Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps control blood sugar levels and thus prevent serious complications of diabetes. It is also used to treat menstruation related disorder known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women.
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is best taken with food to avoid nausea and abdominal pain. You should take it regularly, at the same time each day, to get the most benefit. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor recommends it. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes. Therefore, it is important to stay on the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor while taking this medicine.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, taste change, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Some people may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when this medicine is taken along with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or upon skipping a meal. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking it.
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney, liver or heart problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Your doctor will check your kidney function tests before starting treatment with it. Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking it as this may increase the risk of developing some side effects.
USES OF METATIME TABLET XR
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
SIDE EFFECTS OF METATIME TABLET XR
Common
Nausea
Vomiting
Taste change
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Nausea
You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop from feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Vomiting
You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Taste change
Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with saltwater or mouthwash after each snack or meal. Use plastic or glass utensils if the food tastes like metal. Avoid very hot or very cold foods. Chewing mints or gums may also help in improving the taste. Increase your fluid intake and choose foods that have strong flavors. Try adding garlic, lemon juice, herbs, spices and pickles or chutneys. Avoid cigarette smoking.
Coping with Diarrhea
Keep up your intake of fluids and electrolytes (sugars and salts) to avoid getting dehydrated. Eat less fiber (avoid raw fruits, fruit juice and vegetables). Talk to your doctor about possible medication to manage diarrhea. Ask about reducing the dosage of your drug or other suitable treatments.
Coping with Abdominal pain
In most cases, this is mild enough to be treated at home. Try to rest and relax. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. Having a warm bath or shower can help you relax and relieve the pain. Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water and reduce your intake of coffee, tea, lemon juice or soda. Avoid alcohol and smoking as these can aggravate the pain. Eating slowly and having smaller and more frequent meals can also help. If the pain is severe, speak to your doctor. They may be able to guide you better.
Coping with Loss of appetite
It is important to eat, even if you do not feel like it. You might try switching to smaller meals and frequent snacks. Try eating healthy and nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. It is important to drink even if you cannot eat. But, do not fill your stomach with liquid before eating. Eat when you are most hungry. Exercise such as a short walk may also increase your appetite. Talk to your doctor about possible medication or supplements if your condition does not improve.
HOW TO USE METATIME TABLET XR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is to be taken with food.
HOW METATIME TABLET XR WORKS
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is an anti-diabetic medication (biguanide). It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying the absorption of sugar (glucose) from the intestines and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
SAFETY ADVICE
warnings
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Metatime 500mg Tablet XR.
warnings
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
warnings
Breastfeeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
warnings
Driving
CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
warnings
Kidney
CAUTION
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Metatime 500mg Tablet XR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is, however, not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
warnings
Liver
CAUTION
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Metatime 500mg Tablet XR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Metatime 500mg Tablet XR is generally started with low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and its use is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE METATIME TABLET XR?
If you miss a dose of Metatime 500mg Tablet XR, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
