Metformin Tablets (Glucophage®) for Type 2 Diabetes

Metformin is an oral medicine for type 2 diabetes. CanadianInsulin offers Canadian pricing from Canada and ships to the US with US delivery from Canada. This page explains forms, doses, and how to compare options and savings without insurance.

What Metformin Is and How It Works

Metformin belongs to the biguanide class and is also known by the brand Glucophage®. It lowers blood sugar by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing glucose absorption in the intestine, and improving insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat. Because it does not stimulate insulin release, Metformin has a low risk of causing low blood sugar when used alone. It works best alongside nutrition and activity plans recommended by a clinician.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

This information supports safe use with your prescriber’s guidance and the official label. Metformin is widely used as first-line therapy for many adults with Type 2 Diabetes. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Generic Metformin ships to US addresses after pharmacy dispensing in Canada.

Metformin’s three core actions help lower fasting and after-meal glucose. By limiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, the liver releases less glucose into the bloodstream. By reducing intestinal absorption, less glucose enters circulation after meals. Improved insulin sensitivity helps tissues use glucose more effectively. These combined effects reduce A1C over time when the dose is optimized.

Who Metformin Is For

Metformin is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It can be used as monotherapy or with other antihyperglycemic agents, including insulin, when additional control is needed.

Metformin should not be used by people with severe renal impairment, known hypersensitivity to metformin, or active metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. Use requires caution in those with significant liver disease, unstable heart failure, severe dehydration, or conditions associated with hypoxemia. A clinician should assess risks and benefits before starting or continuing therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Take tablets with food to reduce stomach upset. For immediate-release (IR) tablets, a common start is 500 mg once or twice daily with meals. Prescribers often increase by 500 mg weekly based on glucose targets and tolerance. Many patients reach 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day in divided doses. The labeled maximum for IR is 2,550 mg daily.

For extended-release (ER/XR) tablets, a typical start is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. The dose may increase in weekly steps to improve control. The usual ER maximum is 2,000 mg once daily, depending on the product. Swallow ER tablets whole; do not crush, split, or chew. Some ER formulations may pass an inert “ghost” shell in the stool, which is expected for certain brands.

If switching from IR to ER, the total daily milligrams are often similar. Timing may change to evening dosing for ER. For a plain-language comparison of release profiles, see our editorial guide, Metformin vs Metformin ER.

Take doses at the same times each day, aligned with meals. Consistency supports better fasting and postprandial control and reduces gastrointestinal side effects during titration.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by manufacturer and country of origin. Common presentations include:

• Immediate-release tablets: 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg
• Extended-release tablets (ER/XR): 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg
• Bottles or blister packs depending on the product

Metformin 500 mg is a typical starting strength, with titration to Metformin 1000 mg or higher daily totals as tolerated. Some brands reference Glucophage® 500 mg for immediate-release and extended-release versions. Product names, tablet shapes, and excipients may differ between brands.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it with food as soon as remembered on the same day. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses. Keeping Metformin with meals helps reduce nausea and other stomach symptoms during treatment.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, typically 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F), away from moisture and excessive heat. Keep the cap tightly closed and protect tablets from humidity. Store out of reach of children and pets.

When you travel, carry Metformin in your hand luggage with the original pharmacy label. A small pill organizer is fine if you also carry the labeled container or a prescription copy. Avoid leaving tablets in a hot car or near windows. For refills while away, you can request delivery to your US address from Canada.

Benefits

Metformin improves fasting and post-meal glucose and reduces A1C when combined with lifestyle measures. It is weight neutral for many patients and has a low risk of hypoglycemia when not combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Extended-release options may improve stomach tolerability and allow once-daily dosing.

Metformin is often continued long term, even when other classes are added to reach glycemic targets. Using a consistent dose, with periodic monitoring, supports stable control over time.

Side Effects and Safety

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common effects, especially during initiation and dose increases. Taking doses with meals and slow titration can improve tolerance.

