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Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: ER Tablet

Glucophage XR

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: ER Tablet

Metformin Hydrochloride ER

(Generic Alternative)

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Glucophage XR contains the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride extended-release. It is a prescription medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.

It is usually used together with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and other parts of a diabetes treatment plan.

Type 2 Diabetes

Glucophage XR helps improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or does not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar within a healthy range.

How Glucophage XR Helps Lower Blood Sugar

Metformin works in several ways.

It helps reduce the amount of glucose made by the liver, improves the body’s response to insulin, and helps the muscles and other tissues use glucose more effectively.

Reducing Glucose Production by the Liver

The liver naturally releases glucose into the bloodstream.

In people with type 2 diabetes, the liver may release too much glucose. Metformin helps reduce this excess glucose production, which can help lower blood sugar levels.

Improving Insulin Sensitivity

Metformin also helps the body’s tissues respond better to insulin.

This means glucose can move from the bloodstream into the cells more efficiently, where it can be used for energy.

Extended-Release Formulation

The XR in Glucophage XR stands for extended-release.

This formulation releases metformin more slowly over time, which may allow for once-daily dosing and may be easier on the stomach for some people compared with immediate-release metformin.

Cardiovascular Health

Metformin is commonly used in people with type 2 diabetes who may also have cardiovascular risk factors.

However, Glucophage XR is primarily indicated for improving glycemic control. It should not be described as specifically approved to prevent heart attacks or strokes unless that use is supported by the product label being followed.

Long-Term Diabetes Management

Glucophage XR does not cure type 2 diabetes.

Instead, it helps control blood sugar over time and works best when taken consistently along with diet, exercise, and regular medical follow-up.

Regular Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood sugar, A1C, kidney function, and overall response to treatment while you are taking Glucophage XR.

This helps determine whether the medication is working effectively and whether your dose needs to be adjusted.

Glucophage XR is taken by mouth, usually once daily with the evening meal.

Taking it with food can help reduce stomach-related side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.

Swallow the Tablet Whole

Glucophage XR is an extended-release tablet, which means the medication is designed to be released slowly over time.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless your healthcare provider or pharmacist confirms that your specific tablet can be split.

Crushing or chewing an extended-release tablet can release too much medication at once and may increase the risk of side effects.

Starting Dose

A common starting dose is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal.

Your healthcare provider may start you at a lower dose and increase it gradually to help your body adjust and reduce stomach upset.

Dose Adjustments

Your dose may be increased based on your blood sugar levels, kidney function, treatment response, and side effects.

Dose increases are usually made gradually rather than all at once.

Maximum Daily Dose

For many patients, the maximum recommended dose of Glucophage XR is 2,000 mg per day.

Do not increase your dose on your own, even if your blood sugar remains high.

Take It at the Same Time Each Day

Try to take Glucophage XR at about the same time every evening.

A regular schedule can help you remember your dose and keep your treatment consistent.

Tell Your Healthcare Provider About Other Medications

Before starting Glucophage XR, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.

Some medications can affect blood sugar levels or kidney function and may change how metformin should be used.

Why Kidney Function Matters

Metformin is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys.

Your healthcare provider may check your kidney function before and during treatment to make sure Glucophage XR remains safe for you.

If Stomach Side Effects Occur

Nausea, diarrhea, gas, or stomach discomfort can occur when treatment begins or when the dose is increased.

These effects often improve as your body adjusts. Taking Glucophage XR with your evening meal and increasing the dose slowly can help reduce them.

Do Not Change Your Dose on Your Own

Take Glucophage XR exactly as prescribed.

Do not take more tablets, change your schedule, or stop the medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

Getting the Best Results

For the best results, take Glucophage XR with your evening meal, swallow the extended-release tablet whole, and follow the dose prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Regular blood sugar monitoring and follow-up appointments can help determine whether your dose is working effectively.

Common Side Effects of Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER):

  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood sugar
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach

Serious Side Effects of Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER):

  • Feeling cold
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Slow or irregular heart rate
  • Stomach pain
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Unusual muscle pain
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness

Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER) is available in the following forms and strength:

Glucophage XR: ER Tablet

  • 500 mg
  • 750 mg

Metformin Hydrochloride ER: ER Tablet

  • 500 mg
  • 750 mg
  • 1000 mg

Lactic Acidosis

Glucophage XR can rarely cause lactic acidosis, a serious condition in which lactic acid builds up in the blood.

The risk is higher when too much metformin accumulates in the body, especially in people with kidney problems or other conditions that reduce the body’s ability to clear the medication.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms such as severe weakness, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or feeling unusually cold.

Kidney Problems

Metformin is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys.

