Glucophage vs Metformin. Several drugs are available to treat type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Among these medicines is Glucophage, a brand name drug of Metformin prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. What is the difference between Glucophage and Metformin? This article will compare and contrast the two.
Glucophage vs Metformin
Glucophage and Metformin are similar in the way they work. It is because these two drugs are just the branded and generic forms of each other.
Glucophage is one brand of metformin hydrochloride, a prescription drug that manages blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes. Both Glucophage and Metformin act as an antihyperglycemic agent to lower glucose production and reduce insulin resistance.
Dosage
Here are the prescriptive dosages when taking Glucophage (Metformin):
Adult Dosage Forms & Strengths for Diabetes
Tablet, immediate-release
- 500 mg
- 850 mg
- 1000 mg
Extended-release tablet
- 500 mg
- 750 mg
- 1000 mg
Oral solution
- 500 mg
- 750 mg
- 1000 mg
Pediatric Dosage Forms & Strengths for Diabetes
Tablet, immediate-release
- 500 mg
- 850 mg
- 1000 mg
Extended-release Tablet
- 500 mg
- 750 mg
- 1000 mg
Oral solution
- 500 mg
- 750 mg
- 100 mg
Side Effects
Glucophage and Metformin belong to the same drug class called non-sulfonylureas. Hence, they share the same side effects upon intake. The following are some of the side effects you may experience when taking either of the two drugs:
- physical weakness (asthenia)
- diarrhea
- gas (flatulence)
- symptoms of weakness, muscle pain (myalgia)
- upper respiratory tract infection
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- abdominal pain (GI complaints), lactic acidosis (rare)
- low blood levels of vitamin B-12
- nausea
- vomiting
- chest discomfort
- chills, dizziness
- bloating/abdominal distention
- constipation
- heartburn
This is not a complete list of potential adverse effects. Contact your doctor for medical advice concerning side effects. Report unusual side effects, if any.
Metformin Drug List
Aside from Glucophage, here are other brand name drugs of Metformin you can use for your diabetes treatment:
- Glucophage XR
- Fortamet
- Glumetza
- Riomet