Generic Glucophage SR (Metformin)

Introduction

Glucophage SR is a sustained-release oral tablet that contains the biguanide-type antihyperglycaemic agent metformin. It is manufactured by various licensed producers and is sold in 500 mg tablets. Glucophage SR belongs to the class of biguanide antidiabetic agents and is primarily approved for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults. In addition to its glucose-lowering effect, metformin has modest benefits on weight, lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity, which underlie several investigational and off-label applications.

What is Glucophage SR?

Glucophage SR is a prolonged-release formulation of metformin that delivers the active compound gradually over several hours, allowing once-daily dosing in many patients. The drug is marketed under the brand name Glucophage SR and is also available as generic metformin. Other well-known metformin products include Glucophage, Glucophage XR, and Riomet (oral solution).

Glucophage SR was developed to improve gastrointestinal tolerability and to simplify the dosing schedule compared with immediate-release (IR) tablets that often require multiple daily administrations. The sustained-release matrix is produced by a patented polymer technology that controls tablet disintegration and drug diffusion.

Glucophage SR is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound metformin. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option.

How Glucophage SR Works

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis) by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory-chain complex I, which lowers cellular energy status and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation enhances peripheral glucose uptake in muscle, improves insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis, and promotes modest weight loss through reduced appetite.

Because the drug does not stimulate insulin secretion, the risk of hypoglycaemia is low when metformin is used alone. The sustained-release formulation prolongs plasma concentrations, flattening the peak-trough profile and extending the therapeutic window to roughly 12-24 hours after Metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine; renal clearance accounts for the majority of drug elimination, which is why renal function is a key factor in dosing decisions.

Conditions Treated with Glucophage SR

Approved indications (regulatory authorities such as the FDA and EMA):

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus - as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents, basal insulin, or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Metformin improves glycaemic control (HbA1c reduction of 1-2 percentage points) and delays disease progression.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - in cases where diet alone fails and insulin is contraindicated or unavailable, metformin SR may be used under specialist supervision (approved in several regions).

The drug is effective for these conditions because it addresses the core pathophysiology of insulin resistance and excessive hepatic glucose output, which are central to T2DM and many forms of GDM.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Glucophage SR

Metformin’s mechanisms have prompted research into several non-approved applications. Evidence from randomized trials, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines is summarized below. All uses described are off-label; they are not formally approved by the FDA, EMA, or other major regulatory agencies. Patients should discuss any potential off-label therapy with a qualified healthcare provider.

Important: Off-label use should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. The safety and efficacy of these applications have not been established by regulatory review.

Is Glucophage SR the Right Medication for You?

Typical candidates for approved use

• Adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved glycaemic targets with diet and exercise alone.
• Patients with mild-to-moderate renal function (eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) who can tolerate oral medication.
• Individuals seeking a low-risk option for gestational diabetes when insulin is not required or is impractical.

Clinical scenarios that favour Glucophage SR

• Need for once-daily dosing to improve adherence.
• History of gastrointestinal side effects with immediate-release metformin; the SR formulation often reduces nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.
• Co-administration with other oral antidiabetics (e.g., sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors) where a metformin backbone is recommended.

Contra-indications and situations where caution is required

• Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) or acute kidney injury.
• Known hypersensitivity to metformin or any excipients in the SR tablet. Metabolic acidosis, including lactic acidosis, is a rare but life-threatening complication; patients with conditions predisposing to hypoxia (e.g., severe heart failure, respiratory insufficiency) should avoid metformin.
• Acute or chronic liver disease, alcoholism, or recent radiologic contrast studies that may impair renal clearance.

Patients with these conditions should be evaluated for alternative glucose-lowering agents.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, flatulence.
• Metallic taste (particularly with the SR formulation).
• Weight loss (generally modest and considered a therapeutic benefit).

Most GI events improve after 2-4 weeks or with dose titration.

Rare

• Vitamin B12 deficiency - long-term therapy may impair absorption; periodic monitoring is advised.
• Dermatologic reactions - mild rash or pruritus.

Serious

• Lactic acidosis - characterized by rapid breathing, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and hypotension. The incidence is < .01 % but risk rises sharply with renal failure or hypoxia. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Severe hypersensitivity - anaphylaxis or angioedema (extremely rare).

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Cimetidine, trimethoprim, and amiodarone - may increase metformin plasma concentrations; monitor renal function and consider dose reduction.
• Contrast media (iodinated) - can precipitate acute renal failure; discontinue metformin at least 48 h before and resume only after renal function is confirmed normal.
• Other antidiabetic agents - combination therapy may increase risk of hypoglycaemia if agents that stimulate insulin (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) are used; dose adjustments may be needed.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Alcohol - excessive intake potentiates lactic acidosis; limit to moderate consumption (≤ 1 drink/day for women, ≤ 2 drinks/day for men).
• High-fat meals - can delay absorption of immediate-release metformin but have minimal impact on the SR formulation; nevertheless, taking the tablet with food reduces GI irritation.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing for adults (type 2 diabetes)

• Initiate with 500 mg once daily taken with the evening meal.
• Titrate by 500 mg weekly or every two weeks based on tolerability, up to a maximum of 200 mg once daily (four 500 mg tablets).
• For patients requiring higher total daily doses, split the dose (e.g., 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the evening) using immediate-release tablets; the SR formulation is designed for once-daily use only.

