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Proper Use
Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.
Metformin should be taken with meals to help reduce the stomach and intestinal side effects that may occur while you are taking this medicine.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew it.
If you are taking the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stool after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For type 2 diabetes:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults:
- Metformin alone: At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals. Or, 850 mg a day taken with the morning meal. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time every week or every other week if needed. Later, your doctor may want you to take 500 or 850 mg two to three times a day with meals. However, the dose is usually not more than 2550 mg per day.
- Metformin with a sulfonylurea: Your doctor will determine the dose of each medicine.
- Metformin with insulin: At first, 500 mg a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose by 500 mg every week if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2550 mg a day.
- Children 10 years of age and over—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time every week if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.
- Children below 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Adults:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults:
- Metformin alone (Glucophage® ER): At first, 500 milligrams (mg) once daily with the evening meal. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time every week if needed. If you need more medicine, your doctor may tell you to take more than one dose a day. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.
- Metformin alone (Glumetza™): At first, 1000 milligrams (mg) once daily with the evening meal. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time every week if needed. If you need more medicine, your doctor may tell you to take more than one dose a day.
- Metformin with a sulfonylurea: Your doctor will determine the dose of each medicine.
- Metformin with insulin: At first, 500 mg a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose by 500 mg every week if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Adults:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
