Metformin (Glucophage)
$0.17
Glucophage (Metformin) is a first choice medicine for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar and helps the body use insulin better.
Drug Information
8 reviews for Metformin (Glucophage)
Glucophage contains Metformin.
Metformin is usually the first medicine doctors use for type 2 diabetes. It has been used for over 60 years and is taken by millions of people.
It lowers blood sugar without usually causing low blood sugar on its own, and it does not cause weight gain. It is also sometimes used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What is it used for?
- Type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10 and over
- Preventing type 2 diabetes in some people at high risk
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (off-label)
How does it work?
Metformin reduces the amount of sugar your liver releases into the blood, and helps your muscles respond better to insulin, so they take up more sugar from the blood.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- This medicine works best together with healthy eating, regular activity and keeping a healthy weight.
- It is for type 2 diabetes. It is not a replacement for insulin in type 1 diabetes.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or heart problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Insulin is often used instead during pregnancy.
- Alcohol can affect your blood sugar. Drink only small amounts and never on an empty stomach.
- Learn the signs of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion) and keep sugary sweets or glucose tablets with you.
- Metformin can rarely cause a serious problem called lactic acidosis. The risk is higher with severe kidney problems, heavy drinking, dehydration, severe infection or heart failure.
- Stop taking it and tell your doctor if you are very sick with vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration. Restart when you are eating and drinking normally.
- You may need to stop it for a short time before and after an X-ray or scan with contrast dye, or surgery.
- Long-term use can lower vitamin B12. Your doctor may check your level.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Glucophage can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick, diarrhoea or stomach pain, especially at first
- Loss of appetite
- A metallic taste in the mouth
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- Signs of very low blood sugar that do not get better after eating sugar: confusion, drowsiness, fits or passing out
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or lips, a severe rash, or trouble breathing
- Fast, deep breathing, severe muscle pain, stomach pain, feeling very cold, weak or drowsy (possible lactic acidosis)
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take it with or just after a meal. This greatly reduces stomach side effects.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush slow-release tablets.
- Most people start with 500 mg once or twice a day. Your doctor will raise it slowly, often up to 2,000 mg a day in divided doses.
- If you take it once a day, take it with your evening meal.
If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Never take two doses at once.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QWill I need to take Glucophage forever?
- A
Type 2 diabetes is usually a long-term condition, so most people keep taking their medicine. Healthy changes to diet, activity and weight can sometimes reduce how much you need.
- QHow will I know if Glucophage is working?
- A
Your doctor will check your blood sugar and HbA1c (an average of your blood sugar over about 3 months). Some people also check their sugar at home.
- QHow can I avoid stomach upset on Glucophage?
- A
Take it with meals and start with a low dose that goes up slowly. Slow-release versions are often gentler on the stomach.
- QDoes Glucophage cause weight gain?
- A
No. Most people stay the same weight, and some lose a little.

Aria Taylor –
I have ordered Glucophage here before and this time was just as smooth. My order showed up within the timeframe I was given. I appreciated the clear emails about my order.
Andres Iyer –
First time ordering here and it was a pleasant surprise. It was dispatched fast and reached me soon after. Everything inside was snug and protected. Plus, they answered my email within a day. No problems at all, so I am pleased.
Oluwaseun Bennett –
I had a quick question and the support team replied fast. Besides that, everything I received was exactly what I ordered. It arrived on time, just as I expected. Pleased with the whole thing.
Christopher Desai –
Plain, tidy packaging and everything inside was in order. Happy with the experience overall. I got my order placed in no time.
Mei Lopez –
I went looking for Metformin and ended up ordering it here. The wrapping was solid, nothing shifted around in transit. The item looked exactly like the listing. I would order here again.
Elena Gupta –
I ordered from here after comparing a few options. I did not have to hunt around, the item was listed right where I expected. My Metformin came well wrapped and in perfect condition.
Khalid Bose –
My Metformin order went through without a hitch. Everything on the product page was clear, so I knew what I was getting. I received everything in good time. Would not hesitate to use this site again.
Chen Ivanov –
Here is my honest feedback on my order. Nothing was missing from my order. I would recommend this site to friends and family.