Metformin vs. Glucophage XR for Gestational Diabetes and Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Metformin

Save more on select medications with GoodRx Companion.

metformin ER

Save more on select medications with GoodRx Companion.

Summary for Metformin

Prescription only

Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

Indications for Metformin

Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

One of the first-choice options for Type 2 diabetes
Works well at lowering blood sugar levels (can lower your A1C by up to 1.5% in a few months)
Unlikely to cause weight gain
Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing tablets

Cons

Typically need to take a couple times per day
Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
Not recommended for people with liver problems

Common Side Effects for Metformin

Diarrhea (53%)
Nausea or vomiting (26%)
Gas (12%)
Weakness (9%)

Warnings for Metformin

Lactic acidosis
Low vitamin B12 levels
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications

Summary for Glucophage XR

Prescription only

Metformin extended-release (ER) is a type of diabetes medication. It treats Type 2 diabetes in adults when used along with a balanced diet and regular exercise. The medication works as a biguanide to help lower blood sugar. The usual dosage for metformin ER is taken by mouth once daily with your evening meal. This helps minimize some side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea. The brand name Glucophage XR is no longer available, but generic versions of metformin ER are still on the market.

Indications for Glucophage XR

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Glucophage XR

Pros

Taken once a day
Might cause less diarrhea than metformin immediate-release
Might cause modest weight loss

Cons

Must be taken with the evening meal
Can cause stomach problems, like nausea
Not recommended for people with moderate-to-severe kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Glucophage XR

Diarrhea (10%)
Nausea or vomiting (7%)

Warnings for Glucophage XR

Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)
Low vitamin B12 levels
Risk of low blood sugar when taken with certain other diabetes medications

Prices with our coupons for Metformin vs. Glucophage XR

Metformin60 tablets / 500mg

$9.00$9.00

Get free coupons

More Information

Metformin ER (Glucophage XR)90 tablets / 500mg

$14.90$37.51

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Metformin vs. Glucophage XR

Metformin

metformin ER

Summary for Metformin

Indications for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metformin

Warnings for Metformin

Summary for Glucophage XR

Indications for Glucophage XR

Pros and Cons for Glucophage XR

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Glucophage XR

Warnings for Glucophage XR

Prices with our coupons for Metformin vs. Glucophage XR

Compare other Gestational Diabetes and Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Metformin

metformin ER

Summary for Metformin

Indications for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metformin

Warnings for Metformin

Summary for Glucophage XR

Indications for Glucophage XR

Pros and Cons for Glucophage XR

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Glucophage XR

Warnings for Glucophage XR