Glucophage
® (
metformin) is a prescription medication that is licensed to treat
type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent
diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Glucophage also comes in:
Generic Glucophage is made by numerous manufacturers. Glucophage and Glucophage XR are manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
How Does Glucophage Work?
Glucophage is part of a class of diabetes medications known as biguanide medications. Glucophage works in several ways. For example, it decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. The drug can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body (from the diet) and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, helping the body respond better to its own insulin. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels.
Because Glucophage 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).