Riomet is an oral solution containing the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride in the form of a monohydrochloride salt. It belongs to the biguanidine class of antihyperglycemic agents. The solution is available at a concentration of 500 mg metformin hydrochloride per 5 mL and is administered orally. Key inactive ingredients include benzoic acid, hydrochloric acid, potassium bicarbonate, purified water, strawberry flavor, sucralose, and xanthan gum.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food at the start of a meal. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest checking your blood sugar levels more often.
Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:
Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
Tell your care team you are taking this medication before you have surgery or an imaging scan, such as a CT or X-ray. You may need to stop taking this medication for a while before and after the procedure. Your care team will tell you when to stop and when to start taking it again.
Make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
This medication may cause you to ovulate, which may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your care team about contraception while you are taking this medication. Contact your care team if you think you might be pregnant.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication can cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Stop taking it and call your care team right away if you feel weak or tired, have muscle pain, stomach pain, or trouble breathing. Before taking this medication, tell your care team about your health history. Let them know if you are 65 or older, drink alcohol often, have liver, kidney, or heart problems, or if you've had a recent heart attack, stroke, or infection. These can make side effects more likely. Dehydration, surgery, and some dyes used for CT or X-ray may also increase your risk. Your care team can help you stay safe.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
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