"Siofor 500" is a hypoglycemic drug for oral administration. It provides an antidiabetic effect, which is achieved by inhibiting the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it helps to increase the sensitive activity of tissues to the action of insulin and inhibits glucogenesis.
The medication also has a hypolipidemic and fibrinolytic effect.
Indications for use of "Siofor 500"
This drug has a rather narrowly targeted therapeutic application, namely, it is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the absence of the effect of dietary therapeutic tactics and physical activity. This is especially true for patients who are overweight. "Siofor 500" for weight loss is also prescribed.
This drug can be used either alone or in therapeutic combination with insulin. For adult patients, it can also be prescribed with other types of hypoglycemic medications. What does the instructions for use of Siofor 500 tell us?
Is Siofor prescribed if there is no diabetes?
The drug Siofor has proven itself as an effective means for weight loss. Therefore, many people who are overweight take this medicine for weight loss. As a rule, this happens without medical advice. You can buy Siofor without a prescription.
Metformin is a substance that allows you to lose weight without harming your health. There is a practice of using it for the treatment of childhood obesity (for patients over 10 years of age).
Today, research is already being conducted on the fact that Siofor allows you to prolong life. Moreover, this is true for both overweight and thin people. However, to date, these studies have not yet been completed.
Composition of the drug and release form
The dosage form is presented in the form of film-coated tablets. They are white in color and biconvex in shape.
Available in 10 pieces in blister packs. One cardboard package contains 3, 6 or 12 contour packs of 10 pieces.
1 tablet "Siofor 500" contains:
- metformin hydrochloride – 0.5 g;
- excipients in the form of povidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate;
- The tablet shell is composed of titanium dioxide, hypromellose and macrogol 6000.
Pharmacodinimka
"Siofor 500" with metformin is an antihyperglycemic drug that is part of the biguanide group. The active substance has the ability to reduce basal and postprandial glucose concentrations in the blood (plasma). The drug does not cause hypoglycemia, because does not affect insulin secreting function.
The principle of action of the active substance of the drug is based on the inhibition of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, which accordingly entails a decrease in glucose synthesis by the liver. The drug also increases muscle sensitivity to insulin, which ultimately improves glucose metabolism in the periphery and reduces glucose absorption by the intestine.
Metmorphine also has beneficial activity in terms of lipid processes, in particular, it reduces triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels.
Pharmacological action of tablets
The drug "Siofor" is a hypoglycemic agent. Intended for oral use. Belongs to the group of biguanides. Has ATX code 10BA02.
Metformin, which is part of the drug, is characterized by antihyperglycemic properties. Affects the reduction of basal and postprandial glucose in the blood. It has no effect on insulin production and is therefore not capable of causing hypoglycemia.
The properties of metformin are based on the following actions:
- Decreased glucose production in the liver. The result is achieved by inhibiting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
- Increased sensitivity of muscle tissue to the effects of insulin. Because of this, glucose is better absorbed. Sugar processing in the periphery is improving.
- Inhibits the absorption of glucose in the intestines.
The active substance, due to its effect on glycogen synthetase, has a positive effect on sugar synthesis inside cells. Increases the transport capacity of glucose membrane proteins.
The drug also accelerates lipid metabolism. Lowers both total cholesterol and triglycerides and low-density cholesterol. This effect of the drug on the body occurs regardless of its effect on blood sugar levels. As a result of these properties, Siofor 500 tablets have found use not only in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but also in the treatment of obesity. Because of this, many people use them for weight loss. As follows from the reviews, many consider Siofor 500 tablets for weight loss to be effective, but they say that in the first time after their use side effects may occur - nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Negative effects are short-lived and disappear after 4-5 days of using the medicine.
After oral administration of the pills, metformin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The highest concentration of the active substance in the blood is observed after 2.5 hours, provided that the therapeutic dosage does not exceed 4 mcg/ml. Absorption decreases and slows down slightly with meals.
The drug can accumulate in the kidneys, liver, muscle tissue and saliva. It also enters red blood cells. Bioavailability in people who do not have health problems is 50-60%. The active substance almost does not bind to blood proteins.
The drug is excreted unchanged through the kidneys. The half-life is 6.5 hours.
