Metformine Teva (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Metformine Teva is an oral antidiabetic that acts on glucose metabolism in patients with insulin resistance.

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: improves glycaemic control and reduces fasting plasma glucose.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome: helps restore ovulatory cycles by decreasing insulin resistance.
• Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes): delays progression to overt diabetes when used under medical supervision.

• Metformin reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases peripheral glucose uptake by activating AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK). This leads to decreased liver glucose output and enhanced insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue, resulting in lower circulating blood‑glucose levels without stimulating insulin secretion.

Metformine Teva may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, abdominal discomfort, or loss of appetite.
• Diarrhoea: frequent loose stools, especially during treatment initiation.
• Metallic taste: transient alteration in taste perception.
• Flatulence: increased intestinal gas.
• Weight loss: modest reduction in body weight.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Lactic acidosis: a rare but life‑threatening accumulation of lactate.
• Severe skin reactions: such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Hepatic failure: rare liver injury in susceptible individuals.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: may develop with long‑term therapy.
• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas reported infrequently.

Metformine Teva requires careful monitoring and specific safety measures.

• Renal function: assess eGFR before starting and monitor periodically; avoid if severe renal impairment exists.
• Hepatic function: contraindicated in patients with significant liver disease due to lactic acidosis risk.
• Lactic acidosis risk: discontinue in conditions predisposing to hypoxia (e.g., heart failure, severe infection).
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Vitamin B12 monitoring: consider periodic assessment during long‑term therapy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Metformine Teva can interact with several medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Iodinated contrast agents: may precipitate acute renal failure and lactic acidosis.
• Cimetidine: can increase metformin plasma concentrations.
• Certain antiretrovirals (e.g., didanosine, stavudine): raise risk of lactic acidosis.
• Alcohol excess: enhances risk of hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis.
• High‑dose diuretics: may impair renal clearance of metformin.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Beta‑blockers: may mask hypoglycaemic symptoms.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: monitor renal function and electrolytes.
• NSAIDs: can reduce renal perfusion, affecting metformin elimination.
• Oral contraceptives: may modestly increase plasma metformin levels.
• Corticosteroids: may raise blood glucose, requiring dose adjustments.