Glucophage® Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes

Glucophage® is a prescription medicine for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. This page explains uses, safety, and ways to make access simpler. We support US delivery from Canada and include details on the Glucophage price without insurance.

What Glucophage Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine contains metformin, a biguanide. It lowers glucose output from the liver. It also improves how your body uses insulin and may reduce intestinal glucose absorption. The treatment can be used alone or with other agents for Type 2 Diabetes. Many patients start with immediate-release tablets, while others use an extended-release form for once-daily convenience. Learn more about therapies in our Diabetes Drugs List.

Who It’s For

This therapy is for adults and some children with type 2 diabetes. Extended-release options are generally for adults. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. People with severe kidney problems should not use it. Your prescriber will review eGFR and overall health before starting. Many start on a Metformin generic to balance tolerance and access. Avoid heavy alcohol use and discuss heart, liver, or lung disease with a healthcare professional.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official label. Immediate-release tablets are usually taken with meals to reduce stomach upset. Extended-release is commonly taken once daily with the evening meal. Swallow extended-release tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew. A periodic check of kidney function helps guide ongoing use. Some people hear about Metformin 1 g schedules in practice; your clinician will set a plan for you based on the label and your needs.

General administration tips:

• Take with food to help limit nausea or diarrhea.
• Build a routine tied to the same meal each day.
• Hydrate well unless told otherwise by your prescriber.
• Tell your care team about any contrast imaging scans; medicine may be paused around the procedure.

If goals are not met on tablets alone, your clinician may add another class. Choices include DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin, depending on your plan.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by pharmacy and manufacturer. Common presentations include immediate-release and extended-release tablets:

• Immediate-release tablets: 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg
• Extended-release tablets: 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg

When comparing options, some patients look for Glucophage XR 500mg to simplify a once-daily schedule. Your prescriber will confirm the form that matches your treatment plan.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up. Keeping a pillbox or reminder on your phone can improve consistency and reduce swings in glucose control.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the bottle closed and away from moisture and direct light. Use child-resistant caps and store out of reach of children and pets. For travel, bring your prescription-labeled bottle and a copy of your prescription. Pack enough for your trip plus a small buffer. A weekly organizer can help on longer trips. For diabetes supplies and support items, see Diabetes Care.

Benefits

This class helps reduce A1C when used as directed. It does not typically cause weight gain and may be weight neutral or slightly favorable. The risk of low blood sugar is low when used alone. Extended-release forms can improve gastrointestinal tolerability for some patients and simplify dosing to once daily. Many people appreciate the long experience with this medicine and the broad guidance available from clinicians.

Side Effects and Safety

• Upset stomach or abdominal discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gas or bloating
• Metallic taste
• Headache

Gastrointestinal effects are the most common and often improve with food or gradual titration. A reduction in vitamin B12 can occur with long-term use; your clinician may monitor levels and address symptoms like fatigue or numbness. A rare but serious risk is lactic acidosis, more likely with severe kidney problems, advanced liver disease, heavy alcohol use, or hypoxic states. Seek urgent care for unexplained weakness, trouble breathing, unusual muscle pain, or slow heart rate. Low blood sugar can occur if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas; review signs and treatment with your care team.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements. Iodinated contrast for imaging may require holding the medicine around the time of the study. Alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis; limit intake. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, certain anticonvulsants, and other renally cleared cationic drugs may raise exposure. If you use insulin or sulfonylureas, your prescriber may adjust those medicines to reduce hypoglycemia risk. Some patients use a Generic Glucophage product; the same cautions apply across equivalents.

What to Expect Over Time

Glycemic improvements may build with steady use, meal planning, and activity. Gastrointestinal effects often lessen after the first days or weeks. Extended-release forms can help some people tolerate therapy better. Your care team may check A1C about every three months and monitor kidney function at intervals based on your health. Keep a log of your readings and how you feel after meals. If you struggle with fasting or post-meal highs, ask about options to address insulin resistance; see our overview on Insulin Resistance.

Compare With Alternatives

Other options may be appropriate if you need add-on therapy or cannot tolerate this treatment. DPP-4 inhibitors are one option that work differently and are often weight neutral. You can review two choices we carry:

• Sitagliptin for once-daily use alongside diet and exercise.
• Sitagliptin Malate as an alternative presentation in the same class.

Your clinician will guide any change. Each class has distinct profiles for kidneys, heart, and weight.

Pricing and Access

We make it simple to compare options and savings. You can review availability, see typical cash-pay differences, and confirm formularies before you place an order. Our service Ships from Canada to US with a clear checkout process. To explore seasonal offers, visit Promotions. If you are evaluating budgets, search for Glucophage Canadian pricing and compare to equivalent generics.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock may vary by partner pharmacy and manufacturer. If a particular form is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an equivalent generic or a different extended-release product to maintain your plan. Your pharmacy team will dispense a product that matches the prescription and local regulations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with type 2 diabetes who can take tablets with meals and have adequate kidney function. It is not suitable for people with eGFR below a defined threshold, active metabolic acidosis, or advanced liver disease. Discuss alcohol use and all medicines you take.

Ways to manage out-of-pocket spending:

• Generic option first: often the lowest cash cost for long-term therapy.
• Multi-month fills: ask your prescriber if a 60- or 90-day supply fits your plan.
• Bundle refills: align refills to reduce extra co-pays and trips.
• Set reminders: keep adherence high to avoid urgent refills and delays.

If you pay cash, you can also research Metformin price without insurance and compare sources on our site.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is immediate-release or extended-release a better fit for my routine?
• How will we monitor kidney function and vitamin B12 over time?
• What should I do before and after contrast imaging studies?
• Which add-on medicines make sense if A1C remains above goal?
• How can I minimize stomach upset during the first weeks?
• Do any of my current medicines raise the risk of side effects?
• What are realistic goals for fasting and post-meal readings?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Metformin HydrochlorideHealth Canada DPD: MetforminFDA Safety Communication: Metformin

Ready to proceed with US shipping from Canada? Order at Borderfreehealth with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. This page is educational and does not replace your clinician’s advice.