ELINIDE

ELINIDE 500mg

What is this medicine?

ELINIDE 500mg TABLETS (likely containing Metformin Hydrochloride) are an oral anti-diabetic medicine. It is primarily used to:

• Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight patients, when diet and exercise alone are not enough.
• It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, decreasing the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
• It can be used alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medicines or insulin.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• An unusual or allergic reaction to metformin or any other ingredients in this medicine.
• Kidney disease or severe kidney problems.
• Liver disease or severe liver problems.
• Severe heart failure or a recent heart attack.
• Metabolic acidosis (e.g., lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis), or a history of these conditions.
• Severe infection.
• Dehydration (significant fluid loss).
• Alcohol abuse.
• If you are having a diagnostic procedure such as an X-ray or scan that involves injecting a dye (contrast agent) into your vein.
• If you are going to have surgery (you may need to stop this medicine temporarily).
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water, usually with meals, as directed by your doctor. Taking it with meals can help reduce stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional, even if you feel better.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. A serious complication of metformin overdose is lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include extreme tiredness, severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, rapid breathing, and feeling cold.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can with your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

This medicine may interact with:

• Alcohol (increases risk of lactic acidosis).
• Diuretics (water pills).
• Certain medicines for high blood pressure (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs).
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone).
• Medicines for asthma (e.g., bronchodilators).
• Cimetidine (for stomach acid).
• Certain anti-HIV medicines.
• Certain medicines used for X-ray or scanning procedures (iodinated contrast agents).
• Other diabetes medications.

This list may not describe all possible interactions.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood tests to check your blood sugar levels, kidney function, and possibly vitamin B12 levels.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet and exercise. This medicine works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
• Be aware of the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as hunger, headache, sweating, tremors, confusion, or irritability. If you experience these, consume a quick source of sugar (e.g., fruit juice, glucose tablets).
• Be aware of the signs of a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis. These include extreme tiredness, severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, rapid breathing, and feeling cold. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. Dehydration can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Inform your doctor if you are going to have any surgery or diagnostic procedure that involves injecting a dye, as you may need to temporarily stop taking this medicine.
• Limit or avoid alcohol intake while taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as this medicine may affect the baby.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, or hives.
• Signs of lactic acidosis: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling cold, tiredness, or weakness.
• Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset/cramps
• Gas/bloating
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

Protect from moisture.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.