Okamet 500 mg Tablet (20 Tab)

Okamet 500 Tablet Overview:

Okamet 500 Tablet is an oral anti diabetic medication used to treat ‘type 2 diabetes’ (non-insulin-dependent diabetes), either alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines, when lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have not been sufficient to lower blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body cannot effectively use the insulin that the body produces, resulting in increased blood glucose levels. Okamet 500 helps bring blood sugar levels closer to normal by lowering the amount of sugar absorbed from food, decreasing sugar production in the liver, and improving the body's response to insulin. With long-term use, Okamet 500 can also help reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Additionally, Okamet 500 is also used to manage PCOS in women by regulating blood sugar levels, which may help improve fertility and support regular ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Composition of Okamet 500 Tablet:

Each uncoated Okamet 500 Tablet contains: Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg.

Uses and Benefits of Okamet 500 Tablet:

Okamet 500 Tablet is prescribed to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It helps control blood sugar levels and offers additional benefits in conditions such as PCOS and prediabetes. Below are its detailed uses:

• Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Okamet 500 Tablet helps reduce blood sugar by lowering the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the body more responsive to insulin. Keeping blood sugar under control helps reduce the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney problems, and heart disease.

• Support for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Okamet 500 Tablet is often prescribed to manage symptoms of PCOS, a hormonal disorder in women associated with irregular periods, excess androgens, and insulin resistance. Improving insulin sensitivity, Okamet 500 Tablet helps restore regular ovulation and menstrual cycles.

• Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Prediabetic Patients

Metformin is sometimes used in individuals with prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. In such cases, Okamet 500 Tablet helps delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, especially in overweight individuals or those with a family history of diabetes.

How Okamet 500 Tablet works:

The active ingredient in Okamet 500 Tablet is Metformin, which belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. Metformin works in Type 2 diabetes by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. In PCOS, it improves insulin resistance, reduces excess insulin and androgen levels, and helps regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Dosage of Okamet 500 Tablet:

• Usage Direction

Take Okamet 500 Tablet strictly according to the prescribed dose and time, as directed by your doctor. It is important to swallow Okamet 500 Tablet whole without chewing, crushing or breaking it, especially at the same time every day. Do not stop or change the dosage of Okamet 500 without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent you from achieving the desired results. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar while taking Okamet 500 may improve your condition. If you are unsure about the method of administration of Okamet 500, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Missed Dose

In case you missed a dose of Okamet 500 Tablet, take it as soon as it is remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose of Okamet 500, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing plan. Avoid taking a double dose of Okamet 500 to make up for a missed one.

• Overdose

If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose of Okamet 500 Tablet, it can cause serious side effects, including severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). In such cases, seek medical help right away. To quickly manage low blood sugar, consume fast-acting carbohydrates like sugar, fruit juice, or honey, and consult a doctor immediately.

Contraindications of Okamet 500 Tablet:

Do not take Okamet 500 Tablet if you are allergic or hypersensitive to Metformin, or any of the ingredients in this medication. This medication should also be avoided if you have lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic pre-coma, or severe kidney failure, dehydration, severe infections, heart failure, breathing problems, recent heart attack, or shock. In addition, do not use this tablet if you have liver problems, are heavily intoxicated with alcohol, or suffer from alcoholism.

Precautions & Warnings of Okamet 500 Tablet:

Before starting treatment with Okamet 500 Tablets, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, as this may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, or if you have heart failure at risk of hypoxia and renal insufficiency. Inform your doctor if you take Okamet 500 Tablet for an extended period, as it may cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Additionally, let your doctor know before undergoing any surgery or X-ray with contrast dye, as the medication may need to be temporarily paused.

Side Effects of Okamet 500 Tablet:

Okamet 500 Tablet may lead to certain side effects, which are generally mild and usually disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these effects persist, you should consult your doctor. Common side effects of Okamet 500 Tablet may include nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, gas, indigestion, constipation, weakness or lack of energy, a change in taste, headache, flushing of the skin, nail changes, muscle pain, and skin rash. In some cases, more serious side effects such as, chest pain & hypoglycemia may occur which require immediate medical attention.

Safety Related Concerns of Okamet 500 Tablet:

• Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor whether Okamet 500 Tablet is safe for you, as it may have an impact on your developing baby.

Generally, if you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may decide to treat you with Insulin instead of Okamet 500. Always follow your doctor's advice and inform them if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, so they can choose the safest treatment for you and your baby.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Okamet 500 Tablet as it can pass through breast milk and may affect your breastfed baby. If you notice any unusual symptoms while taking Okamet 500 Tablet or have any other concerns about your baby, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately.

• Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism, which may raise the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Okamet 500 Tablet.

• Food or Interactions with Other Medicines

While taking Okamet 500 Tablet, you should avoid processed carbohydrates and sugary foods such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, fizzy drinks, as well as high fat foods, as they can affect your blood sugar control.

Consult your doctor if you are taking any herbal products, supplements or other medicines while taking Okamet 500 Tablet. As always, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs while on Okamet 500 Tablet.

• Driving

If you experience side effects such as dizziness or tiredness that affect alertness, you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Okamet 500 Tablet.

Storage of Okamet 500 Tablet:

Store in a cool dry place.

Keep Okamet 500 Tablet out of reach of children.

Note: While taking Okamet 500 Tablet, it is important to monitor your blood sugar and urine regularly, as well as kidney function. Avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and avoid sugary or high-fat foods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Okamet 500 Tablet:

1. What are the uses of Okamet 500 Tablet?

Okamet 500 is an oral antidiabetic medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. It can be used alone or with other diabetes medicines and may help prevent long-term complications. Okamet 500 Tablet is also used to treat PCOS in women by regulating blood sugar, which can improve ovulation, menstrual cycles, and fertility.

2. How does Okamet 500 Tablet work?

Okamet 500 Tablet contains Metformin, which belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. Metformin works in Type 2 diabetes by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. In PCOS, it improves insulin resistance, reduces excess insulin and androgen levels, and helps regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles.

3. Can I stop taking Okamet 500 mg when I start feeling better?

No, you should not stop taking Okamet 500 Tablet during your treatment without consulting your doctor, as it could affect the effectiveness of your therapy. Type 2 diabetes is a long term condition, and Okamet 500 helps manage your blood sugar levels over time. Interrupting treatment suddenly can cause your blood sugar to rise again, increasing the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney problems, or heart disease. If you are experiencing side effects or feel your condition has improved, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose or explore other treatment options, but stopping on your own can be risky.

4. Can Okamet 500 cause weight loss?

Yes, Okamet 500 Tablet can cause mild weight loss in some people, especially those who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes or PCOS. While it is not a weight loss medication, weight loss can happen due to a few reasons:

I. Reduced appetite – You may feel less hungry and eat less.

II. Better insulin use – The body stores less fat when insulin works properly.

III. Less sugar in the body – It lowers sugar made by the liver and absorbed from food, so the body burns fat for energy.

IV. Stable blood sugar – Helps prevent cravings and overeating.

Always use Glycomet as prescribed, and do not take it just for weight loss without a doctor’s advice. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your weight or how the medicine is affecting you.

5. Is Okamet 500 Tablet best for diabetes?

Okamet 500 (which contains metformin) is commonly used as the first-choice medicine for type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar effectively and is usually well tolerated with fewer side effects compared to some other diabetes drugs.

However, the most suitable medicine varies from person to person. The right treatment depends on your overall health, other medical conditions, how your body responds to the medicine, and how well you tolerate it. Your doctor will choose the most suitable medicine after checking your medical history, lifestyle, blood sugar levels, and possible side effects.

Remarks:

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