Glucophage XR (Metformin Sustained Release)

Name: Glucophage XR
Brand: Merck
SKU: 6019
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Glucophage XR Tablet

Manufacturer: Merck

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 500 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Glucophage XR Tablet

Manufacturer: Merck

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 750 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Glucophage XR Tablet (ON BACKORDER)

Manufacturer: MSD

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 1000 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Glucophage XR

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Metformin Sustained Release Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 500 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Metformin Sustained Release Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 500 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Metformin Sustained Release Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 1000 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Metformin Sustained Release Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 1000 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Glucophage XR Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on November 24, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Glucophage XR and Metformin Sustained Release at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Glucophage XR, the sustained-release version of the metformin brand, is primarily marketed as Glucophage SR and manufactured by Merck. It is available in the United Kingdom (and other countries).

Generic metformin sustained release is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Metformin Sustained Release

Generic metformin sustained release contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Glucophage XR and is required to meet the same effectiveness and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Glucophage XR. Studies have shown that generic sustained-release metformin is bioequivalent to brand-name Glucophage XR, meaning they have similar absorption rates and reach comparable concentrations in the bloodstream. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts.

Dosage:

Brand-name Glucophage XR is available in 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg oral tablets.

The generic metformin sustained release is available in different strengths (at this pharmacy), including those listed below. Availability may vary depending on the manufacturer and market.
• 500 mg oral tablets
• 1000 mg oral tablets

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Glucophage XR (metformin extended-release) helps control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes, working alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Mechanism of Action:
Glucophage XR (metformin sustained-release) mainly improves how your body manages blood sugar, without causing weight gain or usually leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Its primary function is to decrease the amount of glucose (sugar) your liver releases into the bloodstream, which is crucial for lowering fasting and baseline blood sugar levels. The extended-release (XR) formulation allows the medication to be released gradually, providing steady, 24-hour blood sugar control with just one daily dose.

Take Glucophage XR exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult a doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before starting Glucophage XR, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Glucophage XR (metformin sustained release). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects – These are common side effects of Glucophage XR, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abdominal (stomach) pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Flatulence (gas)
• Headache
• Indigestion (heartburn/dyspepsia)
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., stuffy nose, sore throat)

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Asthenia (lack of energy or weakness)
• Constipation
• Rash

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): This is rare when Glucophage XR is used alone, but the risk increases significantly when taken with other diabetes medications (like insulin or sulfonylureas). Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, shakiness, or an unusual sense of hunger.
• Lactic Acidosis: This is a rare but severe condition caused by a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
o Abnormal heartbeats (fast or slow)
o Decreased appetite
o Feeling cold (especially in the limbs)
o General ill feeling or discomfort
o Muscle pain or cramping
o Trouble breathing (rapid, shallow)
o Unusual sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of metformin can lead to decreased levels of vitamin B12, which can cause or worsen anemia and nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy).

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Glucophage XR, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not take Glucophage XR (metformin extended-release) if you have any of the following conditions, as they increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called Lactic Acidosis:

1. Kidney Impairment
• Severe renal impairment (Kidney function is severely reduced, typically defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR under 60 mL/min/1.73 m²)

2. Metabolic Conditions
• Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including:
o Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), with or without coma.

3. Conditions Causing Hypoxia (Reduced Tissue Oxygen)
• Any acute condition that can cause a systemic lack of oxygen, such as:
o Acute or unstable congestive heart failure
o Respiratory failure
o Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack)
o Shock

4. Hypersensitivity
• Known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to metformin hydrochloride or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablet formulation.

Important Notes:
• Liver impairment and excessive alcohol intake are also considered major risk factors for lactic acidosis and often lead to discontinuation or non-initiation of metformin therapy. Always inform your doctor about your liver health and alcohol consumption habits.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Glucophage XR. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug's safety.
• Acute Illness Holds: Metformin must be temporarily stopped if you experience acute conditions like severe infection, persistent vomiting, or severe dehydration.
• Procedural Holds: Metformin must be temporarily stopped for:
o Any procedure involving iodinated contrast media (CT scans, X-rays).
o Any surgery or procedure requiring prolonged fasting.
• Risk Factors: Chronic alcoholism and severe liver disease (hepatic impairment) significantly increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Glucophage XR, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the consumer information | Merck.com: https://hcp.merckgroup.com/sg-en/cmc/diabetes/products/glucophage-xr.html.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes, as these may interact with Glucophage XR. Glucophage XR may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Interactions That Increase Risk of Lactic Acidosis
o Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake (acute or chronic).
o Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, topiramate): Can cause a type of metabolic acidosis that increases the risk of lactic acidosis. o Cationic Drugs (e.g., amiloride, cimetidine, procainamide, triamterene): Compete with metformin for elimination by the kidneys, which can increase metformin blood levels.
o Iodinated Contrast Media (Dye): Used for imaging procedures (e.g., CT scans). Metformin must be temporarily stopped before and after the procedure due to the risk of acute kidney injury and subsequent lactic acidosis.
o Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): Can cause or worsen kidney function, leading to decreased metformin clearance.
o Ranolazine: Can increase metformin levels by interfering with kidney excretion.
• Interactions That Affect Blood Sugar Control
o Beta-Blockers (e.g., metoprolol): Can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), making it harder to recognize. Some beta-blockers may also reduce insulin sensitivity, potentially increasing blood sugar levels.
o Insulin: All forms (e.g., glargine, lispro).
o Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
o Other Diabetes Medications: Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glimepiride) and Meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide).
o Salicylates (e.g., aspirin): High doses.
• Drugs That Decrease Effectiveness (Cause Hyperglycemia - High Blood Sugar)
o Antipsychotics (Atypical) (e.g., olanzapine, risperidone): Can increase blood sugar.
o Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone): Can significantly raise blood sugar levels.
o Diuretics (Thiazides and Loops) (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide): Known as "water pills," these can increase blood sugar.
o Estrogen/Progestin Combinations (e.g., oral contraceptives): Can impair glucose tolerance.
o Isoniazid: Used to treat tuberculosis.
o Phenytoin: Used to treat seizures.
o Sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, pseudoephedrine): Found in certain cold and asthma medications.
o Thyroid Hormones (e.g., levothyroxine): Required dosage may increase.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

The use of Glucophage XR (metformin sustained release) during pregnancy and breastfeeding must be carefully considered in consultation with a doctor. While clinical practice and some international guidelines increasingly support the use of metformin for gestational and Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy, the Canadian product monographs often still advise against its use or list it as a contraindication.

Small amounts of metformin pass into breast milk. Always discuss your specific health needs, risks, and treatment plan with your doctor, who will rely on the most current local prescribing information.

Use in Children:

While the active ingredient, metformin, is a standard treatment for type 2 diabetes in children aged 10 and older using the immediate-release formulation, the specific extended-release (XR) version (Glucophage XR) is generally not recommended for patients under 18 years of age. For many products in Canada, safety and efficacy in this pediatric population are not established, and use is typically restricted to adults.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glucophage XR at CanadaPharmacyOnline:

Why is Glucophage XR more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Glucophage XR, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Glucophage XR tablets I can order at once?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Glucophage XR at one time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Glucophage XR from you over the counter?

No, Glucophage XR requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Glucophage XR?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, called Metformin Sustained Release.

Can you split Glucophage XR tablets?

As per webmd.com, do not crush, break, or chew this medication; swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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