Renal function-guided adjustments

• eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m²: standard dosing permissible.
• eGFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m²: limit to 500-100 mg daily; monitor renal function every 3-6 months.
• eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²: contraindicated.

Missed dose

• If a dose is missed and it is still within 6 hours of the usual dosing time, take the tablet with the next meal.
• If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose to compensate.

Overdose

• Symptoms may include severe GI upset, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, lactic acidosis.
• Immediate medical evaluation is essential. Treatment is supportive; there is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis can accelerate removal in patients with renal failure.

Practical precautions

• Always swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew, as this destroys the sustained-release matrix.
• Take the tablet with a meal to minimise GI irritation.
• Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you know how the medication affects you, especially when initiating therapy.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel internationally with Glucophage SR?  Carry the medication in its original labeled container, along with a copy of the prescription (if required). Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid temperature extremes in checked baggage.

• Can Glucophage SR be taken with other diabetic tablets?  Yes, it is often combined with sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors. Dose adjustments may be needed to avoid hypoglycaemia; consult a pharmacist or qualified clinician for individualized guidance.

• How long does it take for Glucophage SR to start lowering blood sugar?  Metformin begins to reduce hepatic glucose output within 24-48 hours, but the full HbA1c-lowering effect typically emerges after 4-12 weeks of consistent therapy.

• Why does the tablet have a yellow coating?  The distinctive yellow coating identifies the sustained-release formulation and contains inert excipients such as microcr and magnesium stearate, which do not affect the drug’s activity.

• Is it safe to use Glucophage SR during pregnancy?  Metformin is approved for certain cases of gestational diabetes, but use should be under specialist obstetric care. The benefits and potential risks must be weighed carefully for each patient.

• Will Glucophage SR affect my vitamin B12 levels?  Long-term metformin therapy can reduce B12 absorption. Periodic laboratory monitoring (every 2-3 years) is recommended, especially in patients with neuropathy or anemia.

• Can I store Glucophage SR in a bathroom cabinet?  The tablet should be kept at controlled room temperature (20-25 °C) away from excess moisture and heat. Bathrooms may exceed humidity limits; a kitchen cupboard or bedroom drawer is preferable.

• Does coffee interfere with Metformin absorption?  Caffeinated beverages do not significantly alter metformin pharmacokinetics, but excessive coffee intake can exacerbate GI upset in sensitive individuals.

  Is Glucophage SR compatible with over-the-counter antacids?  Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may slightly reduce metformin absorption. Separate dosing by at least 2 hours if regular antacid use is necessary.

• What is the difference between Glucophage SR and Glucophage XR?  Both are extended-release forms, but Glucophage SR is a single-tablet, sustained-release matrix designed for once-daily dosing, whereas Glucophage XR typically requires twice-daily intake. The SR formulation may offer improved gastrointestinal tolerability for some patients.

Glossary

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

An intracellular energy sensor that, when activated, promotes glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation while inhibiting hepatic glucose production.

eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)

A laboratory calculation that estimates kidney function; expressed in mL/min/1.73 m² and used to guide dosing of renally excreted drugs like metformin.

Lactic acidosis

A rare but serious metabolic disturbance characterized by accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream, leading to low pH and potential organ dysfunction.

Sustained-release (SR) formulation

A tablet design that releases the active ingredient gradually over an extended period, allowing fewer daily doses and smoother plasma concentration curves.

Buying Glucophage SR from Our Online pharmacy

Patients who encounter cost barriers, limited local stock, or insurance constraints can obtain Glucophage SR through our online pharmacy. The service sources the medication from licensed, audited suppliers that operate under stringent quality-assurance programs, ensuring each tablet meets pharmacopeial standards.

• Affordable pricing - because the product is a generic version of metformin, we can offer prices that approach the manufacturer’s wholesale cost, reducing the financial burden for long-term therapy.
• Verified quality - every batch is certified by third-party laboratories for potency, purity, and dissolution profile before it leaves the supplier’s facility.
• Discreet, reliable delivery - shipments are packaged in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes and dispatched via reputable couriers. Standard delivery typically arrives within 7 days (express) or 2-3 weeks (regular airmail), depending on the destination.
• Privacy-first approach - we function as a pharmacy-broker service that partners with overseas licensed pharmacies. This model allows us to respect patient confidentiality while complying with international shipping regulations.

Our online pharmacy is committed to providing a safe, cost-effective, and private avenue for those who need sustained-release metformin but cannot obtain it easily through conventional channels.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Glucophage SR is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. All treatment choices, including any off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy makes Glucophage SR available to individuals who may have limited access through conventional pharmacies, insurance formularies, or who are seeking cost-effective generic alternatives. Always discuss any medication changes with your clinician before initiating, adjusting, or discontinuing therapy.