Metformin 500mg: What It’s Used For, How to Take It & Price in Malaysia
What is metformin 500mg?
Metformin 500mg is a prescription tablet that lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It is the first-line diabetes medicine recommended by Malaysian and international guidelines, and one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world.
Metformin belongs to a class called biguanides. It works in three ways: it reduces the amount of glucose your liver releases, helps your muscles respond better to insulin, and slightly slows how much sugar your gut absorbs.
The 500mg strength is the usual starting dose. Most people begin at 500mg once or twice a day, and their doctor increases it gradually.
Quick facts
- Drug class: Biguanide
- Common brands in Malaysia: Glucophage, Glucoxit, Glumet DC, Sunward Metformin
- Forms: Immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) tablets
- Prescription needed: Yes, in Malaysia
- Main use: Type 2 diabetes
What is metformin 500mg used for?
Metformin 500mg is used mainly to control blood sugar in adults and children aged 10 and above with type 2 diabetes. It works best alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight management.
Doctors may also prescribe it for:
- Prediabetes: to lower the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, especially in people with obesity or a history of gestational diabetes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): to improve insulin resistance and help regulate menstrual cycles. This is an off-label use.
- Weight gain caused by certain medicines: such as some antipsychotics. Also off-label.
Is metformin a weight loss drug? No. Some people lose a small amount of weight on metformin, but it is not approved for weight loss. If weight is your main concern, speak to a doctor about clinically proven options.
Metformin does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) on its own. The risk rises when it is combined with insulin or sulphonylureas such as gliclazide.
How to take metformin 500mg
Take metformin with or straight after a meal, at the same times each day. Food reduces stomach upset, the most common reason people stop taking it. Always follow the dose on your prescription label.
Typical adult dosing (your doctor may adjust this)
| Immediate-release (IR) | Extended-release (XR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting dose | 500mg once or twice daily | 500mg once daily |
| When to take | With breakfast and/or dinner | With the evening meal |
| How it’s increased | By 500mg every 1–2 weeks | By 500mg every 1–2 weeks |
| Usual maximum | 2,000–3,000mg per day, split into 2–3 doses | 2,000mg once daily |
Tips for taking it correctly
- Swallow XR tablets whole. Do not crush, split or chew them.
- If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal unless it’s almost time for the next one. Never double up.
- Switching from IR to XR often eases stomach side effects. Ask your doctor first.
- Keep taking it even when your sugar readings improve. Metformin controls diabetes; it does not cure it.
Taking metformin during Ramadan
Most people on metformin alone can fast safely. The usual approach is to take the larger dose at iftar and the smaller one at sahur. Speak to your doctor before Ramadan so your dose can be adjusted.
Side effects of metformin 500mg
Most side effects affect the stomach, appear in the first few weeks, and fade as your body adjusts. Starting low and taking it with food helps.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea or bloating
- Stomach pain or loss of appetite
- A metallic taste in the mouth
Long-term: metformin can lower vitamin B12 levels over years of use. Your doctor may check your B12, especially if you notice tingling, numbness or tiredness.
Rare but serious: lactic acidosis. Seek emergency care if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, stomach pain with vomiting, or a slow or irregular heartbeat.
Who should not take metformin?
Tell your doctor before starting metformin if you have:
- Kidney problems (it is not used when kidney function is severely reduced)
- Liver disease or heavy alcohol use
- Heart failure or a recent heart attack
- A planned X-ray or CT scan with contrast dye, or upcoming surgery (you may need to pause it)
- Severe dehydration, infection or vomiting (pause it until you recover and check with your doctor)
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss metformin with your doctor first.
Metformin 500mg price in Malaysia
Metformin is one of the most affordable diabetes medicines in Malaysia. Every brand below contains the same active ingredient, metformin hydrochloride 500mg, and must be registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
| Brand | Type | Pack size | Price on DoctorOnCall (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucophage 500mg | Original brand | 10s |
Is generic metformin as good as Glucophage? Yes. Generics registered in Malaysia must contain the same active ingredient at the same strength and work the same way in the body. The main differences are price, tablet appearance and inactive ingredients.
Can I buy metformin 500mg without a prescription? No. Metformin is a prescription medicine in Malaysia. On DoctorOnCall, you can consult a licensed doctor online and have your prescription filled and delivered to your door.
Frequently asked questions
What is metformin 500mg used for?
It lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Doctors may also prescribe it for prediabetes and PCOS.
Can I take metformin every day?
Yes. Metformin is meant to be taken every day, long term, as prescribed. Stopping it without advice can cause your blood sugar to rise.
Is it better to take metformin in the morning or at night?
IR tablets are usually taken with breakfast and dinner. XR tablets are usually taken once daily with the evening meal. Follow your prescription.
How long does metformin take to work?
Blood sugar usually starts improving within the first week or two. The full effect on HbA1c shows after about 2–3 months.
Can I drink alcohol on metformin?
Keep it to a minimum. Heavy drinking raises the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
Does metformin damage the kidneys?
No. Metformin does not harm healthy kidneys. Your doctor checks kidney function because the body clears metformin through the kidneys.
What’s the difference between metformin 500mg and 850mg?
Only the strength. 500mg is the usual starting dose; 850mg or 1,000mg tablets reduce the number of tablets once you’re on a higher dose.