Pharmacokinetics
Metmorphine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches its maximum concentration in the blood plasma after an average of two hours. When taking the maximum permissible dose, the level is 0.004 mg per 1 ml. Eating leads to a deterioration or slowdown in the absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of the drug is 50-60% on average (in a healthy portion of patients). Metmorphine has the ability to accumulate in the liver, kidneys, salivary glands and muscle tissue. It also has permeability to red blood cells.
The half-life is 6-7 hours on average. The drug is excreted unchanged through the kidneys.
In case of impaired renal function, the half-life increases and an increase in the level of the active substance of the drug in the blood plasma is observed. This is confirmed by the instructions for use for Siofor 500.
Useful tips
The instructions for use recommend not using Siofor 500 tablets during periods of excessive physical activity. Therefore, when using them, you need to avoid doing fitness classes and running, as there is a risk of lactic acidosis. This pathology occurs asymptomatically. Lactic acid increases in the blood. There is a loss of appetite. Body temperature decreases.
When taking diet pills, you should change your diet. In particular, it is recommended to pay attention to a low-carb diet - it will help you lose weight. Will relieve severe food restrictions and feelings of hunger. Will help maintain the results achieved after a course of taking pills.
Medicines containing metformin are incompatible with:
- drugs that affect blood clotting;
- medications containing ethanol;
- radiopaque iodine-containing medications.
Take Siofor with extreme caution with diuretics, salicylates (there is a possibility of hypoglycemia) and with beta-2 adrenergic agonists (combination with these drugs often causes an increase in blood sugar and neutralizes the effect of Siofor). The simultaneous use of Siofor 500 with other medications that contain metformin is prohibited.
Contraindications
The drug is not prescribed for:
- diabetic precoma;
- diabetic ketoacidosis;
- acute diseases and severe conditions in which there is a high probability of renal dysfunction, including dehydration;
- chronic and acute forms of renal pathologies that can cause tissue hypoxia (examples are the development of shock conditions, cardiac and respiratory failure, post-infarction conditions);
- lactic acidosis;
- acute and chronic liver failure;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- following a low-calorie diet;
- chronic alcoholism;
- acute alcohol poisoning;
- intravascular administration of a contrast agent containing iodine;
- under 10 years of age;
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Particular care must be taken when using the drug in children aged 10-12 years, as well as for treating patients with increased daily calorie consumption, for example, people engaged in heavy physical labor.
Adults
The following treatment regimens are used:
- Monotherapy. The maximum daily dose is three grams per day. This is 6 tablets. They are divided into three steps. To avoid negative manifestations from the digestive system, start with an initial dose of 1 tablet 1-2 times a day for the first 10-15 days. After this period, the dose should be increased - 3-4 tablets per day.
- With combination therapy in combination with insulin. As in the previous case, the maximum daily dose is 3 grams per day - that’s 6 tablets. They are divided into three steps. Also start with 1 tablet 1-2 times a day. Then, with a gradual increase in the daily dose at weekly intervals, the daily dose is adjusted to 3-4 tablets per day. Insulin dosage is calculated based on blood glucose levels.
If, before prescribing Siofor 500, the patient was taking another antidiabetic drug, it is discontinued and proceed to the initial stage of the dosage regimen, as indicated above.
For elderly patients, the drug should be prescribed only based on plasma creatinine levels. Regular monitoring of kidney function is also necessary.
What analogues of the medicine exist?
If necessary, you can replace Siofor, for example, with one of the following drugs:
- "Glucophage."
- "Metformin."
- "Formetin".
All these medicines contain the same active ingredient as Siofor. They are prescribed taking into account the same contraindications and usually in the same dosages. Also, “Siofor”, if necessary, can be replaced, for example, with:
- "Maninil."
- "Gluren."
- "Glidiab."
- "Baetu."
The drug "Maninil" is a medicine that stimulates the production of insulin. Like Siofor, it is often prescribed for ineffective diet therapy. The main active ingredient of this medicine is glibenclamide.
The drug "Glurenom" is prescribed to patients with type II diabetes with ineffective diet therapy. Its active component is gliquidone. Sometimes this remedy is prescribed to older people who are obese.
The main active ingredient of Glidiab is gliclazide. This medicine is used for type II diabetes mellitus. Like all the products described above, it is supplied to the market in tablet form.
