Glucophage (metformin Hcl Tablets)

GLUCOPHAGE (Metformin HCL Tablets) & GLUCOPHAGE-XR (Metformin HCL Extended Release Tablets)

Reported Characteristics

• Drug Class: Receptor Stimulator
• Average Reported Dosage: 500-850 MG 1-2 times daily
• Water Retention: Low-Moderate
• High Blood Pressure: Rare

Glucophage is an antidiabetic drug prescribed to treat Type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Individuals who have Type II diabetes are usually unable to produce enough insulin naturally (in response to the food they ingest) or suffer cell insulin receptor-site insensitivity. However, Glucophage can be prescribed by a doctor for Type I diabetics as a means of additional glucose (blood sugar) control in unison with insulin injections. Clinical use of Glucophage for diabetics is fairly common. What the drug does is:

1. Increase cell insulin receptor-site number and sensitivity.
2. Decreases the amount of glucose/sugar the intestines absorb.
3. Decrease the amount of glucose/sugar the liver manufactures. (One source of liver glucose production is amino acids/protein).

These three effects explain why clinical administration of Glucophage seldom results in reports of added hypoglycemic effects during administration of the drug alone. However, when combined with insulin injections and/or sulfonylureas (Glipizide) a significant increase in carbohydrate requirements and weight gain is realized. Polled bodybuilders utilized the effects of Glucophage differently for different phases;
1. During mass gain phases utilizing exogenous insulin, 500-850 MG 1-2 times daily of Glucophage increased the effective value of insulin. This was due to an elevation in receptor-site number and sensitivity. Glucophage also decreased the amount of insulin needed for maximum results.
2. During pancreatic regeneration or protocols that included Glipizide, Glyburide, or other pancreatic/insulin stimulation, Glucophage increased the effectiveness and amplified results. 500 MG 2 x daily was the common Glucophage dosage for this purpose.
3. During diet phases, bodybuilders have utilized Glucophage as a means of decreasing glucose production by the liver and glucose absorption by the intestines. This in itself decreases insulin secretion by the pancreas and increases the body's dependence upon fat stores for energy requirements. This was employed especially so during GH and PGF-2 use, and was synergistic with anabolic/androgenic steroids. SINCE cell insulin receptorsites are more sensitive and since there is an existing cross-over stimulation between IGF-1 and Insulin (and their opposing receptor-sites) lean mass retention was notably increased. This effect helped decrease the negative effects dieting has upon IGF-1 production endogenously.
*Since less IGF-1 is produced during diet phases, less lean mass is normally retained. If cell receptor-sites are more plentiful and sensitive, less IGF-1 is required for stimulation. 500MG daily of Glucophage was usually considered effective for this. Glucophage was taken with meals and never less than 6 hours before sleeping. Individuals with kidney problems did not take Glucophage and most athletes were aware of the fact that in some cases stacking with oral 17-alfa-alkylated drugs could induce even greater liver damage.
The drug insert gives some insight into the potential dangers of non-monitored use: Combining Glucophage with Digoxin (Lanoxin), furosemide (Lasix), or any diuretic is dangerous for individuals with heart problems. Glucophage has also been known to encourage lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a build-up of lactic acid in the blood stream. Prolonged excessive lactic acid build-up in blood can cause serious damage. Alcohol use increases the risk of lactic acidosis during periods of Glucophage use. A doctor should be consulted for monitoring prior to use.
~SIGNS OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS
**Dizzy or lightheaded. ** Slow or irregular heart beat.
**Feeling very tired, weak, or uncomfortable. **Feeling cold.
**Unusual muscular pains. **Unusual stomach discomfort