Metformin

What is Metformin?

Metformin hydrochloride is an antidiabetic (biguanide) 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 to lower your blood sugar levels. It is available under brand names including Glucophage SR, or as a cheaper generic.

Your doctor may prescribe Metformin alongside another antidiabetic treatment, such as dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, pioglitazone or insulin. Some antidiabetic treatments combine Metformin with other ingredients, such as Forxiga, which combines Metformin with dapagliflozin.

Overweight adults with type 2 diabetes can benefit from taking Metformin long-term to lower the health risks attributed to diabetes.

In the UK, Metformin is only available on prescription.

Buy Metformin 500mg Online from a UK Pharmacy

Prescription Doctor's online private prescription service makes it possible to buy Metformin online without the hassle of needing to go to the pharmacy.

Simply complete our short online consultation with one of our qualified doctors, and our UK pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your treatment straight to your door, via a next-day discreet delivery service.

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 to treat diabetes when diet and exercise alone have not adequately reduced your blood sugar levels.

Metformin can be taken alone or with other anti-diabetics. Your doctor will discuss with you whether you need to take Metformin on its own, or as an adjunct to another medicine.

How do I take Metformin?

Always take Metformin as prescribed by your doctor., alongside a healthy lifestyle, exercise and any specific dietary advice your medical practitioner has provided.

Adults usually begin with one 500mg or one 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.

Do not crush or chew Metformin tablets.

Metformin tablets should be taken with or straight 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.

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.

Metformin Side effects and cautions

Read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your Metformin before you begin your treatment. The patient information leaflet contains instructions on how to use and store Metformin tablets, as well as important information about the safety of the product.

You can view the patient information leaflet for metformin online.

If you have any questions about any of the information presented in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Side effects

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.

Very common side effects:

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

Common side effects:

• 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 patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Metformin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you become pregnant while taking Metformin, inform your doctor right away.

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.

Inform our online prescribers of all other medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor or bought over the counter, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements.

Never take Metformin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Do not dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medication via general household or water waste. Ask your local pharmacy to dispose of any medicines you no longer need or want. These measures can help protect the environment.

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

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.

Read our article about how long Metformin works for more information.

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?

Some people taking Metformin may notice that they lose weight, but it is not understood how Metformin 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. If you are looking to lose weight, take a look at our weight loss treatments.

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.