Metformin

Metformin is prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes.

Our cells need glucose to function. In our bodies, a hormone called insulin helps our cells take glucose out of the bloodstream and use it as fuel. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin to function properly, or no longer reacts to insulin in the way it should. This means that glucose stays in the blood and cannot be used as energy.

Metformin helps control blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of sugar the body makes and absorbs, while also making your cells more responsive to insulin. It is one of the most widely used prescription treatments to treat type 2 diabetes.

Metformin contains the active ingredient Metformin Hydrochloride, which helps control blood sugar and responds to insulin produced by the body. It can be used on its own or combined with other medications.

This treatment helps control blood sugar by:

• lowering glucose production in the liver
• decreasing glucose absorption from food we eat
• increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, meaning less glucose is in the bloodstream as the body is able to use it

Metformin is a very commonly prescribed medication for diabetes treatment. It is also marketed as Glucophage®, Glucophage® SR, Metsol®, Bolamyn® SR.

Metformin is generally taken two or three times per day in the form of a 500mg or 850mg tablet. The maximum dose is 3,000mg a day, split into three individual doses. If you feel that your prescribed dosage is too strong or too weak, you can arrange an appointment with your doctor to adjust it after 10 to 15 days.

There is also a modified-release version available. Dosages vary between 500mg, 750mg and 100mg. The maximum dose for modified-release tablets is 2,000mg a day. Your doctor will prescribe this if the standard version is deemed unsuitable. From a user perspective, the main difference is that only one tablet should be taken daily, usually with an evening meal.

You should only ever take Metformin as prescribed and follow the instructions on the patient leaflet closely. It is recommended you take each prescribed tablet during or after meals and swallow it without chewing. Regular blood tests should be conducted by your doctor to ensure blood sugar levels are maintained.

Metformin is generally taken two or three times per day in the following tablet sizes:

• 500mg
• 850mg

The maximum dose is 3,000mg a day, split into three individual doses. If you feel that your prescribed dosage is too strong or too weak, you can arrange an appointment with your doctor to adjust it after 10 to 15 days.

Modified-release tablets, which gradually release the medication over an extended time period, are available in the following doses:

• 500mg
• 750mg
• 1000mg

The maximum modified-release tablets dose is 2,000mg a day. If you are taking modified-release tablets, only one tablet needs to be taken daily, usually with an evening meal.

You should only ever take this medication as prescribed and follow the instructions on the patient leaflet closely. Regular blood tests should be conducted by your doctor to ensure blood sugar levels are maintained.

Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also sometimes used as a preventative measure for people who are at risk of developing diabetes.

Metformin can also be used in combination with insulin to treat severe symptoms of diabetes type 2. It is not prescribed for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication, you should not take it.

You should talk to your doctor before taking Metformin if you:

• have uncontrolled diabetes (hyperglycaemia or ketoacidosis)
• are experiencing extreme dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting
• suffer from heart, kidney or liver problems
• have a severe infection
• drink a lot of alcohol
• are breastfeeding

Ask your doctor for advice if you need to have a major surgery, or require a CT scan or x-ray which uses an injected dye, as you will need to temporarily stop taking Metformin.

You should also monitor yourself for the possibility of lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially serious complication. Symptoms include vomiting, muscle cramps, difficulty breathing and severe tiredness. Read the patient information leaflet for more information on how to spot the signs, and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you may have lactic acidosis.

Metformin is usually safe to take during pregnancy. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as you may also need insulin during pregnancy.

If you have diabetes, alcohol can lower your blood sugar for long after you have been drinking. Drinking also makes it difficult for your body to get rid of lactic acid as quickly, which increases your risk of lactic acidosis. You should ask your doctor if it is safe for you before you drink while taking Metformin,.

You can buy Metformin online from euroClinix after completing a simple consultation. One of our doctors will review your responses and issue a prescription if they determine it’s suitable for you. Then, our UK based pharmacy will dispense your medication and deliver it to you with free, next-day delivery.