Metformin is sold under a variety of names and prescribed in 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg tablets. Below is a Metformin factsheet about the diabetes drug:
- Metformin is sold under trade names Glucophage, Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza, Obimet, Dianbe, Diabex, Diaformi, and more.
- Metformin is currently one of just two oral anti-diabetic drugs included in the World Health Organisation Model List of Essential Medicines.
- Metformin can help to help people with diabetes lose weight, and also helps to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Metformin has very few adverse affects, although the most common side effect is gastrointestinal upset
- Metformin is of the biguanide class of diabetes drugs. This drug class originated with the French Lilac.
- Metformin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1994.
- Metformin is the only diabetes drug shown to protect against cardiovascular diabetes complications.
- Metformin is prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes , usually in cases where the patient is also overweight/obese and resistant to insulin
- Metformin, although not yet licensed, is being used in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommend that women with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 25 and PCOS are prescribed Metformin.
- Metformin is not prescribed in cases where it could increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Lactic acidosis is the most serious side effect of Metformin, but it is very rare.
- Metformin suppresses hepatic glucose production, increases insulin sensitivity, enhances peripheral glucose uptake, increases the oxidation of fatty acids and lowers absorption of glucose into the gastrointestinal tract.
- Metformin is commonly prescribed in 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg tablets.
- The most common dosage of Metformin is 500mg.
