Siofor (metformin) - instructions for use reviews

Siofor is an effective hypoglycemic agent with a minimal list of side effects and a pronounced sugar-lowering effect. If indicated, metformin hydrochloride tablets can be combined with insulin injections.

The drug is often prescribed for maintenance therapy for type 2 diabetes, especially if the patient is overweight. It is important to strictly adhere to the daily dosage of the hypoglycemic agent Siofor. Instructions for use contain information about the active substance, treatment regimen, and special instructions.

[contents]

Analogues of the drug according to ATC codes:

BAGOMET BAGOMET GLIFORMIN GLUCOPHAGE GLUCOPHAGE LONG METFOGAMMA 1000 METFOGAMMA 500 METFOGAMMA 850 METFORMIN METFORMIN-RICHTER NOVOFORMIN FORMETIN FORMIN PLIVA FORMIN PLIVA All

Before using SIOFOR you should consult your doctor. These instructions for use are for informational purposes only. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to take pills for polycystic ovary syndrome

Increased insulin production provokes various health problems. The most common disease in women is polycystic ovary syndrome.

Symptoms of polycystic disease:

• ovulation failure occurs;
• the volume of androgens produced by the ovaries increases;
• hormonal imbalance occurs;
• body tissue cells malfunction when absorbing glucose.

The same thing happens with diabetes. Therefore, doctors began treating polycystic ovary syndrome with diabetes medications. Siofor 500 stabilizes the ovulation cycle without causing complications of insulin therapy. The drug is prescribed for certain types of infertility. Insulin resistance is similar for women of any size, in contrast to the manifestations of diabetes.

When taking tablets:

• appetite decreases;
• a woman's weight decreases;
• there is a reduction in the volume of androgen production;
• skin becomes cleaner;
• pressure returns to normal;
• the menstrual cycle is adjusted.

The result is that the chances of proper formation of the fetus and its gestation increase. With polycystic disease, you need to be patient. He is treated for a long time - from 6 months. During this time, the menstrual cycle and ovulation normalize. If necessary, the therapeutic course is increased or adjusted.

Doctors prescribe:

• take 500 mg of the drug per day, divided into 3 doses;
• take the medicine with meals, with plenty of liquid;
• Do not take more than 1700 mg of the drug per day.

The article provides detailed instructions for using Siofor 500.

Reviews about the effectiveness of the medicine are positive. In addition to the fact that it demonstrates high effectiveness in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, the drug reduces the risk of developing diabetes mellitus and problems in the functioning of the cardiac system

It is important to know! Do not take the medicine 2 days before undergoing an x-ray examination

Release form, composition and packaging

Siofor® 500

White film-coated tablets, round, biconvex.

Excipients: hypromellose, povidone, magnesium stearate, macrogol 6000, titanium dioxide (E171).

10 pieces. - blisters (3) - cardboard packs. 10 pcs. - blisters (6) - cardboard packs. 10 pcs. - blisters (12) - cardboard packs.

Siofor® 850

White, film-coated, oblong tablets with a double-sided score.

Excipients: hypromellose, povidone, magnesium stearate, macrogol 6000, titanium dioxide (E171).

15 pcs. - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 15 pcs. - blisters (4) - cardboard packs. 15 pcs. - blisters (8) - cardboard packs.

Siofor® 1000

White film-coated tablets, oblong, with a double-sided notch for division.

Excipients: povidone K25, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, macrogol 6000, titanium dioxide (E171).

15 pcs. - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 15 pcs. - blisters (4) - cardboard packs. 15 pcs. - blisters (8) - cardboard packs.

pharmachologic effect

Hypoglycemic drug from the biguanide group. Provides a decrease in both basal and postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Does not stimulate insulin secretion and therefore does not lead to hypoglycemia. The action of metformin is likely based on the following mechanisms:

• decreased glucose production in the liver due to inhibition of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis;
• increasing muscle sensitivity to insulin and,
• hence,
• improvement of glucose absorption in the periphery and its utilization;
• inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine.

Metformin, through its action on glycogen synthetase, stimulates intracellular glycogen synthesis. Increases the transport capacity of all currently known membrane glucose transport proteins.

Regardless of the effect on blood glucose levels, it has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism, leading to a decrease in total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol and triglycerides.

Pharmacokinetics

Suction

After oral administration, Cmax in blood plasma is reached after approximately 2.5 hours. When eating, absorption decreases and slows down slightly. Cmax of metformin in plasma at the maximum dosage does not exceed 4 mcg/ml. Absolute bioavailability in healthy patients is approximately 50-60%.

Distribution

Practically does not bind to plasma proteins. Average Vd is 63-276 hp.

Removal

It is excreted unchanged in the urine. Renal clearance is more than 400 ml/min. After oral administration, T1/2 is about 6.5 hours.

