Do I need a prescription for metformin ER?

Yes. Metformin ER 500mg is a prescription-only medication in the U.S. A licensed provider must review your health information and issue a valid prescription before it can be dispensed.

How does ordering and shipping work?

After you place your order, a licensed provider reviews your health information and, if appropriate, issues or verifies a prescription. Your medication is then dispensed and shipped directly from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

What is the difference between metformin ER and regular metformin?

Both contain the same active ingredient, but metformin ER releases the medication slowly so it can be taken once daily. Many people experience fewer digestive side effects with the extended-release form.

How should I take metformin ER?

Take it once daily with your evening meal, swallowing the tablet whole — do not crush, split, or chew it. You may occasionally notice a soft tablet shell in your stool; this is normal and the medication has still been absorbed.

Can metformin ER cause low blood sugar?

Metformin alone rarely causes hypoglycemia. The risk increases when it is combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, so tell your provider about all diabetes medications you take.

What should I avoid while taking metformin ER?

Avoid excessive alcohol, which raises the risk of lactic acidosis. Tell any provider you are taking metformin before imaging procedures that use iodinated contrast dye, as you may need to pause the medication temporarily.

Metformin ER 500mg

Name: Metformin ER 500mg
Brand: All Family Pharmacy
SKU: metformin-er-500mg
Availability: InStock

Generic For: Glucophage

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Metformin ER 500mg — All Family Pharmacy

Metformin ER 500mg is an extended-release biguanide medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. Known by the brand name Glucophage XR, metformin ER is often a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. A prescription is required — after review by a licensed provider, your order ships from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

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Metformin ER (Glucophage XR) — a biguanide antidiabetic for type 2 diabetes and blood sugar control

Medically reviewed by David Paul Mackarey, RPh, Pharmacist-in-Charge

Metformin ER 500mg Quick Facts

Drug class	Biguanide antidiabetic
Treats	Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar (glycemic) control
Form	Tablet
Typical dosing	Take 1-2 tablets by mouth once daily with the evening meal.
Prescription required	Yes — prescription only

What Is Metformin ER 500mg?

Metformin ER is the extended-release form of metformin, a biguanide medication that helps lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose your liver produces, decreasing glucose absorption from food, and improving your body's response to insulin. The extended-release tablet dissolves slowly, allowing once-daily dosing and often causing fewer stomach-related side effects than immediate-release metformin. It is used together with diet and exercise and may be combined with other diabetes medications when needed.

What Does Metformin ER 500mg Treat?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults
Improving blood sugar (glycemic) control
Adjunct to diet and exercise
Combination therapy with other oral antidiabetic agents
Combination therapy with insulin when needed

Metformin ER 500mg Dosage

Start: 500 mg by mouth once daily with the evening meal.
Titrate: increase by 500 mg weekly as tolerated based on glycemic control.
Maximum: 2,000 mg once daily. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew.

Your prescriber will determine the dose and duration that are right for you. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Metformin ER 500mg Side Effects

Common side effects

Diarrhea
Nausea
Upset stomach or indigestion
Gas (flatulence)
Abdominal discomfort
Headache
Metallic taste
Decreased appetite

Serious side effects

Stop taking this medication and seek medical attention right away if you experience:

Lactic acidosis (muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness, slow or irregular heartbeat)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially with insulin or sulfonylureas
Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use
Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Signs of kidney problems (little or no urination, swelling)

Warnings & Interactions

Boxed warning: risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious metabolic complication
Contraindicated in severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
Contraindicated in metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
Temporarily stop before iodinated contrast imaging procedures as directed
Avoid excessive alcohol use, which increases lactic acidosis risk
Not for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
Monitor kidney function and vitamin B12 levels during long-term treatment

Tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting metformin er 500mg.