If your kidneys are not working properly, metformin can build up in the body and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Your healthcare provider may check your kidney function before starting Glucophage XR and periodically during treatment.

Iodinated Contrast for Imaging Tests

Certain imaging procedures use iodinated contrast dye, which can temporarily affect kidney function.

Depending on your kidney function and the type of procedure, your healthcare provider may tell you to temporarily stop Glucophage XR before or at the time of the test and restart it only after your kidney function has been checked.

Always tell the healthcare team performing an imaging test that you take metformin.

Low Blood Sugar

Glucophage XR usually does not cause hypoglycemia when taken by itself.

However, low blood sugar can occur when it is used with other diabetes medicines, especially insulin or sulfonylureas.

Symptoms may include sweating, shakiness, hunger, dizziness, weakness, or confusion.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Long-term metformin use can lower vitamin B12 levels in some people.

Low vitamin B12 may contribute to anemia, numbness or tingling, weakness, or other nerve-related symptoms.

Your healthcare provider may check your vitamin B12 level periodically, especially if you have symptoms or other risk factors for deficiency.

Stomach and Digestive Side Effects

Glucophage XR may cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, gas, or reduced appetite.

These effects are often more noticeable when treatment begins or the dose is increased.

Taking the medication with your evening meal and increasing the dose gradually can help reduce stomach-related side effects.

Liver Problems

Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease before taking Glucophage XR.

Severe liver problems can increase the risk of lactic acidosis because the liver plays an important role in processing lactate.

Alcohol Use

Drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.

Avoid excessive or binge drinking and discuss your alcohol use with your healthcare provider.

Surgery and Medical Procedures

Tell your healthcare provider if you are scheduled for surgery or another major medical procedure.

Glucophage XR may need to be temporarily stopped in some situations, especially if you will not be eating normally, are at risk of dehydration, or could develop changes in kidney function.

Dehydration and Serious Illness

Severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration.

Dehydration may increase the risk of kidney problems and metformin accumulation.

Contact your healthcare provider if you become seriously ill or cannot keep fluids down.

Heart Conditions

Glucophage XR is not generally known to raise blood pressure or directly increase cardiovascular risk.

However, people with unstable or severe heart failure or other conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to the tissues may have a greater risk of lactic acidosis.

Tell your healthcare provider about any serious heart condition before starting treatment.

Regular Monitoring

While taking Glucophage XR, your healthcare provider may monitor your blood sugar, A1C, kidney function, and vitamin B12 levels.

Regular monitoring helps ensure that the medication continues to work effectively and remains safe for you.

How long does Glucophage XR take to start working?

Glucophage XR may begin lowering blood sugar within the first few days of treatment. However, it can take several weeks to see the full effect, especially while your healthcare provider is gradually adjusting the dose.

Can Glucophage XR cause low blood sugar?

When taken by itself, Glucophage XR is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. The risk is higher when it is used with other diabetes medicines that can lower blood sugar, especially insulin or sulfonylureas. Watch for symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, dizziness, hunger, weakness, or confusion.

Should Glucophage XR be taken with food?

Yes. Glucophage XR is usually taken with the evening meal. Taking it with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort.

How often should my blood sugar be checked?

How often you need to check your blood sugar depends on your treatment plan, blood sugar control, and whether you use other diabetes medications. Your healthcare provider may also monitor your A1C level periodically to see how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the previous few months.

Can Glucophage XR be used in children?

Glucophage XR is generally not approved for children under 18 years of age in the U.S. Immediate-release metformin may be used in some children with type 2 diabetes, but the extended-release formulation has different labeling. A pediatric healthcare provider should determine the most appropriate treatment for a child with type 2 diabetes.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Metformin Hydrochloride ER, Metformin Hydrochloride Er

Formulation:

ER Tablet

Strength(s):

500mg, 750mg, 1000mg

Quantities Available:

84, 90

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Glucophage XR can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Glucophage XR (metformin hydrochloride ER) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time. This practice is standard for prescription medications to ensure continuous treatment without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Glucophage XR is commonly prescribed in tablets of 500 mg, 750 mg, or 1000 mg, taken once daily. For a 90-day supply, this means you would order 90 tablets (90 days x 1 tablet per day).

Do you sell metformin hydrochloride ER?

Yes, we sell metformin hydrochloride ER on our website, and you can enjoy competitive prices. To purchase metformin hydrochloride ER from us, you’ll need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require this to dispense the medication, and you can conveniently submit your prescription via mail, fax, or by uploading it through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Glucophage XR (metformin hydrochloride ER) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Glucophage XR (metformin hydrochloride ER) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Glucophage XR (Metformin Hydrochloride ER).