Glucophage SR

What is Glucophage SR?

Glucophage SR is a pill treatment for non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as pre-diabetes. People affected by non-diabetic hyperglycaemia have blood sugar levels which are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes^[1]. Treating raised blood sugar levels early is essential in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, and that’s where medications like Glucophage SR come into play.

It can also help with type 2 diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels manageable. It’s usually a good option if diet and exercise changes haven’t brought your diabetes under control. Glucophage SR is a prolonged or slow-release form of Glucophage, a medication that lowers your blood sugar. Being slow-release just means that the effects of the medication happen over a long period of time. It also means you don’t have to take the pills as often.

How does Glucophage SR work?

Glucophage SR has the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride. It’s a type of medication called a biguanide, which stops the overproduction of glucose in your liver^[2]. It makes an enzyme called AMPK work harder than usual, which allows your cells to respond better to the insulin in your body, so you can manage your blood sugar.

It also helps you reabsorb glucose from your blood. This helps to lower your blood sugar levels and keep them stable. So your hyperglycaemia or type 2 diabetes are brought under control and you can live your life as normal.

What doses of Glucophage SR are there?

Glucophage SR comes in three different size tablets: 500mg, 750mg, and 1000mg tablets. People usually start on the lowest dosage of 500mg. After about two weeks of taking the pills, your dose might be increased. Your clinician will monitor you and check in with you regularly to see how treatment is working out.

The maximum daily dose of Glucophage SR is 2000mg (four 500mg tablets), but most people need a lot less than this. Your clinician might prescribe Glucophage SR by itself or in combination with other antidiabetic medication or insulin, but it depends on the severity of your condition.

How to take Glucophage SR

Always follow your clinician’s advice on taking Glucophage SR. If you have any questions and you’ve ordered with us, just log into your account and send us a message. There are some general guidelines you can keep in mind too.

• Swallow your tablet or tablets whole with a glass of water. Don’t crush or chew them
• Take your medication once a day, preferably in the evening. Setting alarms or using a reminder app on your phone can help you remember
• You should take Glucophage SR with food to help you absorb the medication. Taking it with your evening meal might work well for you
• In some cases people are asked to take Glucophage SR twice a day. If that’s the case for you, try taking it with your main meals

Glucophage contains the active ingredient metformin. Metformin has been linked to birth defects in the sons of men who took metformin in the 3 months before conception, so talk to your doctor about alternative treatments if you’re male and thinking of starting a family^[1].

How long does it take Glucophage SR to work?

Glucophage SR is a slow-release medication. So your blood sugar levels won’t reduce instantly after you take it, but you should notice a difference within a couple of days. The medication slowly builds up in your system, so it might take four or five days to reach full effectiveness.

If you’ve been taking Glucophage SR for over a week and there’s little difference in your blood sugar levels, contact our clinician. They can review your treatment with you and help you decide if you need a higher dose or a different form of treatment.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Glucophage SR?

If you accidentally take more Glucophage SR than you’re supposed to, don’t worry too much. Glucophage SR overdoses are uncommon and you’re likely to be fine^[2]. But if you notice any unusual symptoms after taking the tablets, get emergency medical attention. A clinician can monitor your symptoms and treat them as they occur.

If you forget to take your Glucophage SR tablet when you’re meant to, take your next dose at the usual time. Never take a double dose to make up for missing one.