What is Glucophage XR?

Glucophage XR is an oral pill made up of a non-sulfonylureas drug called metformin! This medication is also known as Glucophage SR internationally and can be purchased in both the brand choice and generic choice in 500mg, 750mg, and 1000mg!

What is Glucophage XR for?

Glucophage XR is prescribed along with a proper diet and exercise plan and sometimes other medications (like insulin) to help control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. This medication is not effective in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. With no treatment, high blood sugar can cause kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function. By using Glucophage XR, you not only lower the risk for those conditions, but also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

How does Glucophage XR work?

Glucophage XR (metformin) is effective in controlling blood sugar because it is able to aid the restoration of your body’s proper reaction to the insulin naturally produced in the body. It also helps by reducing the amount of sugar created by your liver and absorbed by your stomach and intestines.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose; it is important to follow his or her directions very carefully, this includes following the proper diet and exercise program put in place to help make this medication more effective.

Glucophage XR is taken with food, taken once a day in the evening (after 5pm). Swallow the capsule whole.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use Glucophage XR if you have severe kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis; call your doctor to find a more suitable treatment.

If you need to receive an x-ray or CT scan, you may need to discontinue treatment with Glucophage XR temporarily.

Lactic acidosis is a dangerous build up of lactic acid in the blood and may occur during the treatment of Glucophage XR; watch for signs of this condition (see side effects) and contact your doctor if you believe you may have lactic acidosis.

It is important to have your blood sugar controlled during the course of pregnancy; if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, you may need a dose adjustment; follow your doctors instructions on taking Glucophage XR while pregnant carefully.

Use this medication with caution if you are breast feeding. The amount of metformin passed in breast milk is less than 0.5% of the mother’s dose and isn’t expected to harm a nursing infant but caution should still be advised.

Using this medication may affect ovulation and could cause pregnancy to occur more easily in premenopausal women.

Common side effects of Glucophage XR (metformin) may include:

low blood sugar; nausea, upset stomach; or diarrhea.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Glucophage XR (metformin) may include:

shortness of breath; swelling or rapid weight gain; fever or chills; flu symptoms; body aches; or muscle pain or weakness;

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

lactic acidosis - unusual muscle pain; feeling cold; trouble breathing; feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak; stomach pain, vomiting; or slow or irregular heart rate.

Is this product safe for kids?

This product is not approved the use of children and adolescents (under 18 years old). The immediate release version of Glucophage is available for children 10 and up and can be purchased on MyDrugCenter!

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you next dose is already approaching, skip the missed dose. Do not try to make up for a missed dose but doubling up on doses.

Is it normal to have pieces of the XR tablet appearing in your stool?

Yes. They are designed to break down more slowly and sometimes they don’t fully break down before exiting the body; this does not mean treatment is unsuccessful.

What should I do in the case of an overdose?

Contact emergency services as soon as possible if an overdose is expected, an overdose could initiate severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.

What should I do in the case of hypoglycemia?

For hypoglycemia, eating or drinking a fast-source of sugar will help. Signs of hypoglycemia include feeling very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. Fast-source sugar includes fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, or non-diet soda.

For severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may have prescribed you a glucogon injection kit to use in case of severe hypoglycemia. Ensure yourself and at least one other family member or house hold member know how to properly use the kit. Signs of severe hypoglycemia includes feeling drowsy, dizzy, sweaty, weak, confused, irritable, hunger, or have a headache or fast heart rate.