Glucophage XR
Generic name: metformin [ met-FOR-min ]
Other brand names of metformin include: Glumetza, Fortamet, Glucophage XR, Riomet ER
Drug class: Non-sulfonylureas
The Glucophage XR brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is Glucophage XR?
Glucophage XR is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (not for type 1 diabetes).
Glucophage XR may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Glucophage XR side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people using Glucophage XR develop lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, fast/slow or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Glucophage XR may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severely low blood sugar--extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeats, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
Common side effects of Glucophage XR may include:
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dizziness, weakness or lack of energy;
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headache;
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altered sense of taste;
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stomach pain or upset, heartburn;
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indigestion, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea; or
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cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related/similar drugs
Warnings
You should not use Glucophage XR if you have severe kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Glucophage XR if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
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severe kidney disease; or
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metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
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high ketone levels in your blood or urine;
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low levels of vitamin B12;
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heart problems such as heart attack, heart failure, or stroke;
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if you also use insulin, or other oral diabetes medications;
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if you are dehydrated;
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if you drink large amounts of alcohol; or
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liver or kidney disease.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. Ask your doctor about your risk.
If you need to have surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking Glucophage XR. Make sure that your healthcare provider knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.
It is not known if Glucophage XR will harm an unborn baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy.
This medicine may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Glucophage XR should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. Some forms of metformin are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Glucophage XR?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of Glucophage XR. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Take Glucophage XR with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Part of a tablet shell may appear in your stool but this will not make the medicine less effective.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests including checking your kidney function.
You may be given other medications to help with your condition. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Glucophage XR?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
What other drugs will affect Glucophage XR?
Many drugs can increase your risk of lactic acidosis or affect your blood sugar and may also affect Glucophage XR. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
Popular FAQ
How long does metformin take to work?
Metformin will usually start lowering your blood sugar (glucose) levels in the first week of treatment, but it may take 2 to 3 months to see its full effect. Metformin is a preferred initial oral treatment for people with type 2 diabetes, and is usually taken on a long-term basis. It may be combined with other blood glucose-lowering treatments, if needed. Continue reading
Is Ozempic better than metformin?
Ozempic (semaglutide) and metformin have not been directly compared in head-to-head clinical studies, so it is difficult to know if one works better than the other to treat type 2 diabetes. In separate studies, metformin and Ozempic lowered hemoglobin A1C by a similar percentage. There are several factors that can help determine if Ozempic or metformin is the best treatment option for you, including route of administration, side effects, and cost.
Continue readingCan you take metformin without food?
If you take metformin without food you may end up with an upset stomach, especially if you are just starting treatment. Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common side effects with metformin and can occur in over a quarter of patients. Continue reading
Why does Metformin smell like fish?
Pharmacists and patients are well aware that metformin may come with a fishy smell when you open the bottle. The smell does not mean the drug is spoiled, it's just due to it's inherent chemical characteristics. Continue reading
When is the best time to take metformin?
Metformin should be taken after having a meal or eating food, especially when you are first starting treatment. This can help reduce any stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or gas. These side effects generally go away within a few weeks after starting treatment. Continue reading
What is the safest diabetes medication?
Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Continue readingWhy does metformin cause diarrhea?
Metformin causes diarrhea by changing gut bacteria, affecting bile acid absorption, blocking water absorption in the intestines, and increasing gut-stimulating hormones. These combined effects make stools looser and more frequent.
Continue readingDoes metformin lower A1C, if so how much?
When metformin is used alone as monotherapy, it lowers A1C by about 1% to 2% on average. A1C is a measure of longer-term blood sugar control. In most patients, metformin is suggested as the initial treatment for type 2 diabetes, but its glucose-lowering effect may not be adequate for all patients if used alone. Continue reading
More about Glucophage XR (metformin)
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- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: non-sulfonylureas
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet, Riomet ER
Professional resources
Other brands
Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet
Related treatment guides
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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