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Product Information

Other brand name(s): 
  • Fortamet,

  • Glucophage,

  • Glucophage XR,

  • Glumetza

Metformin is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body does not produce or use insulin normally, whichresults in high blood sugar (glucose).

Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar you absorb from food and by reducing the amount of glucose your liver makes. It also increases your body's response to insulin

Using metformin alone, or with a type of oral antidiabetic medicine called a sulfonylurea, or with insulin, will help to lower blood sugar when it is too high and help restore the way you use food to make energy.

Metformin does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes because they cannot produce insulin from their pancreatic gland. Their blood glucose is best controlled by insulin injections.

Metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should you take Glucophage XR (metformin)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Take metformin 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. Usual adult dose:

● Immediate-release tablets: 500 mg twice a day, or 850 mg once a day. This dose may be

gradually increased by 500 mg a week or 850 mg every two weeks. The maximum daily

dose of metformin is 2,550 mg divided into three smaller doses.

● Extended-release tablets: 500 mg, 750 mg or, 1,000 mg daily with an evening meal. The

dose can be increased by 500 mg a week to a maximum of 2,000 mg. If you take Fortamet

or Glumetza (modified release formulations of metformin), you may be given different

dosing instructions.

Typical child dose:

● Children between 10-16 years old: 500 mg twice a day. The dose can be increased by 500

mg a week to a maximum of 2,000 mg in divided doses.

● Children older than 17 years old: 500 mg of extended-release tablets daily up to a

maximum of 2,000 mg daily.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Fortamet, Glucophage XR, Glumetza). Swallow it whole.

Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention. If you forget to take 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.

Store at room temperature; away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Who should not take Glucophage XR (metformin)?

You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

● severe kidney disease;

● metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis; or

● type 1 diabetes.

Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. The extended-release form of

the drug should not be given to a child younger than 17 years old.

Do not take metformin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor first.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What to avoid while taking Glucophage XR (metformin)?

You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

● severe kidney disease;

● metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis; or

● type 1 diabetes.

Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. The extended-release form of

the drug should not be given to a child younger than 17 years old.

Do not take metformin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor first.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Glucophage XR (metformin)?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

● kidney disease (your kidney function may need to be checked before you take this medicine);

● high ketone levels in your blood or urine;

● heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke;

● liver disease; or

● if you also use insulin, or other oral diabetes medications.

Could not find your medication? Call us!

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For many products we offer a lower per unit cost when you purchase larger quantities. If your quantity is larger than what is available on this website, please contact us directly.


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Brand-name and generic products are therapeutically equivalent.


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Whatever source country you choose, your product will take about the same number of days to arrive.

Discreet Packaging

Your order for Glumetza will be shipped in discreet packaging so whether the item is shipped to your home or work no one will know the contents of the shipment until opened.


Delivery Timetable

Average regular delivery time:
10 days from our Canadian online pharmacy.

Delivery times for Glumetza do vary depending on the location of the dispensary. The reason deliveries take time is primarily due to customs procedures that need to be completed prior to allowing our packages to enter the United States. Expedited and tracked delivery services are available from our Canadian online dispensary. Please speak to one of our online pharmacy service representatives if you have any questions about delivery times for your order.

The prescription medications you have requested were lawfully prescribed by a qualified and licensed physician. You have attended, have had a physical examination, and have received a prescription from a duly licensed practitioner within the last year, and do not require an additional physical examination. You have not altered your prescription in any way. The duty of care with respect to the prescribing of your medications is and shall remain the responsibility of your physician. You will consult with your physician for any appropriate monitoring and testing. You will use your medication only as directed by your physician and will remain under the care of your physician while taking your medication. Except as specifically authorized by law (and further clarified herein), you are not purchasing medications for anyone else, and you will be the only person using the medications prescribed for you. In the event that you are unable to personally place your order with CheapoMeds due to age or infirmity, you can authorize someone else to place your order and assist you in acquiring your medications, so long as they have power of attorney over your affairs, and provide a copy of their legal authorization to act on your behalf to CheapoMeds.