Metformin Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes

Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic used to help control blood glucose in adults and some adolescents with type 2 diabetes. It lowers liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. You can access Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada, which may help if you pay out of pocket without insurance.

What Metformin Is and How It Works

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This biguanide reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves peripheral glucose uptake. It also decreases intestinal glucose absorption. The net effect is a reduction in fasting and post‑meal glucose without stimulating insulin release.

Immediate‑release tablets are taken with meals to reduce stomach upset. Extended‑release tablets release the medicine gradually, which can improve gastrointestinal tolerability for some people. Glucophage® is a reference brand; most prescriptions use the generic.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other agents such as DPP‑4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin. Some clinicians also use it in polycystic ovary syndrome to address insulin resistance.

People with severe kidney impairment should avoid it, and those with liver disease or unstable heart failure need careful assessment. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. If you have heavy alcohol use, dehydration, or severe infection, discuss risks with a clinician before starting.

Dosage and Usage

The dose is individualized by your prescriber. Initial dosing often starts at metformin 500 mg with meals, with gradual increases to reduce stomach upset. Extended‑release tablets are commonly taken once daily with the evening meal; immediate‑release tablets are typically split across meals.

Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew extended‑release tablets, as this can alter release characteristics. Take it at the same times each day, paired with food, and follow the schedule in your prescription. If gastrointestinal effects occur during titration, contact the prescriber; dose changes should follow label guidance.

Strengths and Forms

Common forms include immediate‑release tablets and extended‑release tablets. Oral solution exists in some markets for people who cannot swallow tablets. Availability can vary by pharmacy and manufacturer.

Typical tablet strengths include 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg for immediate‑release, and 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg for extended‑release. Liquid formulations are usually measured in milligrams per 5 mL. Product strengths and packaging may differ by brand and supplier.

Many patients use a once‑daily extended‑release option for convenience, while others use twice‑daily or three‑times‑daily immediate‑release. Your prescriber will align the form and strength to your goals and tolerance.

For guidance on class options, see our overview of Diabetes Medications and non‑insulin agents within the Non-Insulin category.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember if it is not close to the next dose. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up. Consistent timing with meals can help reduce stomach upset.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Avoid storing in bathrooms or in a car for extended periods.

When you travel, keep your medicine in original packaging with the prescription label. Pack it in your carry‑on in case checked bags are delayed. If you cross borders, carry a copy of your prescription and a medication list. For condition context, you can review our page on Type 2 Diabetes.

Medication security matters on the go. Use a pill organizer with clear labels and set reminders on your phone. If your schedule changes, try to anchor doses to local mealtimes as your prescriber recommends.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This medicine is supplied as tablets or solution, not as an injection. No pen priming or sharps disposal is required.

Benefits

This class can lower fasting and post‑meal glucose and improve A1C when paired with diet and activity. It does not usually cause weight gain. Many people tolerate extended‑release well, and metformin er may reduce stomach upset compared to immediate‑release for some patients.

It can be combined with other oral agents or insulin when additional control is needed. The treatment is widely available as a generic, which supports broad access.

Side Effects and Safety

• Stomach upset: nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea or loose stools, especially during titration
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Gas or bloating

Serious risks are uncommon but can include lactic acidosis, a medical emergency characterized by unusual muscle pain, rapid breathing, and profound fatigue. Risk is higher with significant kidney disease, severe dehydration, or heavy alcohol intake. Hypoglycemia is uncommon with this therapy alone but can occur when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Long‑term use may be associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some patients. Your clinician may check levels if you have anemia or neuropathy symptoms.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your clinician about all prescription and nonprescription products you use. Certain contrast dyes for imaging can affect kidney function; temporary interruption may be recommended around the time of contrast administration. Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis; limit intake.

Drugs that affect kidney function, such as some diuretics or NSAIDs used chronically, may require monitoring. Other diabetes medicines may increase hypoglycemia risk when combined. Always follow the plan set by your prescriber and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Many patients notice improvement in fasting readings as the dose is titrated and meals are matched consistently. Gastrointestinal effects often lessen after the first weeks as your body adjusts. If tolerability limits dose increases, there may be options such as a switch to extended‑release.

Dietary pattern, physical activity, and adherence influence outcomes. Keep a log of doses and glucose readings to discuss at follow‑up visits. This can help your clinician refine your regimen and set realistic goals.

Compare With Alternatives

Extended‑release metformin is available as brands and generics; Glumetza® is one brand formulation. For patients needing combination therapy, sitagliptin plus metformin is available as Janumet® XR. Your prescriber may consider alternatives based on glycemic targets, kidney function, and tolerability.

Pricing and Access

We offer Canadian pricing with convenient US delivery from Canada. Many patients compare options to manage metformin price and choose multi‑month fills to reduce pharmacy visits. You can review package sizes before you place an order.

Payment options are shown at checkout, and encrypted checkout helps protect your information. If you need broader context on similar therapies, review our article on How They Work for oral agents and combinations.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability varies by manufacturer and warehouse. If a specific strength or form is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative formulation with equivalent total daily dosing, or a different class when needed. Pharmacists can help evaluate substitutions in accordance with your script.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with type 2 diabetes who can use an oral option and have adequate kidney function. Those with severe chronic kidney disease, unstable heart failure, or significant liver impairment may not be candidates. Discuss risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Consider multi‑month supplies when appropriate to reduce per‑fill fees. Set refill reminders on your phone so you order before running out. If you manage insulin resistance related to PCOS, read our page on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for condition details, then talk with your clinician about whether this therapy fits your plan.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose and titration pace that fit my meal schedule
• Whether extended‑release is appropriate for my symptoms
• How to monitor kidney function and B12 levels
• What to do before imaging with contrast dye
• Interactions with my current prescription and OTC medicines
• Targets for A1C, fasting, and post‑meal readings

Authoritative Sources

For detailed label information, see the FDA DailyMed monograph for metformin; it outlines indications, dosing, and safety in full detail. Visit the FDA DailyMed monograph for metformin hydrochloride.

The manufacturer’s prescribing information provides complete warnings and administration guidance. Review the US Prescribing Information for metformin products for official recommendations.

Health Canada maintains an official database of approved products. You can confirm Canadian listings via the Health Canada Drug Product Database.

To understand how the medicine acts at the cellular level, see our primer on mechanisms in Molecular Mechanism and related educational resources.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

When you are ready, you can order metformin online through CanadianInsulin with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required.