The drug "Bayeta" is usually prescribed to patients if treatment with "Siofor" or other drugs based on metformin does not produce results. This drug is supplied to clinics and pharmacies in the form of an injection solution.
All of the analogues described above have received good reviews from patients. The instructions for use for these drugs (with the exception of Bayet) are practically no different from Siofor. However, the price of these drugs may be higher or lower. For example, those patients who cannot find money for Siofor should try treatment with Glucophage. This medicine is very inexpensive and at the same time is also deservedly popular among patients with diabetes.
Side effects
Common side effects include gastrointestinal reactions (dyspeptic disorders, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, epigastric pain, diarrhea)
There are also undesirable reactions such as loss of taste sensitivity, skin manifestations in the form of itching, hives, and redness.
There is also a possibility of increased liver enzymatic activity
The appearance of lactic acidosis also falls into the category of probable side effects.
Negative opinion of those losing weight
The drug "Siofor 500" also has negative reviews. Thus, dissatisfied people note that the drug is ineffective in reducing weight. They claim that the pills act temporarily, and after stopping taking the pills, the lost pounds are returned.
As follows from the negative reviews, many consider Siofor 500 tablets dangerous. They are said to cause side effects that include indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and dizziness. Some people were bothered by a constant metallic taste in the mouth while using the drug. There are those who independently took Siofor and seriously harmed their health. These individuals' blood pressure dropped sharply. My nose started bleeding. I fainted. Blood sugar levels dropped sharply.
For one part of those losing weight, the side effects disappeared within a week, and they subsequently continued taking the drug. Other people were hospitalized and took a very long time to recover their health. They warn that it is very dangerous to use these pills without consulting a doctor.
Overdose
According to observations, doses of up to 85 grams per day of Siofor 500 for diabetes do not cause cases of hypoglycemia.
A significant overdose can cause lactic acidosis, the symptoms of which are severe headache, general weakness and drowsiness, manifestations from the respiratory organs, dyspeptic disorders, increased temperature, decreased pulse rate and blood pressure. Muscle pain, disturbances of consciousness and even complete loss also appear. If one or a combination of overdose symptoms appears, immediate discontinuation of the drug and provision of urgent medical care is necessary. One of the most effective measures to assist in removing increased doses of the active substance of the drug and lactate is hemodialysis.
Drug interactions
If intravascular administration of an iodine-containing contrast agent is necessary, it must be done two days before the radiographic examination. Resumption of the drug is also recommended no earlier than 2 days after the procedure.
If it is necessary to provide hypoglycemic therapy during this period, it is possible to use other drugs, for example, insulin.
Simultaneous use of Siofor 500 with alcohol-containing products and medications is not recommended.
There is a high probability of developing lactic acidosis after severe alcohol intoxication and intoxication, while drinking alcohol, with liver failure, fasting or a significantly limited calorie diet.
How much weight can you lose?
The course of taking Siofor is 3 months. If this period is combined with changes in diet and lifestyle, the result can exceed all expectations. Every week you can lose 3-5 kg. By the end of the course, the scales will reflect a significant indicator.
If you stick to your normal diet and don’t exhaust yourself with physical exercise, your weight will become 3-7 kg lighter.
Those wishing to use this drug or any other for weight loss should remember that without changing yourself inside, you cannot achieve great results. You need to start the fight against weight by defeating yourself.
special instructions
It is worth noting such a phenomenon as lactic acidosis. This is a serious condition that is a consequence of lactic acid intoxication (its accumulation in the blood). The cumulative effect of metmorphine may cause this pathology, although such cases are rare. This usually occurs if a patient with diabetes has severe renal failure. Accordingly, before prescribing the drug, it is necessary to analyze possible additional negative risk factors in the form of decompensated diabetes, ketoacidosis, chronic alcoholism, liver failure, as well as hypoxic conditions of patients.
At the very beginning of therapy, it is quite possible that negative effects from the gastrointestinal tract may occur. That is why it is recommended to gradually increase the course dosage. Usually, the above-mentioned side effects go away on their own and do not require special therapy.
In cases of long courses of taking the drug in patients with megaloblastic anemia, a deficiency of B12 in the blood is observed.
Also, before starting treatment with Siofor 500 (including for weight loss), it is necessary to assess the state of functioning of the kidneys and liver.
