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Drug Interactions between metformin and Qsymia

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

metFORMIN topiramate

Applies to: metformin and Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate)

Using metFORMIN together with topiramate may increase the risk of a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that can occasionally occur during treatment with metformin-containing products. Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur if you have kidney or liver disease, acute or unstable congestive heart failure, dehydration, or an excess intake of alcohol. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop potential signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, increasing drowsiness, abdominal pain or discomfort, slow or irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty, chills, and other unusual symptoms. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

phentermine metFORMIN

Applies to: Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate) and metformin

As you lose weight during treatment with phentermine, your dosage requirement of metFORMIN or any other diabetic medications you are receiving may change. You may need more frequent monitoring of your blood sugar and adjustment of your diabetic regimen both during and after treatment with phentermine. Let your doctor know if you experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, confusion, tremor, nausea, hunger, weakness, perspiration, palpitation, and rapid heartbeat. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

phentermine topiramate

Applies to: Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate) and Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate)

Topiramate may increase the blood levels and effects of phentermine. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you experience increased side effects such as dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, tremor, headache, mood changes, palpitation, rapid heart beat, or blood pressure elevation. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Major

metFORMIN food

Applies to: metformin

MetFORMIN should be taken with meals, and excessive alcohol intake (either short-term binge drinking or frequent consumption) should be avoided during treatment. Taking metFORMIN with alcohol may increase the risk of a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that can occasionally occur during treatment with metformin-containing products. Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur if you have kidney or liver disease, acute or unstable congestive heart failure, or dehydration. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop potential signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, increasing drowsiness, abdominal pain or discomfort, slow or irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty, chills, and other unusual symptoms. Alcohol may also affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink. You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have high triglycerides, neuropathy (nerve damage), or pancreatitis. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels if your diabetes is under control. However, you should limit your alcohol intake due to the risk of lactic acidosis with metformin. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about metformin.

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Moderate

phentermine food

Applies to: Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate)

Using phentermine with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such as increased heart rate, chest pain, or blood pressure changes. In addition, you may also be more likely to experience nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, depression, and difficulty concentrating. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with phentermine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of phentermine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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