Written byDr. Adeline Carol PetersBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Last updated:
Overview
Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a tablet with Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg declared as its active content. It is supplied in pack sizes of 120s and 20s.
This is a non-prescription product and can be purchased without a prescription. Only product, safety and handling details are published on this page.
An online consultation with a DoctorOnCall doctor or pharmacist is available for this product, and a registered pharmacist reviews each order before dispatch to Malaysia or Singapore. Follow the directions on the label and on the leaflet inside the pack.
Directions for Use
Glucophage 500mg Tablet should only be taken according to a doctor’s prescription, following the dose, frequency, and duration advised. It is usually taken with or immediately after meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, and the tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water rather than crushed or chewed, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Dosage
Dosing is individualised by the prescribing doctor, typically starting at a low dose such as 500mg once or twice daily with meals, and gradually increased over one to two weeks based on blood glucose response and tolerability, up to a maximum daily dose determined by the doctor. Patients should never adjust their own dose or stop treatment without medical advice, as this can affect blood sugar control.
Shelf Life
Glucophage 500mg Tablet is generally valid for up to 36 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly and unopened; the exact expiry date is printed on the blister strip and outer carton and should be checked before each use.
Storage Instructions
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, keeping tablets in their original blister packaging until needed. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and discard any tablets that are damaged, discoloured, or past their expiry date.
Side Effects
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach discomfort or cramps
Metallic taste in the mouth
Loss of appetite
Weight loss (in some cases)
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to metformin or any ingredient in the tablet
Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury
Conditions predisposing to tissue hypoxia, such as severe heart failure or respiratory failure
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
Severe liver impairment
Should be temporarily stopped before procedures involving iodinated contrast media, as advised by a doctor
Drug / Food Interactions
Alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and should be limited or avoided
Iodinated contrast media used in imaging studies can increase the risk of kidney impairment and lactic acidosis when combined with metformin
Certain diuretics, corticosteroids, and other medicines that raise blood glucose may reduce metformin’s effectiveness
Cimetidine and some other medicines can increase metformin blood levels
Should be used cautiously with other antidiabetic medicines due to increased risk of hypoglycaemia when combined
Quick Tips
Take Glucophage with or immediately after meals to reduce stomach upset.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin.
Keep all scheduled blood tests to check your kidney function and vitamin B12 levels, especially with long-term use.
Tell your doctor before any scan or procedure involving iodinated contrast dye, as metformin may need to be temporarily stopped.
Do not double up on a missed dose — simply take your next dose at the usual time.
Seek urgent medical attention if you notice unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, or severe tiredness, as these may signal lactic acidosis.
Store tablets in their original blister packaging, away from moisture and heat.
This medicine should be used cautiously during pregnancy. Monitoring may be required.
Breastfeeding
Generally Safe
This medicine is generally safe during breastfeeding with minimal risk to the infant.
Kidney
Use With Care
Use cautiously. Dose adjustment or monitoring may be required.
Liver
Use With Care
Use cautiously. Liver function monitoring may be required.
Alcohol
Use With Care
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with this medicine.
Driving
Use With Care
Use caution while driving until you know how this medicine affects you.
Relevant Information
Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia, and DoctorOnCall requires an online medical consultation before it can be dispensed, so a doctor can confirm suitability and monitor kidney function and blood glucose control over time. Patients on long-term therapy should have periodic blood tests as advised by their doctor, and should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, or severe tiredness develop, as these may indicate lactic acidosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a non-prescription product and can be ordered without a prescription. It is still dispensed by a registered pharmacist on DoctorOnCall.
Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a tablet containing Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg. The full ingredient list is shown in the Composition or Ingredients section on this page and on the product packaging.
It is supplied in pack sizes of 120s and 20s. Choose the pack size you need from the options shown on this page before adding the item to your cart.
This page is limited to product, safety and handling information in line with Malaysian rules on medicine information. If you want advice on whether this product suits you, book an online consultation with a doctor or pharmacist on DoctorOnCall.
Follow the instructions printed on the label and in the leaflet supplied with the pack, and do not exceed the stated amount or duration. Handling steps are set out in the Directions for Use section on this page.
Yes. DoctorOnCall offers online consultations with licensed doctors and registered pharmacists, so you can ask about this product, your existing medicines, or anything on the label before you place an order.
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, keeping tablets in their original blister packaging until needed. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and discard any tablets that are damaged, discoloured, or past their expiry date. Keep it in its original pack and do not use it after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Stop using the product and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about any reaction that concerns you. Seek medical care immediately for signs of a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash. Reported reactions are listed in the Side Effects section on this page.
Within Malaysia, standard delivery takes 3 to 5 working days. Same-day delivery is available in the Klang Valley for orders placed before 12pm; orders placed after 12pm arrive by the end of the next day.
Orders to Singapore are sent as international deliveries and take 5 to 9 working days. A lump-sum shipping and handling fee applies to every overseas delivery and is shown at checkout.
Customers in Malaysia can pay by FPX online banking, credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard), and supported e-wallets including Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GrabPay and ShopeePay.
FPX and local e-wallets are tied to Malaysian bank and wallet accounts, so if your delivery address is in Singapore, use the payment options displayed at checkout for that address rather than assuming the same list applies.
Yes. DoctorOnCall ships to Singapore as an international order dispatched from Malaysia, arriving in 5 to 9 working days with a lump-sum shipping and handling fee.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) allows personal imports of up to three months’ supply of a medicine for your own use or an immediate family member’s, as long as it contains no controlled drugs, psychotropic substances or prohibited items. Keep the product in its original labelled packaging and keep a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter with it. Quantities above three months’ supply, and medicines containing controlled substances, require prior HSA approval.
Products listed on DoctorOnCall are registered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health for supply in Malaysia, and each pack carries its MAL registration number.
An order delivered to Singapore arrives as a personal import of a Malaysia-registered product; HSA product registration is not required for personal-use quantities, but it is also not the same as a product registered for sale in Singapore. If you need a locally registered Singapore product, buy it from a pharmacy in Singapore.
DoctorOnCall’s customer care team handles order, delivery and product queries through the contact channels on the site, including WhatsApp and the online help centre.
For deliveries to Singapore, allow more time before chasing an order than you would for a local Malaysian delivery, as the parcel passes through customs clearance and tracking updates can appear later in the journey.
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Important Medical Information
💊 Recommended Dosage:
Dosing is individualised by the prescribing doctor, typically starting at a low dose such as 500mg once or twice daily with meals, and gradually increased over one to two weeks based on blood glucose response and tolerability, up to a maximum daily dose determined by the doctor. Patients should never adjust their own dose or stop treatment without medical advice, as this can affect blood sugar control.
🛑 Contraindications (Do not use if):
Known hypersensitivity to metformin or any ingredient in the tablet
Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury
Conditions predisposing to tissue hypoxia, such as severe heart failure or respiratory failure
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
Severe liver impairment
Should be temporarily stopped before procedures involving iodinated contrast media, as advised by a doctor
If you are unsure, please chat with us or consult your doctor.
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach discomfort or cramps
Metallic taste in the mouth
Loss of appetite
Weight loss (in some cases)
Stop taking this medication immediately and consult your doctor if you experience severe allergic reactions or side effects.
Please tick this box to confirm you are 18+ before adding to cart.
IMPORTANT: Unsure? Chat with our pharmacists (Mon - Sat, 9:00am - 6:00pm) before buying.