The desired therapeutic result of taking this drug is achieved by combining it with diet therapy and physical exercise. If the patient is overweight, a mandatory adjustment of the daily caloric intake downward is necessary. It is also important to conduct regular laboratory monitoring of indicators.
Metmorphine does not have a negative effect on the development and growth of pediatric patients. Monitoring of indicators of physical formation and development of adolescents was carried out throughout the year. Longer use of the drug requires careful attention to monitoring the development of physical indicators and the development of adolescents, since nothing is known about the connection between the physical development of children and long-term use of the drug.
Of course, this depends on how you take Siofor 500. We'll look at the reviews below.
Features of taking Siofor 1000 tablets for weight loss
The accumulation of metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a rare pathological condition that is associated with an increase in the concentration of lactic acid in the blood.
Based on patient reviews, one can judge the development of this condition in patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus with renal failure and who take metformin.
In order to prevent lactic acidosis, it is worth considering all available risk information, for example, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged fasting, liver failure, ketosis, uncontrolled diabetes, as well as any patient condition associated with hypoxia.
If the suspicion of the development of lactic acidosis is confirmed, then the drug Siofor 1000 is stopped and the patient is hospitalized. Metformin is excreted through the kidneys, so before starting to take the tablets, it is necessary to determine the concentration of creatinine in the blood.
Particular caution should be exercised if there is a risk of renal dysfunction, for example, at the very beginning of treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics or antihypertensive drugs. Two days before and two days after an x-ray with intravenous administration of substances containing iodine, instead of the drug, take another drug to lower blood glucose (for example, insulin)
Two days before and two days after an x-ray with intravenous administration of iodine-containing substances, instead of the drug, another drug is taken to lower blood glucose (for example, insulin).
A couple of days before surgery under general, epidural, or spinal anesthesia, the drug is stopped. Treatment with the drug continues after the resumption of oral nutrition or no earlier than 2 days after surgery, but with the condition of normal renal function.
Siofor 1000 diet pills cannot replace physical exercise.
While taking the pills, patients need to combine various types of therapy as recommended by their doctor. During treatment, patients should follow a diet with a balanced intake of carbohydrates. If you are obese, it is recommended to follow a low-calorie diet.
During treatment, it is necessary to carry out the full range of standard laboratory tests as for diabetes mellitus. Before prescribing the drug to children under 18 years of age, the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus must be confirmed.
If you take Siofor 1000 in combination with sulfonylurea derivatives or insulin.
Pregnancy and lactation
The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women suffering from type 2 diabetes should inform their doctor about it and its planning if they become pregnant. During pregnancy, the drug is discontinued and replaced with insulin. The use of insulin during gestation can reduce the risk of hyperglycemia affecting the growth and condition of the fetus.
Clinical trials have not been conducted for metmorphine to determine whether it passes into breast milk. But, based on the results of clinical trials on animals, which showed permeability to metfmorphine, the drug is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
During breastfeeding, the attending physician considers options: while taking Siofor 500, it is indicated to either suspend breastfeeding or discontinue the drug if there is no threat to the mother’s health.
Combination with other medications
In relation to Siofor, there are quite strict nuances and restrictions on use. It is strictly forbidden to combine the drug with alcoholic beverages and alcohol-containing medications. Otherwise, unpleasant side effects cannot be avoided.
In general, the combination of Siofor with other medications is as follows:
- Aspirin, insulin, antibiotics and ascarbose increase the effectiveness of the drug for getting rid of extra pounds.
- When taking Siofor with cimetidine, the risk of developing lactic acidosis significantly increases.
- The effectiveness of the drug for weight loss is reduced when taken simultaneously with sex hormones, sedatives and nicotinic acid derivatives.
On our website you will find a lot more useful information on other medications for diabetes. If for some reason Siofor is not suitable for you, you can pay attention to Metformin, Glucophage and other analogues.
Reviews
According to reviews of this drug, it has the active ability to lower blood glucose levels and maintain them at an optimal level. It also helps normalize appetite with the recommended limited consumption of carbohydrates.
Feedback from patients is mostly positive in terms of tolerability of the drug "Siofor 500".
There is a practice of taking the drug for weight loss. Since it has the ability to normalize carbohydrate metabolism, it has been actively used for weight loss. Here the reviews are both negative and positive. Unfortunately, the therapeutic effect of Siofor 500 is not designed to promote healthy weight loss, since the drug was developed for completely different purposes: the treatment of diabetes. Metforfin is not at all designed for use by people without the corresponding pathology.
