Melmet 500 SR Tablet

Melmet 500 SR Tablet is an oral diabetes medicine that contains metformin as its active ingredient. Each Melmet 500 SR Tablet provides 500 mg of metformin in a sustained-release tablet form, which is designed to release medicine gradually. It belongs to the biguanide class and is used along with diet and exercise to help manage type 2 diabetes. Melmet 500 SR Tablet may also be prescribed for certain other glucose-control needs when your clinician decides it is appropriate.

How it works: Metformin in Melmet 500 SR Tablet helps lower blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose your liver makes and by helping your body respond better to insulin. The tablet form is swallowed whole so the medicine can be released slowly and absorbed over time.

Melmet 500 SR Tablet is a mid-strength metformin tablet, so it may fit people who need more glucose-lowering effect than a lower-strength tablet but do not yet need a higher-dose tablet. Because it is a sustained-release tablet, it is meant to work gradually over time rather than causing a fast, sharp effect. A doctor may choose Melmet 500 SR Tablet to help improve day-to-night blood sugar control while trying to limit stomach upset.

• Type 2 diabetes blood sugar control
• Used with diet and exercise
• May be used alone or with other diabetes medicines
• Helps improve fasting and overall glucose levels

• Swallow Melmet 500 SR Tablet whole with water; do not crush, cut, or chew it.
• Take it with food or right after a meal unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
• Do not take an extra dose if you miss one; follow your prescriber’s instructions.
• If stomach upset happens, taking the tablet with a meal may help reduce it.
• Because this is a sustained-release tablet, do not split it to try to change how fast it works.

Each Melmet 500 SR Tablet contains 500 mg of metformin. Your doctor decides how many tablets you should take and how often, based on your blood sugar, kidney function, and treatment response. The maximum daily amount depends on the patient and the prescribing plan, so do not increase the dose on your own.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Metformin may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Gas or bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• More stomach upset may happen when starting treatment or after a dose increase

• Melmet 500 SR Tablet is for people your doctor has evaluated; do not use it to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Tell your prescriber if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or a history of lactic acidosis.
• Avoid heavy alcohol use, because alcohol can raise the risk of serious metformin side effects.
• Seek medical advice before using this tablet around imaging tests that use contrast dye.
• If you have poor appetite, vomiting, fever, or dehydration, contact a clinician because metformin may need to be held temporarily.
• Do not crush or split the sustained-release tablet, since that can change how it releases medicine.
• Be careful with driving or tasks requiring focus if you feel weak or dizzy from low or high blood sugar.

• Alcohol
• Iodinated contrast dye used for some CT or X-ray scans
• Other diabetes medicines, including insulin and sulfonylureas, which can increase low blood sugar risk
• Certain medicines that may affect kidney function or metformin levels, such as some diuretics or NSAIDs
• Cimetidine and other medicines that can raise metformin exposure

Store Melmet 500 SR Tablet in its original strip at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light.