Metformin

Metformin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower your blood sugar levels and prevent any complications associated with diabetes.

It is available in two forms: immediate-release tablets and modified-release tablets. Immediate-release tablets release the metformin into your body immediately, while modified-release tablets release it more slowly.

Both forms are equally effective. However, your doctor may recommend the modified-release tablets if you are more prone to digestive side effects.

The immediate-release tablets are available at 121doc for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or your body does not use it properly. This causes high blood sugar levels.

Metformin is a type of diabetes medicine called a biguanide. It works in two main ways to treat diabetes:

• It reduces the amount of sugar (glucose) that the liver releases into the body.
• It helps the insulin in your body work more efficiently.

This helps to reduce your blood glucose levels, manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

Research has shown that Metformin is an effective way to manage, treat and prevent type 2 diabetes.

• Lower blood sugar levels - clinical trials have shown that Metformin significantly reduces blood sugar levels.
• Reduced complications - a UK study found that Metformin reduced the risk of diabetes-related complications by 32% and reduced the risk of diabetes-related death by 42%.
• Prevention - The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) found that Metformin can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 31% compared to a placebo in patients with high blood sugar levels.

You should notice a difference in blood sugar levels within the first month of using it. However, you can expect significant changes after three months of using it.

Metformin is safe to take for adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be taken on its own or with other diabetes treatments, including insulin.

Some people should not use Metformin. This is because they may be at a higher risk of side effects. This includes people who have:

• diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious medical condition caused by a buildup of a harmful substance called ketones in the blood)
• lactic acidosis (a serious medical condition caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood)
• kidney or liver problems
• recently had treatment for heart failure
• recently had a heart attack
• circulation problems
• an alcohol dependency

If you have any other medical condition or take any other medicine, you should consult your doctor before using Metformin.

Metformin immediate-release tablets are available as 500 mg tablets.

You start by taking one tablet once a day for a week, then you increase the dose to two tablets a day in week 2. From week 3 and beyond, you take 3 tablets a day.

You should take Metformin with a meal. This will reduce the chance of developing digestive side effects.

If you miss a dose, simply skip that dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. If you take too many tablets, you may be at a higher risk of side effects.

You must take Metformin for as long as your doctor advises you. Some people may have to take it forever, but others may be able to stop taking it if their diabetes becomes stable enough (diabetes remission).

Like all prescription medicines, Metformin may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

• stomach pain or problems
• reduced appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick
• changes in your taste
• vitamin B12 deficiency
• being sick

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL).

You should drink as little as possible or not at all while on Metformin. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious condition caused by high levels of lactic acid in your blood.

Yes, Metformin is a safe and clinically-proven diabetes treatment. But if you have another medical condition or take other medication, your doctor will need to ensure it’s safe for you. Our doctors will also know whether it’s safe for you based on your medical questionnaire during the ordering process.

Studies show Metformin can result in modest weight loss in patients with high blood sugar. However, patients should still make an effort to control their weight while on Metformin to help manage their diabetes.

No, Metformin is not available without a prescription. Our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects