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Metformin 500mg sustained release (SR) is a commonly used drug in the treatment of diabetes. It is designed to improve the experience for patients with it being convenient and having less side effects. This is because unlike the usual Metformin drug, SR Metformin allows for a controlled release of the drug into the bloodstream which can help maintain steady therapeutic levels of the drug over a longer period of time. This form of Metformin has produced positive outcomes in improving management of especially type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is also suggestion that it could be helpful in other medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
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Metformin is one of the most widely used medications to manage high blood sugar. Its safety and effectiveness have made it one of the first-line drugs in type 2 diabetes management. Despite this, many people might not know about Metformin and the different forms it can exist in. Here, we outline some key information about the sustained release form of Metformin and some frequently asked questions.
Metformin SR (sustained release) is a type of medication used in the management of high levels of sugar in the blood; a common condition metformin is used to treat is type 2 diabetes. The medication works by helping the body use a hormone called insulin more effectively and thus lowers the overall blood sugar levels in the body. The ‘sustained release’ part refers to the form of metformin; as there are other forms in addition to ‘sustained release’ such as ‘immediate release’. The sustained release form of the metformin pill is designed to achieve steadier levels of metformin in the body by releasing the medication gradually over time. This slower but steady release form may help to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects linked to metformin pills (e.g stomachache).
As mentioned, Metformin SR can be used to help control blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is the main condition it is used for, but there are a few other conditions where you can get high blood sugar where metformin SR treatment may be beneficial, for example:
A lot of people are put on or switched to Metformin SR due to its numerous advantages, for example:
Metformin SR tablets come in a range of doses such as:
When you first start, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dose e.g metformin 500 milligram and then increase the strength gradually. This way, your response to the medication can be monitored carefully and the gradual increase in dose can also help to decrease the risk of stomachaches, nausea, and diarrhoea.
To take metformin optimally, there is some safety advice to follow:
As mentioned, you are likely to be started on the lowest dose (metformin tablet 500mg) and then strength may be increased gradually. This can help to reduce the chances of the more common side effects such as:
Although these side effects can be common, they are also usually milder and should go away as your body gets used to the medication. It is also helpful to take the metformin tablets after eating.
However, it is important that you also read about rarer and severe side effects. These include:
While Metformin is a common drug, it still carries risks and may not be safe for everyone. For example, if you have a kidney condition, a liver condition, or heart failure, metformin may not be appropriate for you. Please inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or you take any medication regularly. Certain medications can react dangerously with Metformin. Furthermore, if you are a heavy drinker, it is important that you inform your doctor and try to cut down on drinking as much as possible as alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acid buildup in the blood while on metformin treatment. If you are due for a surgical operation, you may be asked to pause metformin treatment temporarily.
For the most effective and long-term results, Metformin works best when it is combined with healthy lifestyle habits such as:
You can buy Metformin 500mg tablets online in the UK however, you will need a valid prescription. To get a prescription, many online healthcare services offer a consultation. As the healthcare provider is likely private, the cost of metformin 500 mg and the consultation can vary greatly between services. To help ensure you are getting safe and good quality medication, always check that the online pharmacy is registered and has a valid license.
Metformin is a type of drug (typically taken as an oral tablet of 500mg of Metformin) prescribed to help manage the high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is part of a class of drugs called ‘biguanides’ that work by decreasing the amount of glucose that the liver produces. This then makes the body more sensitive to insulin and lowers the levels of glucose absorbed in the intestines.
The effectiveness and the lower risk of side effects (e.g weight gain or low blood sugar) of Metformin means it is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the management of diabetes.
Metformin is mainly used to help control the high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The medication decreases the amount of glucose made in the liver and increases the sensitivity of insulin. This decreases glucose absorption in the intestines and helps to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Aside from type 2 diabetes, Metformin can also be used for:
The goal of the drug Metformin is to manage glucose levels in the body, it does this in a few ways:
Mechanism | How does it reduce glucose levels? |
Decreases glucose production in the liver. | By lowering the amount of glucose made by the liver, Metformin lowers blood glucose levels. |
Decreases glucose absorption in the intestines. | By reducing the glucose absorbed in the intestines, Metformin decreases the levels of glucose in the body. |
Improves insulin sensitivity. | By making the cells of the body more sensitive to insulin, more of the glucose in the blood gets absorbed and used effectively. |
For example, signs that metformin is working could be decreased HbA1c levels at your blood sugar monitoring tests.
Metformin and Metformin sustained release (SR) have the same active ingredient, the difference between them is how the medication is released and absorbed in the body.
Metformin (Immediate Release) | Metformin SR (Sustained Release) |
This form of Metformin releases the full dose of the medication at once. This means that you need to take several tablets a day to maintain levels of the medication that can control blood sugar. | This is basically Slow release Metformin, it releases the medication gradually over a longer period of time. This means you can take one tablet a day. The convenience can help improve patient adherence to the treatment plan. The gradual release also lowers the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. |
Like all medication, Metformin can have side effects so it is important to be aware of them. Some common side effects include:
These symptoms usually decrease with time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if the problems persist, it is advised that you consult a medical professional who may make some adjustments or switch you to an alternative treatment.
There is also a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). This is more likely to happen if you are taking Metformin with another diabetic medication rather than Metformin on its own. Some early signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling sweaty, confused, and tired.
If left untreated, there is a risk of loss of consciousness. To prevent this, try to eat regular meals and carry a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g sweets, fruit juice) with you to have in case your blood sugar gets too low. If your symptoms do not disappear even after a fast-acting carbohydrate, please seek medical attention.
There are some rare but serious side effects of Metformin. This is not an exhaustive list but if you experience any of these or you have any serious concerns, it is important that you consult a medical professional promptly.
Serious side effect | Symptoms |
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) This is a medical emergency so you must seek medical attention immediately. | Breathing too fast or feeling like you cannot breathe Swollen mouth, lips, tongue Drowsiness or confusion |
Liver disease | Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes |
Vitamin B12 deficiency | Tiredness and muscle weakness Sore tongue and mouth ulcers Problems with your vision Yellowing or pale skin |
In the United Kingdom, Metformin can also be used to manage symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Despite the fact that Metformin is not officially licensed for PCOS treatment, it has shown effectiveness in managing the insulin resistance in PCOS and is thus often prescribed.
Here are some other ways Metformin can be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS:
There is also suggestion that there are long-term health benefits as Metformin can decrease levels of cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Standard metformin releases the full dose of medication immediately while Metformin SR releases it slowly and gradually over time. The benefit to the Metformin SR is the reduced risk of stomach side effects and it is also more convenient as you only take it once a day.
Metformin SR starts to work within a few days of starting the medication. However, you may need to wait around 1 to 2 weeks to see the effect of the medication on your blood sugar.
Yes, in fact it is recommended that you take Metformin SR after eating or with food to reduce the chances of stomach side effects.
If you miss a dose of Metformin SR, take it as soon as you remember. If a lot of time has passed before you remember and it is close to the time of the next dose, then you should skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, Metformin SR is a safe and effective medication designed for long-term use to help control blood sugar.
Yes, if you do not have time to visit a GP, you can buy Metformin SR online in the UK from an online pharmacy. As this would be a private service, the metformin 500 price can vary.