Glucophage MR (metformin) is a glucose-inhibiting drug which helps type 2 diabetics manage blood sugar.

The MR in this product's name stands for modified-release, which may also appear as timed-release (TR), slow- or sustained-release (SR), or extended-release (XR or ER). These terms all refer to the same product; variations are largely due to locality.

The product is very similar to regular Glucophage, but MR tablets are designed to dissolve slower and release steady increments of medication. Many patients buy Glucophage MR because of the reduced severity of gastrointestinal effects; about 50 percent of those taking regular tablets experience nausea, diarrhea, painful stomach cramps and similar symptoms, which should disappear as treatment continues. Unfortunately, some individuals find these symptoms persist and are severe enough to interfere with daily activities; the slow-release formula significantly reduces these effects.

Others may buy Glucophage MR simply because it is slightly more convenient than regular tablets, taken once daily rather than split into two or three doses.

Glucose Management with Glucophage MR

Like regular tablets, Glucophage MR reduces the amount of glucose in the bloodstream:

• Inhibits glucose secretion by the liver;
• Inhibits glucose absorption from food;
• Promotes glucose absorption by muscle and fat tissues.

The first step to starting treatment is determining the correct dose. Even with test results available to a doctor, this can be hard to determine; plus, starting with large doses may result in more severe gastrointestinal side effects. For these reasons, treatment is usually gradually increased:

• Start with 500 mg once per day for 10 to 14 days.
• If not effective, increase by 500 mg; 1000 mg once per day for another 10 to 14 days.
• Continue increasing by 500 mg increments every 10 to 14 days until the effective dosage is found or maximum dose is reached.
• Do not exceed 2000 mg in one day.
• Each dose should be taken with the evening meal.

Glucose levels should be monitored closely whenever dosage adjustments are made. If other diabetes treatments are being taken, be alert for symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Blood sugar levels are unlikely to become dangerously low if Glucophage is the only treatment being taken.

Warnings & Side Effects

Note that this product is not a substitute for insulin; patients with type 1 diabetics or diabetic ketoacidosis should not buy Glucophage MR.

Additionally, patients with certain other health conditions should not buy Glucophage MR without first discussing risks with a doctor:

• Kidney or liver problems
• Severe respiratory or cardiac issues

In the absence of preexisting conditions, the medication is extremely unlikely to produce dangerous side effects. Though they should be less severe than with regular tablets, some gastrointestinal effects may still be experienced:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Metallic taste in mouth

As with regular tablets, these effects should disappear within a few weeks of treatment, though they may resurface if dosage is increased. Some patients find effects are less severe if tablets are taken at the start of a meal, while others find it more beneficial to take a dose after a meal. Eating live yogurt may also ease symptoms, as may avoiding fatty or fried foods.

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A prescription is not required to buy Glucophage MR from Kiwi Drug. You'll simply need to answer a few questions for our online doctor during checkout. We take privacy seriously and will never share your personal information for any reason.