Metformin is a medicine used to manage type 2 diabetes.
It’s only available on prescription. It comes as tablets or as a liquid.
Metformin also comes in a mixed or combination tablet with other medicines for type 2 diabetes. The mixed tablets are only available on prescription.
Metformin is also called Glucophage.
Uses of metformin
Metformin lowers your blood glucose (sugar) levels by improving the way your body uses insulin.
It's usually prescribed if diet and exercise have not been enough to control your diabetes.
Metformin may also be used to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It's not approved for this use, but your doctor may prescribe it 'off label'.
It is also sometimes prescribed off label for gestational diabetes.
Off-label use does not mean that the medicine is unsafe. Your GP will tell you if they are prescribing the medicine off label. They will only prescribe it if the benefits outweigh any risks.
What off label means
Off-label use is when a medicine is prescribed in a way that is different to how it was first licensed.
Your GP may prescribe a medicine off label if they think it will treat your condition effectively.
They prescribe the medicine in a different way than described on the patient information leaflet, such as:
- for a different age group
- to treat another condition
- at a higher or lower dosage
Off-label use does not mean that the medicine is unsafe. Your GP will tell you if they are prescribing the medicine off label. They will only prescribe it if the benefits outweigh any risks.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns or questions about off-label use.
When you start taking metformin
You may not have any symptoms of type 2 diabetes when you are diagnosed with the condition. So you may not feel any different when you take metformin.
This does not mean that metformin is not working, so keep taking it.
Metformin will help keep your blood glucose level stable and reduce your chances of diabetes-related problems in the future.
Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medicines.
Eating and drinking
You may need to cut down on foods with added sugar.
Be careful eating food and drink containing karela (bitter melon). It can lower your blood glucose levels. This means your diabetes may not be as controlled as it should be.
Drinking alcohol
You can drink alcohol while taking metformin. But do not drink more than 2 units of alcohol per day.
Drinking more than this can increase the risk of:
- low blood glucose
- a build-up of lactic acid in your blood - lactic acidosis