Accordingly, side effects of weight loss through its use are the result of inappropriate use of the drug. Among these undesirable consequences of inappropriate use of the drug, despite progress in weight loss, are unpleasant symptoms from the digestive system, similar to those of food poisoning, liver dysfunction, as well as the development of a gag reflex to pronounced food aromas. Long-term uncontrolled use of the drug can lead to the development of acute pancreatitis.
What is the price of Siofor 500? More on this below.
Effectiveness in losing weight. Price
How to take Siofor 500 tablets was described above, and now we will talk about the effectiveness of this drug.
Overweight people are attracted by the drug's ability to affect metabolism. After all, only stabilizing blood sugar leads to weight loss. Additional benefits of the drug include a reduction in hunger and cravings for sweets. Moreover, in some cases there is a complete aversion to desserts, flour products and chocolate, which contributes to weight loss.
Siofor 500 tablets make it possible to control appetite. The result is a smaller portion size. The pills prevent glucose from being absorbed into the blood and increasing fat deposits. When taking this remedy, all the sugars eaten are sent to the intestines and eliminated from the body.
A combination of pills and a low-carbohydrate diet, as well as light maintenance exercises, can help you lose up to 15 kg of excess weight in three months. Weight loss is gradual, from 3 to 5 kg per month.
“Siofor 500” for weight loss, reviews from those who have lost weight are considered a godsend. According to them, a diet with this drug is cheap, because sixty tablets cost around 200-250 rubles.
Pros and cons for weight loss
Many people start taking metformin to lose weight. At the same time, no one is in a hurry to receive an appropriate recommendation from an endocrinologist.
If you are taking medication for weight loss, you will need to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. A strict diet and intense physical activity lead to the development of hypoglycemia. This is the main disadvantage of this tool. The amount of simple carbohydrates in the diet should also be limited. A varied and nutritious diet is required: fasting is strictly prohibited.
You should always remember to be careful. Appetite is suppressed and weight loss occurs only during the period of use. If you stop taking pills, you can gain weight again.
The advantages of the drug are as follows:
- suppresses appetite;
- stimulates metabolism;
- prevents type 2 diabetes.
There will be no side effects if the dosage is increased gradually.
Complications from taking pills
The main effect of Siofor is characterized by the provision of such complications as lactic acidosis. This is a serious pathological human condition that occurs relatively rarely, but is quite dangerous for humans. The reason for its formation is the accumulation of natural lactic acid, which is formed due to the accumulation of the substance metformin.
The complication most often occurs in people who suffer not only from diabetes, but also from kidney failure.
To avoid such a complication, you will need to take certain preventive measures. Before therapy, it is worth checking the body and eliminating such unfavorable factors as:
- Ketosis;
- Starvation;
- Diabetes;
- Chronic alcoholism;
- Liver failure;
- Signs of hypoxia.
If you have the most initial suspicion of the described complication, you should consult a doctor, who will stop the medication and, in a particularly difficult situation, conduct hospitalization.
Caution must be observed in case of impaired renal function, which is especially evident in the initial period of taking antihypertensive medications, modern anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics. In addition, you need to stop taking the drug 48 hours before the MRI and the same amount after it
This rule was established due to the special iodine-containing contrasts used during the procedure.
In addition, you need to stop taking the drug 48 hours before the MRI and the same number after it. This rule was established due to the special iodine-containing contrasts used during the procedure.
You should also stop taking the drug two days before a planned operation that requires general anesthesia. Treatment in this case is resumed approximately 2-3 days after surgery, when proper nutrition is resumed.
Taking the medication does not affect the ability to efficiently and fully drive cars and mechanical equipment.
It is necessary to understand that the use of Siofor 500 cannot be a complete replacement for daily exercise and certain restrictions. This form of therapy must be combined with adherence to dietary nutrition. The amount of carbohydrates each day should be equal and relatively small. If you have any serious health problems, you need to conduct special studies and take the required tests.
Proper administration of the drug does not cause hypoglycemia in the patient. This, in turn, will allow you to get a positive effect as quickly as possible - losing weight and getting rid of the pathology that complicates your life.
