losing weight. Others claim that the tablets are completely safe for health if they are monitored by an endocrinologist. Experts do not come to a common point of view.

Diet while taking Glucophage medication

The minimum permissible dose of the drug is 500 mg.

This amount is quite enough for gradual weight loss. The medicine should be taken approximately three or two times a day.

It is advisable to do this simultaneously with meals. Take the tablet with a sufficient amount of clean water.

Taking the medicine is allowed only for three months. A repeat course should be carried out after 90 days.

As for the rules of use, you need to remember that using the product simultaneously with exercise in the gym is strictly prohibited. This can be fatal.

Also, the drug should not be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers.

It is strictly forbidden to fast or eat less than 1000 calories.

Experts note that you should not drink alcohol while taking Glucophage.

Instructions for use of the drug Glucophage

It is highly undesirable to take the drug without consulting your doctor. Doctors strongly recommend refraining from self-medication, as it is fraught with serious complications. There are direct indications for the use of Glucophage:

diabetes mellitus type II,
lipid metabolism disorder,
morbid obesity.

The duration of treatment is 11-22 days, after which it is necessary to take a break. The dosage and concentration of the drug are determined by the doctor. The product can be recommended for the treatment of children over 10 years of age. Depending on the level of glycemia, the drug is prescribed from 500 mg per day to 3000 mg per day. The drug may cause side effects from the gastrointestinal tract. To prevent side effects, it is recommended to divide the daily dosage into 2-3 doses. The tablets are taken with meals or after meals with the required amount of liquid.

In case of overdose, symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, excessive weight loss, metallic taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, and skin rashes may occur. In case of overdose, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. If you follow your doctor's recommendations, the risk of side effects is minimal. You should refrain from taking the drug if you have infectious diseases, liver dysfunction, hypersensitivity, kidney disease, heart failure, or over 65 years of age. Contraindications to the use of the drug are also chronic alcoholism, diabetic ketoacidosis, myocardial infarction, pregnancy and lactation, and respiratory failure.

If apathy, drowsiness, muscle weakness, hypotension and other negative manifestations occur after taking the drug, you should refrain from using it or use analogues. It has been noted that with frequent use of the drug, addiction to metformin may occur.

Doctors strongly recommend that healthy, overweight people refrain from using Glucophage, as this can cause carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Neglecting doctors' recommendations can lead to the development of diabetic disease. Doctors remind that the drug is not a dietary supplement for weight loss. This is a medicine that has specific indications and restrictions for use.

The drug helps reduce the absorption of glucose and reduces its synthesis by the body. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is achieved 2 hours after use. The substances of the drug can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, the half-life reaches 18 hours. The drug is completely incompatible with alcohol, so during the period of treatment you should refrain from taking medications containing ethyl alcohol.

Glucophage and weight loss

While taking metformin, the patient's weight remains either at the same level or gradually decreases. This happens for several reasons:

Anorexigenic effect of metformin. Simply put, the drug suppresses appetite.
Insulin promotes the storage of consumed nutrients as fat. The most problematic area is the stomach. Thus, when the level of insulin in the body decreases, weight loss occurs.

Directions for use and dosage

Glucophage for weight loss is taken only orally (orally). To get rid of extra pounds, buy the drug in a dosage of 500 mg. Take one tablet three times daily with meals. Do not chew the tablets and take them with a small amount of water.

The course lasts 18-20 days, after which you need to take a break.

For medicinal purposes, the duration of use and dosage are prescribed by the attending physician.

How to lose weight more effectively with glucophage

To achieve maximum results, don't limit yourself to just taking pills. Losing weight requires a comprehensive approach. Doctors give the following recommendations:

Get rid of bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.
Follow the principles of a healthy diet: do not eat fatty, fried and smoked foods, sweets and baked goods. Focus on fruits and vegetables, except for grapes and bananas, which contain “fast carbohydrates.” Legumes and grains are also useful. Eat small meals 5-6 times a day.
Follow the prescribed dose of metmorphine strictly. If nausea or other side effects occur, reduce dosage.
Do aerobic training: running, dancing, walking, swimming, etc. Of course, the load should be moderate.

It is impossible to name the exact number of kilograms lost when losing weight, since this is a very individual indicator. Specific examples can be read in reviews of those losing weight.