I guess this is what my doctor meant when he said Glucophage and Metformin are 2 different drugs. You guys who are on this, check with your doctor!

http://www.safetyalerts.com/recall/f/02.2/f0003170.htm

Metformin is the generic form of Glucophage.

Glucophage XR is an extended-release form of Glucophage and is still under patent. There is no generic form of Glucophage XR currently available.

Hi Sherrielee,

Now you are getting me confused. What do these recalls have to do with Glucophage and Metformin being different drugs ??? The recall is for specific batches of Glucophage XL and that is it. If your doctor thinks that Glucophage and Metformin are different - maybe time to find a new doctor ;-)

Thanks,

Adam

Two doctors have told me that they are VERY similiar, but because of the XR...act on the body in different ways.

My Ortho likes the plain Metformin because it is predictable. (when it will peak and says it packs a bigger punch).

Just thought some of you might want to check the batch you have. If the strength is not what it is supposed to be, you may think that you are getting worse or something, when really...it is just weak pills!

Believe me, I am so new to all this that I don't know too much. I was taking Metformin for a month and had an upset tummy at first. Someone suggested that I ask my doctor for GXR. He said no cause I couldn't cut them in half (I ended up on 250mg per day at the end). Also, he wanted me to take them 2 hours before meals, so that they would be peaking while I was eating. My BGL was only high at certain times of day. Doc said I didn't need a constant stream of Metformin, just at isolated times. Plus, I had just started exercising heavily...and was going too low, so he wanted me to be able to control the amount that was in my system. He is my OB-GYN for Pete's sake.

I get to see a REAL Endo next week, and have a list of questions that stretchs from Atlanta to NYC. If anyone has anything to ask....tell me cause I plan to stay until every single question on my list is answered. This is reportedly the best Diabetes Group in the Southeast...and they have their patients on LC! So, I am quite excited!

An interesting heads up on Glucophage XR is that the generic version of the XR should be out by January 2004. I am basing this on recent info from my health insurance. They are taking Glucophage XR out of their preferred formulary starting Jan 1, the reason being the availability of generic XR.

In case anyone was wondering why the XR tablets shouldn't be cut in half, it's because anything that is forumated to be time-released (such as the extended release Glucophage...that's what the XR stands for) can cause an overdose if they are cut in half. When the extended release tablets are cut, this bypasses the protective coating that releases the medication slowly and could cause an overdose because the medication could then be absorbed all at one time instead of over several hours.




That's good news (depending on how you feel about generics) for those that don't have insurance and have to put out of pocket for their prescriptions. It should help cut costs dramatically.

Good because your current doc is quite mistaken about metformin/glucophage and it's usages.

Well, I did get my BG down to normal range and I did it using 1/2 a Metformin (250mg) cut in half twice a day. So, I don't know how I could have done that with any other drug.

Got that appointment Wed. at 2pm...wish me luck. I am so terrified. My Mother-in-law (who is a nurse) has told me that there are a lot worse things that can be wrong with me...other than Diabetes. Gotta love a woman like that?