Glucophage 500mg Tablet 20s (strip)

Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a well-known prescription medicine belonging to the biguanide class of antidiabetic drugs, with Metformin Hydrochloride as its active ingredient. If you have been prescribed this tablet, you should know that like most medicines, it can come with some side effects — the most commonly reported ones include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in the mouth, especially when you first start taking it. The good news is that these effects often settle down as your body adjusts to the medication. This tablet is manufactured by Merck, a globally trusted pharmaceutical company, so you can feel confident about its quality and pharmaceutical standards. Before starting or continuing this medicine, it is always a good idea to speak with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is right for you.

How to Take Glucophage 500mg Tablet
Glucophage 500mg Tablet should be taken orally with or after meals to help reduce the chance of stomach discomfort — swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and do not crush or chew it. It is important to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body and to follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding the dose and frequency. Never adjust your dose on your own without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Dosage of Glucophage 500mg Tablet
The typical starting dose for adults is 500mg taken two to three times daily with meals, and your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your individual response and tolerance, up to a maximum commonly recommended dose of 2000mg to 3000mg per day. Always follow your prescribing doctor's specific instructions, as dosage may vary depending on your medical condition, kidney function, and other individual health factors.

Shelf Life of Glucophage 500mg Tablet
Glucophage 500mg Tablet generally has a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture. Always check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use, and do not take the tablet if it has passed its expiry date, even if it looks unchanged.

How to Store Glucophage 500mg Tablet

• Store Glucophage 500mg Tablet at room temperature, below 25°C
• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture
• Do not store it in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink where humidity is high
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging with the lid tightly closed
• Store all medicines out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use the medicine if the packaging is damaged, tampered with, or if the tablets appear discoloured or broken

Active Ingredient of Glucophage 500mg Tablet

Metformin Hydrochloride is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Glucophage, and it is one of the most widely studied and prescribed antidiabetic compounds in the world, with a well-established safety and efficacy profile recognised by international health authorities.

Side Effects of Glucophage 500mg Tablet
Like all medicines, Glucophage 500mg Tablet may cause side effects in some people, though not everyone will experience them. Below are the known side effects categorised for your awareness:

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain or abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Flatulence (gas)

Less Common Side Effects:

• Decreased vitamin B12 absorption with long-term use
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Headache
• Dizziness

Rare but Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

• Lactic acidosis — a rare but serious condition characterised by muscle pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, stomach discomfort, feeling cold, or dizziness (more likely in patients with kidney or liver problems)
• Severe allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Unusual fatigue or weakness that does not improve
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) — more likely when combined with other antidiabetic medicines

Important: This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, stop taking the medicine and consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Contraindications of Glucophage 500mg Tablet
Glucophage 500mg Tablet is not suitable for everyone. Do not take this medicine if any of the following apply to you:

• Hypersensitivity or known allergy to Metformin Hydrochloride or any ingredient in the tablet
• Renal impairment or kidney disease — particularly in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m²
• Hepatic impairment or severe liver disease
• Diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic pre-coma
• Dehydration, severe infection, or shock
• Acute or chronic conditions that may cause tissue hypoxia (such as heart failure, respiratory failure)
• Recent surgery or conditions requiring iodinated contrast media (the medicine should be temporarily stopped before and after such procedures — consult your doctor)
• Excessive alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence
• Pregnancy — use only if clearly indicated and under strict medical supervision
• Breastfeeding — consult your doctor before use as it may pass into breast milk
• Children under 10 years of age — not recommended unless specifically directed by a paediatrician

Always inform your doctor about all your existing medical conditions and current medications before starting Glucophage.

Drug & Food Interaction of Glucophage 500mg Tablet

Drug Interactions:

• Iodinated contrast agents — risk of acute kidney injury and lactic acidosis; Glucophage should be stopped before procedures involving contrast dye
• Alcohol — increases the risk of lactic acidosis; avoid excessive alcohol intake
• Diuretics (water tablets) — may affect kidney function and increase risk of lactic acidosis
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) — may reduce kidney function and affect Metformin clearance
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs — may affect renal function when combined with Metformin
• Corticosteroids — may raise blood glucose levels, reducing the effectiveness of Glucophage
• Beta-blockers — may mask signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
• Other antidiabetic medicines (e.g., insulin, sulphonylureas) — may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when used together
• Cimetidine — may increase Metformin levels in the blood by reducing its elimination

Food Interactions:

• Alcohol — avoid or strictly limit alcohol consumption as it significantly increases the risk of lactic acidosis
• High-sugar or high-carbohydrate foods — may reduce the effectiveness of blood sugar management; follow your doctor's or dietitian's dietary advice
• Taking Glucophage with food is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal side effects

Always inform your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking.

