This ships from the UK

Glucophage MR (metformin) is the modified-release (MR) version of regular Glucophage tablets, formulated to slowly release small amounts of the medication over time. Both tablets are used to reduce levels of glucose in type 2 diabetics.

The most significant benefit of Glucophage MR over the regular version is the reduction in the severity of gastrointestinal side effects, which, while not dangerous, can be very uncomfortable and disruptive.

Glucose Management Made Easy

Glucophage MR enhances the body's naturally occurring insulin by:

• Inhibiting glucose secretion by the liver;
• Inhibiting glucose absorption from food;
• Promoting glucose absorption by muscle and fat tissues.

For many patients, Glucophage MR alone is sufficient to keep glucose levels in normal ranges, without additional medications such as insulin injections. In overweight patients, it has shown to be every bit as effective as lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise; of course, lifestyle changes will only further enhance treatment and may be enough to eventually cease taking the medication altogether.

This treatment provides a number of benefits over other diabetes medications:

• It is administered orally once daily, no injections are required;
• Patients do not tend to gain weight during treatment, as often happens with insulin;
• Many patients experience mild to moderate weight loss during treatment, even without lifestyle changes;
• The medication is extremely unlikely to produce serious side effects if used properly;
• It is considerably less expensive than most other antidiabetic treatments.

Glucophage MR is the easiest to take of all forms of metformin:

• Start with 500 mg once per day for 10 to 14 days.
• If not effective, increase by 500 mg; 1000 mg once per day for another 10 to 14 days.
• Continue increasing by 500 mg increments every 10 to 14 days until the effective dosage is found or maximum dose is reached.
• Do not exceed 2000 mg in one day.
• Do not crush, split, chew or otherwise damage MR tablets.
• Each dose should be taken with the evening meal.

The gradual increase in dosage, aside from determining the ideal dosage for long-term management, should help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of any side effects, if they occur at all. Starting treatment with large doses is likely to produce gastrointestinal side effects.

Blood sugar should be tested frequently whenever dosage changes. Gastrointestinal side effects may develop whenever dosage is increased. Treatment with Glucophage MR will likely continue indefinitely if lifestyle changes are not sufficient to manage the condition.

Side Effects

As mentioned above, Glucophage is somewhat notorious for producing gastrointestinal side effects, experienced by about half of all users:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Metallic taste in mouth

These effects should be should be mild and transient, fading away completely after several weeks of treatment, particularly if using Glucophage MR. If symptoms are still severe or persistent, there are a few additional things to try:

• Eat live culture yogurt;
• Eat fewer fatty or fried foods;
• Eat a larger meal when tablets are taken;
• If taking tablets at the start of the meal, switch to taking them at the end, and vice versa.

A few individuals find side effects never seem to disappear; in these cases alternative options should be explored.

Before Use

Patients with kidney or liver issues, a history of cardiac problems, or major respiratory conditions should discuss risks with a doctor before use, as the risk of serious side effects is much greater.

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Glucophage MR may interact with other prescription and non-prescription drugs, causing unexpected side effects or reducing effectiveness. Talk to a pharmacist before mixing treatments if unsure of the consequences.

Safety in pregnancy is somewhat disputed; parents should discuss potential risks with a trusted doctor before use.