Glucophage is a type of oral medication that is generally used to control diabetes, according to Drugs.com. It can also be used to treat other medical conditions such as obesity and PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucophage is only available through a physician's prescription, is generally considered a safe drug and is available in different doses and generic forms.
Drug Information
Derived of the biguanide family, glucophage is designed to lower blood sugar in someone with diabetes but not in that of someone with normal sugar levels. Gluchophage is an oral medication taken by mouth. It also has brand names called fortamet, riomet, glumetza, and glucophage XR and a generic metformin, notes Mayo Clinic. The proper dosage depends on your weight and the type of medical condition you have.
Weight Loss
Glucophage is not used directly to treat obesity. When it is used in diabetic patients who are significantly overweight, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and help assist with weight loss. Glucophage is a type of insulin sensitizer, according to the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. When the insulin your body produces is generated effectively, you are better able to digest fats and blood sugar is absorbed properly. This can prevent weight gain and promote weight loss in some patients.
PCOS
PCOS occurs primarily in women of childbearing age. Women's Health explains that PCOS affects around 5 million women in the U.S. Having PCOS can cause you to gain weight in the mid-section, affect your ability to conceive, make your menstrual cycle irregular, cause hormone irregularity and target vital organs like your heart and blood vessels, according to Women's Health. Women with PCOS may also have a buildup of insulin in their body. Glucophage can help regulate blood sugar levels by regulating how their body uses insulin.
Diabetes
Glucophage is approved by the FDA to treat patients with type 2 diabetes, according to Drugs.com. While not every woman who has PCOS has diabetes, PCOS can eventually lead to diabetes because of the body not using insulin properly. The weight gain caused by hormone and insulin fluctuations with PCOS can put you at a higher risk for developing diabetes. Glucophage helps regulate the insulin and possibly prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, according to Drugs.com.
Usage
Drugs.com says that you should use Glucophage or its generic as directed by your physician. It is generally taken with a meal to combat some of its side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, nausea, metallic taste in mouth, vomiting and indigestion. The extended release medication may be taken once a day at night, rather than several times a day with meals.
