Glucophage XR 500mg Tablet

Glucophage XR 500mg Tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg in an extended-release (XR) formulation, designed to release the medicine gradually over a longer period so that it can typically be taken just once daily, rather than the two or three times daily dosing usually needed for immediate-release metformin tablets. It is used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, helping to control blood glucose levels as part of an overall treatment plan that includes diet and exercise.

As a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia, Glucophage XR 500mg Tablet is dispensed only after a doctor’s assessment, and is often chosen for patients who experience gastrointestinal side effects with immediate-release metformin, or who prefer the convenience and improved adherence of once-daily dosing. A doctor’s ongoing follow-up remains important to monitor blood glucose control and kidney function over time.

Once swallowed, the extended-release matrix of Glucophage XR gradually releases metformin in the gastrointestinal tract over several hours, providing a more steady, sustained blood level of the medicine compared with immediate-release tablets. The metformin released still works through the same core mechanisms as standard metformin — reducing glucose production by the liver, decreasing intestinal glucose absorption, and improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin — but the slower release profile can reduce peak-related gastrointestinal side effects for some patients.

Glucophage XR 500mg Tablet should only be taken according to a doctor’s prescription, typically once daily with the evening meal. The tablet must be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should never be crushed, chewed, or split, as this would break the extended-release mechanism and cause the full dose to be released at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

The dose is individualised by the prescribing doctor, usually starting at 500mg once daily with the evening meal and increased gradually, generally at intervals of at least one week, based on blood glucose response and tolerability, up to a maximum daily dose set by the doctor. Because it is an extended-release tablet, it should not be substituted for or combined with immediate-release metformin without a doctor’s specific instruction.

Glucophage XR 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.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, keeping the tablets in their original blister packaging until needed. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and do not use tablets that are damaged, discoloured, or past their printed expiry date.

• 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
• Not recommended for patients with narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract that could affect passage of the intact tablet shell

• 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 the effectiveness of Glucophage XR
• 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

• Take Glucophage XR once daily with the evening meal, at the same time each day.
• Always swallow the tablet whole — never crush, chew, or split it, as this destroys the extended-release effect and can increase side effects.
• Don’t worry if you notice what looks like a tablet shell in your stool; this is a normal, harmless part of how the XR formulation works.
• Limit alcohol intake, which increases the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin.
• Keep up with your doctor’s scheduled blood tests to monitor kidney function and vitamin B12 levels.
• Tell your doctor before any procedure involving iodinated contrast dye, as XR metformin may need to be temporarily paused.
• Do not substitute XR tablets with immediate-release metformin, or vice versa, without your doctor’s specific instruction.
• Seek urgent medical attention for unusual muscle pain, rapid breathing, or severe tiredness, which may indicate lactic acidosis.

Glucophage XR 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 for the extended-release formulation and monitor kidney function and blood glucose control over time. Patients may occasionally notice what looks like an intact tablet shell in the stool; this is a normal, harmless feature of the extended-release matrix, once the medicine itself has been absorbed, and is not a cause for concern.