Quick Tips for Glucophage 500mg Tablet

• Always take Glucophage with or after meals to reduce the chance of nausea or stomach upset
• Do not skip doses — take it at the same time each day for the best results
• Carry your medicine in its original packaging so that the expiry date and batch information are always visible
• Inform your doctor before any surgery or medical procedure involving contrast dye, as Glucophage may need to be temporarily stopped
• Monitor for signs of lactic acidosis — if you feel unusually weak, have muscle pain, difficulty breathing, or stomach discomfort, seek medical help immediately
• Avoid excessive alcohol while taking this medicine
• Do not share your medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms — this is a prescription medicine
• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C and away from sunlight and moisture
• Check the expiry date before taking each dose, especially if you have had the pack for a while
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets responsibly — do not flush them down the toilet; return them to a pharmacy for safe disposal
• Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor for regular kidney function and blood tests, especially with long-term use
• Purchase from a licensed pharmacy to ensure you receive genuine, properly stored medication

FAQs of Glucophage 500mg Tablet

Q1: Do I need a prescription to buy Glucophage 500mg Tablet in Malaysia?
Yes, Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Malaysia. You will need a valid prescription from a registered medical doctor to purchase it. Our online pharmacy in Malaysia complies fully with the regulations set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and the Pharmacy Board Malaysia, so you may be asked to upload or submit your prescription when placing your order.

Q2: Can I buy Glucophage 500mg Tablet online in Malaysia?
Yes, you can purchase Glucophage 500mg Tablet through our licensed online pharmacy in Malaysia. We are committed to providing genuine, registered pharmaceutical products sourced from authorised distributors. Simply place your order through our website, submit your valid prescription, and our team will process your order safely and discreetly.

Q3: How do I know the Glucophage I receive is genuine and not counterfeit?
We understand that authenticity is a top concern when buying medicine online — and rightly so. All products sold through our platform are sourced from authorised pharmaceutical distributors and registered suppliers in Malaysia. Glucophage is a registered product under the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of Malaysia, and we only stock products with valid registration numbers. You can also verify the product registration on the NPRA BeSSeT portal for added peace of mind.

Q4: How long does delivery take for Glucophage 500mg Tablet within Malaysia?
We offer nationwide delivery across Malaysia, including West Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Delivery times typically range from 1 to 3 working days for West Malaysia and 3 to 5 working days for East Malaysia, depending on your location and courier availability. You will receive a tracking number once your order has been dispatched so you can monitor your delivery in real time.

Q5: Is it safe to order Glucophage 500mg Tablet online?
Absolutely — as long as you order from a licensed and regulated online pharmacy. Our platform operates in full compliance with Malaysian pharmaceutical laws and regulations. Your personal and medical information is handled with strict confidentiality, and all transactions are secured. We strongly advise against purchasing medicines from unverified websites or social media sellers, as counterfeit or improperly stored medicines pose serious health risks.

Q6: What should I do if my Glucophage tablets arrive damaged or with a broken seal?
If your order arrives with damaged packaging, a broken seal, or any signs of tampering, do not take the medicine. Contact our customer service team immediately with photos of the packaging and your order details. We take product integrity very seriously and will arrange a replacement or refund in accordance with our returns policy.

Q7: Can I get a refill of Glucophage 500mg Tablet without visiting a doctor again?
For refills, you will generally need a valid and current prescription. If your existing prescription is still within its validity period and covers the quantity you need, you may be able to reorder without a new consultation. However, if your prescription has expired, we recommend consulting your doctor — this can often be done conveniently through a registered teleconsultation service in Malaysia before placing your refill order with us.

Q8: How should I store Glucophage 500mg Tablet after receiving my delivery?
Once you receive your order, store Glucophage 500mg Tablet at room temperature below 25°C, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or car, as heat and moisture can affect the quality of the tablets. Always keep it in its original packaging until use.

Q9: What is the price of Glucophage 500mg Tablet in Malaysia?
The price of Glucophage 500mg Tablet may vary depending on the quantity purchased and any ongoing promotions. Please check our product listing page for the most current and accurate pricing. We strive to offer competitive prices while ensuring you receive only genuine, properly handled medication.

Q10: Can I cancel or change my order after it has been placed?
You may request a cancellation or amendment to your order before it has been dispatched. Once the order has been shipped, changes may not be possible. Please contact our customer service team as soon as possible if you need to make any amendments, and our team will do their best to assist you promptly.