What is Riomet: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 31, 2020

Riomet overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Glumetza, Glucophage XR, Glucophage, Fortamet, DM2, Riomet, Riomet

Generic Names:

  • Metformin Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats type 2 diabetes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Hypoglycemic

Forms:

  • Long Acting Tablet, 24 Hour Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Suspension, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Riomet used for?

Riomet is available as an oral solution. When taken with diet and a proper exercise program can control your blood sugar level. Riomet works to regulate the way your body reacts to the insulin it produces. It reduces the amount of sugar that is formed in the liver and absorbed by the intestines or stomach. Controlling high blood sugar can prevent nerve problems, kidney damage, sexual function problems, and loss of limbs. It also minimizes your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

What form(s) does Riomet come in

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • 24 Hour Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Long Acting Suspension

  • Tablet

What are common Riomet doses?

  • Bottle 118ML of 500MG/5ML

  • Bottle 473ML of 500MG/5ML

Common Riomet prescriptions

  • Riomet
    118ml of 500mg/5ml bottle

  • Riomet
    473ml of 500mg/5ml bottle

How to take Riomet

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Extended-release oral suspension: Use the supplied dosing cup to measure the mixed medicine. Ask your pharmacist for a dosing cup if you do not have one.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Extended-release oral suspension: Use the supplied dosing cup to measure the mixed medicine. Ask your pharmacist for a dosing cup if you do not have one.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole.

Riomet contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to metformin.

Riomet warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, blood circulation problems, anemia, metabolic acidosis, an adrenal gland or pituitary gland disorder, vitamin B12 deficiency, or had a heart attack. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

  • Too much of this medicine can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis.

  • Part of the extended-release tablet may pass in your stool. This is normal.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery, an x-ray, CT scan, or other medical test.

  • This medicine may cause some premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods to ovulate. This can increase the chance of pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, discuss birth control options with your doctor.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Riomet interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acetazolamide, cimetidine, dichlorphenamide, dolutegravir, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, phenytoin, ranolazine, topiramate, vandetanib, zonisamideBirth control pillsBlood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)Phenothiazine medicineSteroid medicineThyroid medicine

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Part of the extended-release tablet may pass in your stool. This is normal.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery, an x-ray, CT scan, or other medical test.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Riomet side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Confusion, fast heartbeat, increased hunger, shakiness

  • Trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness

  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or cramping

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever or chills

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Metallic taste in mouth

  • Diarrhea, gas