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Gas, cramping, or abdominal discomfort
• Metallic taste
• Reduced vitamin B12 with long-term use
• Headache or mild dizziness

Serious risks are uncommon but important. Lactic acidosis is rare and potentially life-threatening. Risk increases with severe kidney impairment, acute illness with dehydration or hypoxia, heavy alcohol intake, or significant liver disease. Seek urgent medical care for unexplained weakness, muscle pain, breathing trouble, unusual sleepiness, or slow or irregular heartbeat. Hypoglycemia can occur when Metformin is used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Periodic lab monitoring may include renal function and vitamin B12 levels, especially with long-term therapy and if symptoms of anemia or neuropathy occur.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Share a full medication list with a clinician and pharmacist. Important considerations include:

• Iodinated contrast imaging: Metformin may need temporary interruption around the procedure. Restart only after kidney function is reassessed.
• Renal function: Avoid initiation if eGFR is below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Monitor at baseline and periodically.
• Alcohol: Excessive use increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Cationic drugs excreted by renal tubular secretion: Examples include cimetidine; monitor for increased Metformin exposure.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Agents such as topiramate or acetazolamide may increase acidosis risk.
• Acute illness, surgery, or dehydration: Temporary holding of therapy may be appropriate under clinical guidance.

Follow the official label and your prescriber’s instructions for specific scenarios, including procedures and acute medical events.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood glucose often improves over several weeks as the dose is adjusted. A1C is reassessed over months to confirm overall control. Gastrointestinal effects, if present, usually lessen with time and meal-based dosing. Many people continue Metformin long term as part of an individualized diabetes plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients benefit from an extended-release formulation for once-daily dosing or improved stomach tolerability. A branded ER option available on our site is Glumetza®. For patients who need combination therapy, your prescriber may consider pairing metformin with another class. A metformin plus SGLT2 option is Invokamet®, which combines canagliflozin with metformin. Other combinations, such as DPP-4 inhibitors paired with metformin, may also be used based on clinical need.

For a broader perspective on therapy choice, see our editorial comparison, Invokana vs Metformin. These resources are educational and do not replace a clinician’s judgment.

Pricing and Access

Review Canadian pricing for Metformin 500 mg, Metformin 1000 mg, and Metformin ER 500 mg on this page. US delivery from Canada is available after prescription verification. When you check out, pricing reflects Canadian supply and pharmacy dispensing.

Many people look for a Metformin cash price when insurance does not cover a preferred quantity or form. If you are seeking added savings, visit our Promotions page for current offers from CanadianInsulin. Order Metformin online with secure, encrypted checkout.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer, strength, and pack size. If a chosen strength or presentation is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a different strength, an extended-release version, or another approved therapy. We do not provide restock dates.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Metformin suits many adults with type 2 diabetes who have adequate renal function and no contraindications. It remains a foundation of therapy even when additional agents are added to reach individualized targets. It should not be used in severe renal impairment or active metabolic acidosis.

To manage costs, consider a multi-month supply, such as 90 days, when appropriate. This can reduce dispensing fees and shipping events. Use one prescriber and one pharmacy source to simplify refills and monitoring. Set reminders so you place your refill request ahead of travel. When you store your medicine, keep it dry and in the original container to maintain quality.

If you are exploring prevention topics or other conditions, see our neutral review, Metformin in Prediabetes. Editorial articles provide background and do not define labeled use.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is immediate-release or ER a better fit for my schedule?
• What starting dose is appropriate for my A1C and fasting glucose?
• How often should kidney function and vitamin B12 be monitored?
• Should Metformin be paused for upcoming imaging with contrast?
• What signs of lactic acidosis should I watch for during illness?
• Is it safe to combine Metformin with insulin or a sulfonylurea?
• How long should we wait before adjusting the dose?

Authoritative Sources

• DailyMed: Metformin Hydrochloride
• FDA Label: Glucophage XR
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

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