Glucophage XR

Glucophage XR is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug works by decreasing the amount of sugar made by the liver and by decreasing insulin resistance. Potential side effects include diarrhea and nausea. The dose your healthcare provider prescribes will depend on factors such as how well your diabetes is controlled and other medications you are taking.

Glucophage Drug Info

What Is Glucophage XR?

Glucophage XR^® (metformin ER, Glumetza^®, Fortamet^®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). The drug is a long-acting, extended-release version of Glucophage.

(Click What Is Glucophage Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Generic Glucophage XR is made by several manufacturers. Glucophage and Glucophage XR are manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Glumetza is made by Depomed Inc., and Fortamet is made by Andrx Labs.

How Does Glucophage XR Work?

Glucophage XR works in several ways. For example, the drug decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. It can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet and can decrease insulin resistance, helping the body to use insulin better.

Because Glucophage XR does not increase the amount of insulin produced by the body, it is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), as many other diabetes medications can do (see Alternatives to Metformin).

(Glucophage XR Continued: Page 2)