Is Metformin a threat for diabetic patients?

Posted by Pharmacy Brands on February 21st, 2020

Sold under the brand name of Glucophage, Metformin, a diabetes drug helps in sugar reduction released by the liver. It also helps improve how the body responds to the usage of Insulin. But not all can take this medication even after it being affordable, as it puts a toll over the digestive system which may prevent the diabetes patients to take it for more than a week or two. So, considering same, the question is, “Can advantages of Metformin still out-measure its side effects making it, still the right buy?”

This diabetes drug has the lowest adherence rate than any others, says the research. But, if look for those 120 million patients worldwide, who were prescribed to buy metformin online, they think there are ways for improving the percentage of same. With the use of this drug, they are most likely to stop taking medications.

What does the research say about Metformin?

As per a recent study conducted by the University of Surrey, shows that Metformin causes some of the gastrointestinal symptoms like flatulence and Diarrhoea. It can also cause dizziness.

1.6 million people medication compliance rates were examined for type 2 diabetes. It showed, Metformin amidst other medications has the lowest adherence rate. As for them, DPP-4 inhibitors which is a class of oral diabetes medication including Tradjenta and Januvia brands names are still the best and safest medication. These brands have the highest adherence rates. They are designed to be body tolerable and cause the least of unpleasant side effects, making them a better choice than Metformin.

Is there a better way to consume Metformin?

For better patient adherence who buy metformin 850 mg, as per the co-founder of Achieve Health & performance, there are things doctors can do before they prescribe their patients the use of such drugs.

As for him, some doctors are negligent enough not to perfectly differentiate between two types of metformin- the regular and extended-release, for consumption. A better distinction between the same can help this medication, most used “extended-release version” stop affecting the body. Not all body needs the same but doctors ignore this. But this is how the medication doesn’t work. There needs to be a distinction and body is to be provided with the same, as per their need.

Another important thing that can be done is the use of GLP-1 drugs. Drugs like Victoza or Byetta, cause constipation and the usage of same with Metformin extended-release will compliment them and balance side effects.

What do patients say?

As for the patients, the use of an extended-release version of metformin caused them to have loose bowels for several months until they figured out what was wrong. It took long enough for their digestive system to recover. This might be helpful for them for a limited time but long-term outcomes are dangerous and affecting them badly. The use of extended version also affected the other medications which patients took.

Patients need education

Metformin is first pushed diabetes drug by a doctor. As for them, it is the cheapest. Even the insurance companies are found to do that. But not all body demands the same drug. It's like forcing people onto a drug regimen.

One important reason for patients taking this diabetic medication is that they lack education about the same. Doctors fail to be educators and to make patients realise why, how and what should be dosage and its effect on health.

There are rules to be followed with every medication like metformin is to be taken with food and there should be titrated dose first which can be increased later for preventing gastric distress.

So, considering the above points, well, Metformin is not a threat if the same is prescribed with proper knowledge and usage instruction. It can be a help for sure as for patients its use is like a therapy.