Elcephase

What is Elcephase?

Elcephase is a first line therapy used to treat type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Elcephase is metformin, a blood sugar lowering medication. Whether taken as a sole medication or combination therapy, metformin can lower plasma glucose levels as well as help in treatment of cardiovascular or liver diseases.

Elcephase (metformin) belongs to a group of medicines called biguanides. Biguanides limit the production of glucose in the liver, improve the body’s insulin sensitivity and lower the total amount of sugar which the intestines absorb.

If you’re at the early stages of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will most likely prescribe Elcephase (metformin) to you. Once you start taking the medication, it is important to keep a regular check on your blood sugar levels as this will help your doctor determine if the medication is working well for you. The doctor may ask you to continue with the same dosage or make changes to your treatment depending on how you’re adjusting to it.

How does Elcephase work?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition wherein sugar present in the blood becomes high. When there are high levels of sugar in the blood, your body isn’t able to respond to insulin (a natural substance that moves sugar present in your blood to the cells and gives them energy) and this increases the sugar buildup in the blood.

Elcephase reduces insulin resistance and as well as helps the body cells to process insulin more effectively. It also decreases the amount of glucose that your liver produces and helps the cells to absorb and use sugar effectively.

Studies show that Elcephase can have a significant effect on ageing patients with type 2 diabetes, but can be prescribed for all ages. It isn’t ideally prescribed for type 1 diabetes in which the body doesn't make insulin and is unable to keep the amount of blood sugar under control.

What doses of Elcephase are there?

Elcephase comes in doses that are released in different ways. Elcephase 500 mg are available in quick release tablets and slow release versions. Elcephase 1000 SR tablets are also slow released, meaning they release the active ingredient over a longer period of time.

Elcephase 500 uses are more widespread than the Elcephase 1000 SR tablets and you will most probably be prescribed the smaller dosage at the start of treatment.

How to take Elcephase tablets

Your doctor will advise you how much Elcephase to take and when. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully to get the most from the treatment in the safest way. 

• Swallow tablets whole with water.
• You can take Elcephase with or after a meal.
• Try to take it at the same time each day. Some find that taking it with something they do at the same time each day, such as breakfast, can help maintain the habit.

If you feel that Elcephase hasn’t been effective even after you’ve taken it for a while, speak to your doctor. Do not change or stop taking it without consulting the doctor.

What should I do if I take too much Elcephase?

If you have taken too much Elcephase you might notice symptoms of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a serious condition which occurs when there’s too much lactic acid in your bloodstream. Some common lactic acidosis symptoms include: severe fatigue, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea, problems breathing, rapid heart rate and low body temperature.

If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention. Lactic acidosis is a serious condition and will need to be treated immediately.

What if I forget to take Elcephase?

If you forget to take a scheduled dose of Elcephase, don’t panic. Simply carry on taking the medication as normally instructed. Don’t take two doses to make up for the missed dose as this can lead to an increased risk of side effects, including lactic acidosis, the risks of which are mentioned above. Taking double the dosage also provides no extra benefits.

If you’re worried about missing multiple doses, speak with your doctor. If you keep forgetting to take Elcephase, speak with your doctor or pharmacist, who might be able to offer some advice.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Navkaran Singh Sandhu

Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

Meet Navkaran