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Fortamet

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Fortamet Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Fortamet (metformin hydrochloride) is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes. It is an oral diabetes medicine. This medication is available in generic form. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness, or a metallic taste in the mouth.

Fortamet should be taken once daily. Dosage is individualized based on effectiveness and tolerance. The maximum recommended daily dose is 2500 mg. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may result if you take Fortamet with drugs that raise blood sugar, such as: isoniazid, diuretics (water pills), steroids, phenothiazines, thyroid medicine, birth control pills and other hormones, seizure medicines, and diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may result if you take Fortamet with drugs that lower blood sugar, such as: alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other salicylates, sulfa drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), beta-blockers, or probenecid. It may also interact with furosemide, nifedipine, cimetidine or ranitidine, amiloride or triamterene, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, trimethoprim, or vancomycin. During pregnancy, Fortamet should be used only when prescribed. Your doctor may direct you to use insulin instead of this product during your pregnancy. This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor about the use of reliable birth control. This medication passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Fortamet (metformin hydrochloride) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Fortamet Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

FORTAMET® (metformin hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets, used as a once per day monotherapy, are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower blood glucose. FORTAMET® (metformin hcl) can be used concomitantly with a sulfonylurea or insulin to improve glycemic control in adults. FORTAMET® (metformin hcl) is indicated in patients 17 years of age and older as either monotherapy or in combination therapy.

Read the complete drug monograph for Fortamet »

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Fortamet Patient Information: Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

Stop using metformin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
  • swelling or rap...

Read the complete patient information for Fortamet »

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Fortamet Consumer Information: Uses

Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Metformin works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/i...

Read the complete consumer information for Fortamet »

What is Fortamet Consumer Information?

Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More

Fortamet - User Reviews

Fortamet User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Fortamet sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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