Metformin

What is Metformin?

Metformin is a treatment for diabetes that’s taken orally. The active ingredient in Metformin is metformin hydrochloride. It belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides, which stop your liver from making glucose. This helps you to control your blood sugar, and also makes your body more responsive to the insulin naturally produced by your pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition which causes your blood sugar level to get too high. Unstable blood sugar levels can be caused by limited insulin production, or insulin resistance that prevents your body from using insulin effectively.

Metformin is a tablet you take two or three times a day to control your blood sugar as directed by our clinician. It’s available in several different doses under several brand and generic labels including Glucophage, Diagemet, Sukkarto and more.

How does Metformin work?

Biguanides like metformin hydrochloride reduce your blood sugar in three ways. They stop your liver from producing glucose while also helping your body respond to insulin more effectively. Metformin also prevents your intestine from absorbing glucose.

Metformin should be taken two or three times a day either after you eat or while you eat. If you take it correctly, Metformin can help you achieve stable blood sugar levels.

What doses of Metformin tablets are there?

Metformin is available in two doses: 500mg and 850mg. The only difference between these options is the amount of metformin hydrochloride there is in each one. Our clinician can decide which dose of Metformin you need based on your medical history. If your kidneys are impaired, they will likely start you on the lower dose. Metformin is also available in an extended-release (ER) form. While both forms of metformin contain the same active ingredient, they are taken in different ways.

How to take Metformin tablets

Taking Metformin tablets is easy and convenient. They should be taken two or three times each day before or with your meals (or once a day if you’re taking the extended release tablets). Don’t crush or bite your Metformin. Swallow it whole with water.

If our clinician has prescribed you with two doses each day, take one with breakfast and one at dinner. Should you need a third dose, take it with your lunch around noon. You should discuss any other medications you’re taking with our clinician before you start using Metformin. There are many drugs that can interact with it.

How long does it take for Metformin tablets to work?

You should experience better control of your blood sugar within one or two weeks of starting Metformin. The full effects of Metformin won’t be reached until you’ve been on it for two to three months. You should tell our clinician if you still feel that your blood sugar levels are unstable after this time. They may need to increase your dose or prescribe a different medication for your type 2 diabetes.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Metformin?

It’s important that you take Metformin as instructed, so that your type 2 diabetes doesn’t worsen. If you forget to take a dose of Metformin, simply take your next dose on time. Never take twice the dose to make up for a missed one.

Taking too much Metformin can cause your blood sugar levels to dip too low. It can also trigger a life threatening condition called lactic acidosis, which causes vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to seek medical attention immediately.