Metformin

This content has been written and checked for quality and accuracy by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator GPhC: 2060586 Updated on: 10/07/2020 Next review: 10/01/2021

This content has been written by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator Updated on: 10/07/2020 Next review: 10/01/2021

What is Metformin?

Metformin hydrochloride is an antidiabetic (biguanide) prescription-only medication, available under various names, such as Glumetza, Fortamet and Obimet, and prescribed to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is one of a number of diabetic medications available online for purchase. Overweight adults with type 2 diabetes can benefit from taking Metformin long-term to lower the health risks attributed to diabetes.

Buy Metformin 500mg Online from a UK Pharmacy

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What is diabetes?

Diabetes causes a high level of sugar (glucose) and interacts with the insulin hormone, produced by the pancreas. Insulin causes glucose in the bloodstream to be transferred into body cells, creating energy. Following food digestion, liver enzymes break down carbohydrates into sugars. The glucose levels of people with diabetes are ineffective or lacking.

You are at a heightened risk of developing diabetes if you are overweight, or if you have a family history of diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

It is important to treat diabetes as soon as it is diagnosed to prevent complications from developing further down the line. Left untreated, the raised blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can cause damage to your vital organs, nervous system (neuropathy), hearing, eyesight (retinopathy) and increase your risk of infection.

Your doctor will be able to make an appropriate assessment of your condition and prescribe the most suitable course of treatment, which may include adaptations to your diet or lifestyle. You should always follow your doctor's advice.

During your course of treatment, your doctor will likely measure your blood sugar levels every three months to ensure the medicine you are taking continues being effective. During these appointments, your doctor may check your blood pressure and cholesterol. You may also need to attend regular foot and eye screening - these screenings are important as they can help to identify the signs of neuropathy and retinopathy, which are two severe complications of diabetes. Other checks may be done on your kidneys and liver to ensure they are functioning properly.

How does Metformin work?

Metformin inhibits the liver's ability to make glucose, subsequently reducing the amount of sugar in the blood.

It is effective if diet and exercise alone have not adequately controlled the condition. Metformin can be taken alone or with other anti-diabetics.

Some anti-diabetic treatments contain Metformin alongside another medicine, increasing their effectiveness.

How do I take Metformin?

Always take as prescribed, alongside a healthy lifestyle, exercise and any specific dietary advice your medical practitioner has provided. Adults usually begin with one 500mg or 850mg tablet per day. The maximum dosage is 3,000mg per day with 3 equal doses.

Swallow each Metformin tablet whole with a glass of water, along with or after a meal.

Your doctor will also discuss blood glucose tests and kidney function monitoring and checks while you are taking Metformin for type-2 diabetes.

Metformin Side effects and cautions

Metformin, like all medicines, carries the risk of side effects. Even though a side effect may be listed below or in the supporting literature of your medicine, it does not guarantee that you will experience it. Before you start taking Metformin, it's important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach ache
• Loss of appetite

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

• Changes in taste

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of this medication can be found within the supporting literature enclosed with your medicine. If you are concerned about any of the side effects listed above or in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor.

You can view the patient information leaflet for metformin online.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Metformin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Metformin if you are allergic to metformin or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Other cautions

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Metformin online.

Never take Metformin past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month, for example "03/25" would the 31st of March 2025.

Do not dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medication via general household or water waste. Take any unused, unwanted or expired medicine your local pharmacy, who will be able to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Always take medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I forget to take Metformin when I should?

If you forget to take Metformin when you should, take it as soon as you remember. Never take more Metformin to make up for the missed dose and if it is nearly time for the next dose, take just one dose and continue to take Metformin as you normally would. Never take two doses on the same day.

What should I do if I take too much Metformin?

If you take more Metformin than you should, you may experience lactic acidosis. Symptoms can include feeling sick, vomiting, stomach ache, muscle cramps, generally feeling unwell with extreme tiredness and breathing difficulties. You may experience reduced heartbeat and body temperature.  As lactic acidosis can lead to coma, immediate hospital treatment may be needed. Discontinue the medication and contact a doctor or hospital. Take the medication pack with you.

Will Metformin impact my contraceptive pill?

Metformin does not affect contraceptive pills, including the morning after pill. However, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Metformin if you start taking a contraceptive pill.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Metformin?

Metformin and a moderate amount of alcohol is safe, but excessive and regular alcohol intake can reduce its effectiveness and increases the risk of serious complications. You should limit your alcohol consumption while taking Metformin

Will Metformin impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Low blood glucose can cause drowsiness and dizziness which may affect your concentration. If you experience low blood glucose levels, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel it is safe for you to do so.

Metformin hydrochloride alone does not cause hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose), but if combined with some other medications, hypoglycaemia can occur. If you are unsure whether another medicine may interact with Metformin, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

How long does Metformin take to work?

While the effects of Metformin will be noticeable 48 hours after taking Metformin, it may take up to 5 days of taking Metformin for the peak efficacy to be reached.

Diabetes may not cause any noticeable symptoms, so even if you don't feel better, you should continue to take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if I stop taking Metformin?

If you stop taking Metformin, you may lose control of your diabetes.

Metformin is usually taken for life, though your doctor may change your medication if you develop problems with your kidneys.

While taking Metformin, your doctor may arrange regular appointments to monitor how effective the treatment is for your condition.

Does Metformin cause weight loss?

Metformin can cause weight loss in some people, but it is not understood how it helps people lose weight. It is believed that Metformin affects your appetite, resulting in eating less.

It's important to clarify that Metform is not intended as a weight loss aid and should not be used as such.

Where can I buy Metformin online?

You can safely buy Metformin online from our secure online pharmacy service, following a short online consultation.

Please understand that you may be required to provide evidence that you have previously been prescribed Metformin.

If Metformin has not been previously prescribed to you by your GP, our online doctor may not be able to prescribe it to you.

Table of content

What is Metformin?

How does Metformin work?

How do I take Metformin?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions

Additional resources

How long does Metformin take to work?