Description
Glucophage SR contains metformin hydrochloride in a prolonged release tablet. Metformin is a biguanide. It lowers blood glucose by reducing the amount of glucose the liver releases and by improving how the body responds to its own insulin. The marketing authorisation covers type 2 diabetes; in polycystic ovary syndrome metformin is prescribed to address insulin resistance, which is a use outside the licence, so your prescriber should explain the reasoning.
The tablets are swallowed whole with the evening meal and are not crushed or chewed. Treatment usually starts at a low dose and is built up over several weeks, which limits the nausea, wind and loose stools that are common early on. Tell your prescriber if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you drink alcohol heavily.
Metformin is stopped for a time before surgery and before scans that use iodinated contrast dye.
- Biguanide; metformin hydrochloride in prolonged release tablets
- Licensed for type 2 diabetes; use in PCOS is outside the licence
- Swallow whole with the evening meal, do not crush or chew
- Available in 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg tablets
- Stomach upset is common at first and eases as the dose is built up
- Tell your prescriber about kidney problems or heavy alcohol use