Pharmacokinetics in special clinical situations

With decreased renal function, clearance decreases in proportion to creatinine clearance. Thus, T1/2 is prolonged and the plasma concentration of metformin increases.

SIOFOR: DOSAGE

The dose of the drug is set individually depending on the level of glucose in the blood. Therapy should be carried out with a gradual increase in dose, starting with 0.5-1 g (1-2 tablets) of the drug Siofor® 500 or 850 mg (1 tablet) of the drug Siofor® 850. Then, depending on the level of glucose in the blood, the dose of the drug increase at intervals of 1 week to an average daily dose of 1.5 g (3 tablets) of Siofor® 500 or 1.7 g (2 tablets) of Siofor® 850. The maximum daily dose of Siofor® 500 is 3 g (6 tablets), drug Siofor® 850 - 2.55 g (3 tablets).

The average daily dose of Siofor® 1000 is 2 g (2 tablets). The maximum daily dose of Siofor® 1000 is 3 g (3 tablets).

The drug should be taken during meals, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of liquid.

If the daily dose of the drug is more than 1 tablet, it should be divided into 2-3 doses. The duration of use of the drug Siofor® is determined by the doctor.

A missed dose should not be compensated for by taking a correspondingly larger number of tablets once.

Due to the increased risk of developing lactic acidosis, the dose of the drug should be reduced in case of severe metabolic disorders.

Can it be used for weight loss?

The drug Siofor is often used for weight loss; it reduces appetite. People who are losing weight especially appreciate the special effect of metformin.

It consists of reducing cravings for sweets. Therefore, even confectionery lovers will feel comfortable during the treatment process.

The drug must be taken at the time of eating . Your doctor should tell you how to take Siofor in a particular case. The specialist will also recommend the optimal dosage.

Siofor for weight loss is quite often prescribed by endocrinologists and therapists. For patients with type 1 diabetes who are slightly overweight, taking metformin is very dangerous to their health. The effect of the drug lasts as long as the patient takes it.

If therapy is suspended, the lost pounds begin to return.

It must be said that currently Siofor is one of the safest options among all modern pills designed to combat excess weight. Buyers are attracted by the fact that this drug is affordable.

While taking pills to reduce body weight, you need to adhere to a prescribed diet. In most similar cases, experts advise sticking to a low-calorie “starvation” diet. The recommended dose should not be exceeded. Otherwise, lactic acidosis may develop - this is a rare but very dangerous complication.

The tablets must be taken orally and are advised to be taken with a significant amount of water. There is no need to chew them. The dosage is chosen for the patient by the doctor. This takes into account what level of blood sugar is present at the moment.

Siofor 500 is taken as follows: first, 1-2 tablets are prescribed per day.

The daily dose increases gradually to 3 tablets.

Six tablets is the maximum dosage of the drug. If more than one tablet is taken per day, they should be divided into several doses. It is not recommended to increase the dosage without first consulting your doctor.

The duration of treatment is determined only by the doctor. Application of Siofor 850: administration is also prescribed with 1 tablet. You should take no more than 3 tablets per day. The use of Siofor 1000 should be combined with insulin injections.

The weight loss drug should not be used without consulting a doctor.

If the patient is diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, Siofor can be taken only after approval by the doctor.

Drug interactions

When used simultaneously with sulfonylurea derivatives, acarbose, insulin, NSAIDs, MAO inhibitors, oxytetracycline, ACE inhibitors, clofibrate derivatives, cyclophosphamide, beta-blockers, the hypoglycemic effect of Siofor® may be enhanced.

When used simultaneously with GCS, oral contraceptives, epinephrine, sympathomimetics, glucagon, thyroid hormones, phenothiazine derivatives, nicotinic acid derivatives, the hypoglycemic effect of the drug Siofor® may be reduced.

Siofor® may weaken the effect of indirect anticoagulants.

When used simultaneously with ethanol, the risk of developing lactic acidosis increases.

Pharmacokinetic interaction

Furosemide increases the Cmax of metformin in blood plasma.

Nifedipine increases the absorption and Cmax of metformin in the blood plasma and prolongs its elimination.

Cationic drugs (amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, vancomycin), secreted in the tubules, compete for tubular transport systems and, with long-term therapy, can increase the Cmax of metformin in the blood plasma.

Cimetidine slows down the elimination of metformin, which increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis.

Metformin reduces Cmax in blood plasma and T1/2 of furosemide.

SIOFOR: SIDE EFFECTS

From the digestive system: at the beginning of therapy - nausea, vomiting, “metallic” taste in the mouth, lack of appetite, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain. The frequency and intensity of these side effects can be reduced by gradually increasing the dose and taking the drug during or after meals. Discontinuation of the course of treatment is not required, since in most cases the complaints disappear even with an unchanged dose of the drug.

