Which is better - “Siofor” or “Glucophage”? These are analogues drugs with metformin in the composition. This substance is used in the treatment of diabetes if the diet does not work. Drugs lower blood sugar. A doctor may prescribe several drugs. But most often, either Glucophage or Siofor is prescribed. Although there are other analogues. They will be given at the end of the article.
The main pharmacological properties
The active substance metformin is the same for these medicines. Thanks to him, it happens:
- decreased sensitivity of cells to insulin;
- decreased intestinal absorption of glucose;
- improving glucose susceptibility of cells.
What is the difference between Siofor and Glyukofazh? Let's figure it out.
The production of own insulin is not stimulated by metformin, but only the response of the cells improves. As a result, there is an improvement in carbohydrate metabolism in the body of a diabetic. Thus, the substance in the preparation:
- reduces appetite - a person simply consumes less food, due to this excess weight is lost;
- normalizes carbohydrate metabolism;
- reduces weight;
- lowers blood sugar.
Complications of diabetes occur less frequently when taking these medications. The risk of heart and vascular disease is reduced. Diabetics so often suffer from this.
Each drug has its own dosage and duration of action, which is determined by the attending physician. There is metformin with prolonged action. This means that the effect of lowering blood glucose levels lasts a long time. The name of the drug contains the word "long." Against the background of taking, for example, Glucophage Long medication, the level of bilirubin is leveled and protein metabolism is normalized. Take a prolonged drug only once a day.
When choosing a drug, it is necessary to understand that if the active substance is the same for them, then the mechanism of work will be similar.
People who suffer from diabetes often ask the question: is Siofor or Glucophage better? In this article, we will consider in more detail both one and the other drug.
All prescriptions of medicines should be carried out by the attending physician. Self-medication is unacceptable. To exclude the occurrence of any adverse reactions from the body, it is necessary:
- observe the recommended diet in strictness;
- regularly engage in physical education (this can be swimming, running, outdoor games, fitness);
- take the drug, observing the dosage and all other doctor's prescriptions.
If the attending physician did not name a specific medicine, but gave several names to choose from, then the patient can get acquainted with consumer reviews and buy the most suitable remedy.
So, which is better - “Siofor” or “Glucophage”? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the properties of these drugs.
About the medicine "Siofor"
This is the most popular drug, according to consumers, which is used prophylactically for weight control, as well as for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As part of the medication, the active substance is metformin, which helps cells become sensitive to insulin, that is, is used to prevent insulin resistance. As a result of taking, the level of cholesterol decreases, and with it the risk of cardiovascular diseases decreases. Gradually and effectively, weight is reduced, this is the main advantage of Siofor.
How to apply "Siofor"?
We will consider analogues later.
Most often, the Siofor medication is prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus for its treatment and prevention. If a certain set of physical exercises and diet do not bring results, it also makes sense to start taking it.
It can be used separately, or in combination with other drugs that affect blood glucose (insulin, pills to lower sugar). Reception is best carried out simultaneously with food or immediately after it. The increase in dosage should be monitored by the attending physician. This confirms the instructions for the Siofor 500 preparation.
What contraindications does Siofor have?
This drug is not allowed in the following conditions:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (only if there is no obesity, which is treated with Siofor).
- The pancreas does not produce insulin (can be observed with type 2).
- Coma and ketoacidotic coma.
- Micro- and macroalbuminemia and uria (contained in the urine and blood proteins of globulins and albumin).
- Disease of the liver and its insufficient detoxification function.
- Inadequate work of the heart and blood vessels.
- Respiratory failure.
- Reduced hemoglobin in the blood.
- Surgery and injuries.
- Excessive drinking.
- Pregnancy and during the period of breastfeeding.
- In children under 18 years of age.
- Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
- Taking oral contraceptives, there is a risk of an unwanted pregnancy.
- In old age after 60 years, if they do hard work.
As can be seen from the above, “Siofor” has many contraindications. Therefore, it is necessary to take it only as prescribed by the attending physician and with caution.
If side effects occur, discontinue use of the medication and consult a doctor immediately.
The use of "Siofor" for weight loss
Siofor is not a special drug for weight loss, but reviews confirm that excess weight goes away very quickly when taking pills. Appetite decreases, metabolism accelerates. In a short time, many managed to get rid of several kilograms. This effect persists while the drug is being taken. As soon as people stop drinking it, weight comes again due to body fat.
Siofor has many advantages over other drugs. The number of side effects is minimal. Among the most common is the presence of diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. The cost of the medication is low, which makes it affordable for everyone.
But it is important to consider some points. A low-carb diet should be followed. This will contribute to weight loss. In addition, it is necessary to regularly engage in physical exercises, while taking "Siofor."
In large quantities, the Siofor preparation can be dangerous. This is fraught with a lactic acidotic state, which can lead to death. Therefore, the dosage should not be exceeded, and if you want to get rid of excess weight, you can do jogging or swimming faster, for example.
