Glucophage (Metformin)
and the benefits of having your medication home delivered
Glucophage (Metformin) is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight.
But what are the benefits of having Glucophage (Metformin) delivered?
Learn more about Glucophage (Metformin) in this article reviewed by our medical team.
Please Note: Chemist2U does not endorse or promote the therapeutic benefit of any medication.Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.
Glucophage (Metformin)
and the benefits of having your medication home delivered
Glucophage (Metformin) is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight.
But what are the benefits of having Glucophage (Metformin) delivered?
Learn more about Glucophage (Metformin) in this article reviewed by our medical team.
Please Note: Chemist2U does not endorse or promote the therapeutic benefit of any medication.Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.
HOME DELIVERY
The benefits of having medication delivered
Non-adherence to medication is a major reason why treatments shown to be effective in trials are often less effective in clinical practice.
Medicine home delivery helps improve care by ensuring patients have their Glucophage (Metformin) when they need it, which increases treatment adherence.
That’s why 92% of users of the Chemist2U app report that the app is a helpful tool to maintain their healthcare.**
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1. Upload your prescription
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Some Important Insights About Glucophage
Today, there are many prescribed ways to manage type 2 diabetes, one of which is taking Glucophage. If you have been prescribed Glucophage, it’s important to understand how this medicine works, the possible side effects, and other medications that could influence its efficacy.
It’s also good to know how you can have Glucophage conveniently delivered in Australia. This article, prepared by the experts at Chemist2U, will answer these questions and more, so read along.
How does Glucophage work?
If you’re looking for information about the different brands of metformin Australia-based doctors prescribe, you’ll quickly come across Glucophage. It is a type of medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Metformin hydrochloride, the active ingredient found in Glucophage and other diabetes medications, works as an antihyperglycemic agent. It reduces the liver’s glucose production, delays glucose absorption in the intestines, and enhances insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, thereby restoring the balance of blood glucose levels in the body.[1]
How do you take Glucophage?
When undertaking diabetes treatment and have been prescribed Glucophage, understanding how to take it is vital for managing your condition effectively. Glucophage tablets are a standard-release type of oral medication. It is generally taken one to three times daily, ideally with or immediately after meals.[2]
However, it’s worth noting that Glucophage comes in various dosages – such as 500, 850, and 1,000 milligrams (mg) – and the right dosage for you will be assessed by your doctor while taking into account your specific condition. It may also be increased based on how you respond to the treatment.
How you’re supposed to properly take Glucophage (the number of tablets per day as well as the intervals in between) may vary depending on your individual health condition.
You may also have come across Glucophage XR. While both Glucophage and Glucophage XR contain the same active ingredient (metformin hydrochloride), they have different mechanisms.
Glucophage XR is an extended-release oral tablet that slowly releases metformin into the body. It is designed for once-a-day consumption, typically with your evening meal. It’s crucial not to crush or chew your Glucophage XR tablets; they must be swallowed whole to maintain their prolonged-release properties.[3]
Remember to always adhere to the directions provided on your prescription label, and never alter your dosage or discontinue use without consulting your doctor.
Who can take Glucophage?
Glucophage is primarily prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who are overweight or obese. It may be prescribed when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to control blood glucose levels effectively.
Apart from adults, paediatric patients aged ten years and older may take Glucophage. However, certain precautions must be taken, and your doctor can guide you in this.[4]
Glucophage is also used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adults under specialist supervision.
Metformin should be avoided in pregnancy, in people with severe renal or liver impairment, and used with caution in the elderly.
Side effects of Glucophage
When taking Glucophage for diabetes management, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Common side effects can include headaches, muscle pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, or stomach pain.[5] It’s also possible that you’ll observe weight loss with metformin since it can possibly reduce appetite and affect gut bacteria.[6]
Additionally, a rare condition associated with metformin, the active ingredient in Glucophage, is lactic acidosis. This occurs when lactic acid accumulates in the bloodstream.
While recent studies suggest this may not be directly linked to metformin, the risk is heightened in individuals with conditions like chronic kidney, liver, or heart disease. Regular monitoring by your doctor is essential to identify and manage such risks.[7]
If you encounter serious side effects such as shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms, body aches, numbness in your arms or legs, or an irregular heart rate, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately.
Glucophage and other medications
Metformin, Glucophage’s active ingredient, may interact with various medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as vitamins and herbal products. These may possibly reduce Glucophage’s effectiveness.[8]
Glucophage may also be used in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.[9] If you’re looking up terms like ‘semaglutide Australia’ or Ozempic online and want to know how certain diabetic medications can interact with Glucophage, it is essential to consult your doctor for personalised advice and information.
Medicines you should not use with Glucophage
In managing your diabetes with Glucophage, it’s important to be aware of specific medicines and conditions that may not be compatible with its use.
For instance, Glucophage should not be taken alongside certain contrast medications used in CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, or other procedures due to potential effects on renal function. If you have a known allergy to metformin or have severe kidney disease, Glucophage is not advisable.
Always inform your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes, are at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, or have kidney, liver, or heart issues. It’s also important to disclose if you consume alcohol frequently, take insulin, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
If you have other medical conditions or are currently taking other medications, vitamins, and supplements, ensure that you inform your doctor before taking this medication.[10]
How to order home delivery of Glucophage through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we understand that when you’re searching the web for terms like ‘chemist near me’, it may still not be convenient to visit a pharmacy, especially when you’re dealing with health conditions such as diabetes and have a busy lifestyle.
This is why Chemist2U is here to make ordering your essential medications straightforward and convenient. Simply start by downloading our user-friendly app or visiting our website and easily uploading your eScript. You can also add any over-the-counter items you need to your cart, just like you would at your local pharmacy near you.
Your order is carefully filled by a partner pharmacist in your local community, ensuring you receive the correct medication.
We pride ourselves on providing convenient doorstep delivery, and you could even enjoy same-day delivery in metro and major regional areas across Australia if you place your order before the cutoff (around 2 p.m. in most areas). You can also register for free delivery on our home page.
Plus, you can stay on top of your refills with Script Tracker and take advantage of our Ask a Pharmacist service, in case you have any general questions or concerns about your medicine.
Order your medications online with Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518983/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518983/
[3] https://www.drugs.com/glucophage.html
[4] https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/25/1/89/22790/Effect-of-Metformin-in-Pediatric-Patients-With
[5] https://www.rxlist.com/glucophage-drug.htm#description
[6] https://journals.lww.com/co-endocrinology/abstract/2014/10000/effects_of_metformin_on_weight_loss__potential.3.aspx
[7] https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(16)30168-8/fulltext
[8] https://www.drugs.com/glucophage.html
[9] https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-medication/glucophage.html
[10] https://www.rxlist.com/glucophage-drug.htm#medguide
Disclaimer
Chemist2U does not endorse the therapeutic benefit of any medication. Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.