On the metabolic side: in isolated cases (in case of drug overdose, in the presence of diseases for which the use of the drug is contraindicated, in alcoholism) lactic acidosis may develop (requires cessation of treatment). With long-term treatment, the development of hypovitaminosis B12 (malabsorption) is possible.

From the hematopoietic system: in some cases - megaloblastic anemia.

From the endocrine system: hypoglycemia (if the dosage regimen is violated).

Allergic reactions: very rarely - skin rash.

Alcohol compatibility

During the period of consumption, alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited, as irreversible liver changes may occur, namely: fibrosis followed by fatty degeneration (hepatitis).

Ethyl alcohol blocks the delivery of glucose into the blood, which leads to hypoglycemia and the subsequent development of hypoglycemic coma. When taking yourself, you must completely limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages of any strength, so as not to put your life at risk.

Drinking alcohol during treatment can also cause lactic acidosis, especially if the person has disrupted their diet or even fasted. All this together increases the risk of developing hyperlactic acidemic coma, which will be accompanied by loss of consciousness, severe muscle pain, drowsiness, rapid breathing, and palpitations.

The development of this condition occurs rapidly within a few hours, with rapidly increasing symptoms:

• Nausea, stabbing pain in the abdomen, vomiting.
• The appearance of pathological breathing sounds.
• Smell of acetone from the mouth.
• Decreased physiological reflexes.
• Violation of the acid-base balance (acidosis).
• Development of heart failure.

Contraindications

• diabetes mellitus type 1;
• complete cessation of the body’s own insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• diabetic ketoacidosis,
• diabetic precoma,
• coma;
• liver and/or kidney dysfunction;
• myocardial infarction;
• cardiovascular failure;
• dehydration;
• severe lung diseases with respiratory failure;
• severe infectious diseases;
• operations,
• injuries;
• catabolic states (states with enhanced breakdown processes,
• For example,
• for tumor diseases);
• hypoxic conditions;
• chronic alcoholism;
• lactic acidosis (incl.
• in the anamnesis);
• pregnancy;
• lactation (breastfeeding);
• following a calorie-restricted diet (less than 1000 kcal/day);
• childhood;
• use within 48 hours or less before and within 48 hours after radioisotope or x-ray studies with the introduction of an iodine-containing contrast agent (Siofor®1000);
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

The drug should be used with caution in people over 60 years of age who perform heavy physical work, which is associated with an increased risk of developing lactic acidosis.

Indications for use of Siofor

According to the instructions, Siofor is intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recommended for use in the treatment of overweight patients. This drug is often used in cases where treatment of diabetes with diet and exercise has proven ineffective. According to reviews, Siofor is often used to prevent weight gain, as well as metabolic disorders in patients suffering from diabetes. Siofor reduces the level of insulin contained in the blood. This drug can be prescribed as either a primary or an auxiliary drug in combination with other medications.

special instructions

Before prescribing the drug, as well as every 6 months, it is necessary to monitor the functions of the liver and kidneys.

It is necessary to monitor blood lactate levels at least 2 times a year.

The course of treatment with Siofor® 500 and Siofor® 850 must be replaced with therapy with other hypoglycemic drugs (for example, insulin) 2 days before an X-ray examination with intravenous administration of iodine-containing contrast agents, as well as 2 days before surgery under general anesthesia, and continue this therapy for another 2 days after this examination or after surgery.

When combined therapy with sulfonylurea derivatives, careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery

When using the drug Siofor®, it is not recommended to engage in activities that require concentration and rapid psychomotor reactions due to the risk of developing hypoglycemia.

Instructions for use

The drug is obtained 10–15 minutes after saturation. Be sure to take the hypoglycemic medication with water (optimally 200 ml). There is no need to chew Siofor tablets.

If negative reactions occur, you can get the daily dosage two or three times. If the doctor has prescribed 2 or 3 tablets or more, then be sure to evenly distribute the amount of metformin throughout the day.

Important details:

• the initial dosage is always minimal: 500 mg metformin hydrochloride over 24 hours;
• Every two weeks, as directed by the doctor, the patient changes the daily dose. Be sure to measure your sugar levels 7 to 9 times a day to find the optimal dose of metformin. A modern glucometer without pricking your finger helps you determine your blood glucose levels. The built-in mini-computer allows you to quickly and accurately determine sugar values ​​at any time of the day;
• When glucose levels stabilize, the patient takes the optimal dosage of metformin. During the day you can get no more than 3000 mg of the hypoglycemic component;
• with a high risk of decompensation of an endocrine disease, or insufficient hypoglycemic effect in experienced diabetics, additional administration of a storage hormone may be necessary. There is no need to worry if a diabetic is “put on insulin”: the sooner the endocrinologist finds out that the pills cannot keep sugar at normal levels, the lower the risk of complications.