Access
Available by prescription only.
Medication information
Prescription
Metformin
Long-standing first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes
Metformin lowers blood sugar by reducing how much sugar the liver makes and helping the body use insulin. It is the most common starting medication for type 2 diabetes. Comes in regular and extended-release tablets.
How the pharmacy helps
We dispense 500 mg and 850 mg regular and 500 mg / 1000 mg extended-release. Ask the pharmacist about taking it with meals to reduce stomach upset.
Access framing
Available by prescription only.
Forms and strengths
Medication entries grouped here
Strengths, dosage forms, brands, or package entries may vary. Your prescription label and pharmacist counselling are the instructions to follow.
| Brand / Generic | Strength | Form | DIN | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Glucophage Metformin | 500mg | Tablet | Active | |
Glumetza Metformin | 500mg | ER Tablet | Active |
Stomach upset is common in the early weeks. Taking Metformin with meals and starting at a low dose usually helps. The extended-release form is gentler for many patients.
Long-term Metformin can lower B12. Many prescribers check B12 every 1–2 years and supplement if needed.
Heavy alcohol is not recommended on Metformin. Talk to the pharmacist about your usual intake.
Related pages in Diabetes
Insulin Pen Needles
Single-use needle tips that fit on insulin pens
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy)
GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and weight management
Blood Glucose Test Strips
Strips that pair with home meters for blood sugar testing
Insulin Glargine (Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo)
Long-acting basal insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Have questions about this medication?
Call the pharmacy or bring the medication to the counter. We can help compare labels, dosing schedules, storage needs, and questions to ask your prescriber.
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