Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Fortamet
  2. Glucophage
  3. Glucophage XR
  4. Glumetza
  5. Riomet
  6. Riomet ER

Canadian Brand Name

  1. ACT metFORMIN
  2. AG-metFORMIN - Blackberry
  3. AG-metFORMIN - Unflavored
  4. APO-metFORMIN
  5. APO-metFORMIN ER
  6. AURO-metFORMIN
  7. AVA-metFORMIN
  8. Bio-metFORMIN
  9. Dom-metFORMIN

Descriptions


Metformin is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes. With this type of diabetes, insulin produced by the pancreas is not able to get sugar into the cells of the body where it can work properly. Using metformin alone, 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.

Many people can control type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. Following a specially planned diet and exercise will always be important when you have diabetes, even when you are taking medicines. To work properly, the amount of metformin you take must be balanced against the amount and type of food you eat and the amount of exercise you do. If you change your diet or exercise, you will want to test your blood sugar to find out if it is too low. Your doctor will teach you what to do if this happens.

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

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet, Extended Release
  • Suspension, Extended Release
  • Tablet
  • Solution
  • Tablet, Extended Release, 24 HR