With type 2 diabetes
How to use "Siofor 500"? The manual says that the basic rules for diabetes prevention are as follows:
- healthy lifestyle;
- proper, well-balanced nutrition;
- physical activity.
But not all people are ready to abide by these recommendations. Siofor in these cases can help lose weight, which in turn will prevent diabetes. But diet and physical activity should still be present, otherwise the desired results will not be achieved.
About Glucophage
This medication can be considered an analogue of "Siofor." It is also prescribed for type 2 diabetics. Many consider it more effective, but it also has negative qualities.
Glucophage has a prolonged action, this is its main advantage. Metformin is released over 10 hours. The action of "Siofor" ceases after half an hour. On sale you can also find the medicine "Glucophage", which will not have a prolonged action.
What are the benefits of Glucophage compared to Siofor? About this below:
- "Siofor" is taken in a certain dosage several times a day. Glucophage Long is enough to drink once a day.
- The gastrointestinal tract suffers to a lesser extent, since it is less commonly administered.
- Sudden changes in glucose are absent, especially in the morning and at night.
- A lower dosage does not affect the effectiveness, glucose is well reduced, as well as when taking Siofor.
Doctors prescribe Glucofage 500 for type 2 diabetes, but weight loss is a nice addition.
Why does a person lose weight from these pills?
- There is a restoration of impaired lipid metabolism in the body.
- A much smaller breakdown of carbohydrates occurs, they do not absorb and do not turn into fat deposits.
- The concentration of glucose in the blood is normalized, and the amount of cholesterol is reduced.
- Appetite decreases due to less release of insulin into the blood. And, accordingly, less food consumption leads to weight loss.
Instructions for use "Glucofage"
Be sure, as with the use of "Siofor", you must follow a diet:
- Products that increase the concentration of glucose are excluded from the diet.
- Fast carbohydrates are completely eliminated. These are sweets, pastries, potatoes.
- Fiber-rich foods are increasing (you need to eat wholemeal bread, fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as legumes).
1700 kcal per day - this indicator must be sought. Bad habits are also desirable to eradicate. Alcohol during the period of drug therapy should be minimized. Smoking leads to poor absorption, which means that beneficial substances are absorbed in a smaller volume. Physical activity is mandatory during the use of the drug "Glucophage." Take pills for 20 days, then a break is shown. After it, you can repeat the course of treatment. This is done to reduce the risk of addiction.
When is the drug contraindicated?
It is not recommended to use the drug "Glucofage 500" with:
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Immediately after surgery or injury.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Kidney disease.
- Individual intolerance to the ingredients of the drug.
- Chronic alcoholism.
Side effects
Each drug can cause negative reactions of the body. It is important to comply with the dosage. Side effects occur rarely, but in some cases, the appearance of:
- Dyspeptic disorders.
- Headache.
- Flatulence.
- Diarrhea.
- Increase in body temperature.
- Weakness and fatigue.
There are most often when exceeding the recommended dosage. In addition, it happens that without a low-carb diet while taking Glucofage, adverse reactions of the body develop, most often from the gastrointestinal tract. It is necessary to reduce the dosage by half. Specialist consultation is needed to rule out complications, especially if there is type 2 diabetes mellitus.
It's time to determine - which is better: "Siofor" or "Glucophage"?
conclusions
Since these are similar drugs with one active substance, it is difficult to choose between them. Moreover, the result of treatment completely depends on the individual characteristics of the body:
- Glucofage has quite a few side effects, which may be why it is inferior to Siofor.
- Siofor has a greater number of contraindications.
- If you are intolerant of the components of the drug, you can start taking Glucophage with a prolonged effect.
- Their price is approximately the same, however, Glyukofazh is more expensive. “Glucophage” prolonged costs more than usual, therefore, when choosing, the price may matter.
- The number of receptions per day does not affect the result.
The drugs are almost identical, so the choice remains with the consumer. What is the price for Glucofage tablets? How much is Siofor?
Price
Siofor can be purchased at any pharmacy chain at a price of 250 rubles for 500 mg. The usual "Glucophage" costs from 100 to 300 rubles, "Glucofage Long" from 200 to 600, depending on the region and dosage.
Which drug is better - Glucofage or Siofor? Reviews confirm that consumers often ask this question.
Reviews
There are a huge number of reviews about these two drugs. Most of them are positive. They act effectively, especially like consumers medicines with a prolonged property. You do not need to constantly remember about taking the pill, just drink it once a day in the morning. Blood sugar is reduced, there are no sharp jumps throughout the day. It is very comfortable. Side effects are extremely rare, mainly when the dosage is exceeded. Many people like the fact that overweight is reduced. But this is subject to diet and physical activity.
Consider the preparations "Glucofage" and "Siofor" analogues.
How to replace?
There are other analogues for the active substance:
- Gliformin.
- "Metfogamma."
- Metformin Richter.
- "Formethine."