{"product_id":"glucophage-xr-1000mg-tablets","title":"Glucophage XR 1000mg Tablets","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGlucophage XR\u003c\/b\u003e is an extended-release brand-name formulation of metformin hydrochloride, a prescription oral biguanide medication used to manage and treat \u003cb\u003etype 2 diabetes\u003c\/b\u003e. The \"XR\" stands for extended-release, meaning the drug uses a specialized polymer gel matrix to slowly diffuse the medicine into your system over 24 hours. This slow-release mechanism significantly reduces the gastrointestinal side effects common to standard metformin. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMetformin lowers your blood sugar levels through three primary methods:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col class=\"ol1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eReduces liver glucose output:\u003c\/b\u003e It stops your liver from producing excess sugar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eImproves insulin sensitivity:\u003c\/b\u003e It helps your muscles and peripheral tissues absorb and utilize glucose more effectively.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDecreases intestinal absorption:\u003c\/b\u003e It slows down the amount of sugar absorbed from the food you eat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Strengths \u0026amp; Proper Use\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGlucophage XR tablets are typically available in \u003cb\u003e500 mg, 750 mg, and 1,000 mg\u003c\/b\u003e strengths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ul1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDosing:\u003c\/b\u003e The standard adult starting dose is 500 mg taken \u003cb\u003eonce daily with the evening meal\u003c\/b\u003e. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose up to a maximum of 2,000 mg per day. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAdministration:\u003c\/b\u003e You must \u003cb\u003eswallow the tablets whole\u003c\/b\u003e with water. Do not chew, crush, or cut extended-release tablets, as this destroys the slow-release mechanism and releases too much medicine at once.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe \"Ghost Tablet\":\u003c\/b\u003e You may occasionally notice an empty tablet shell in your stool. Do not alarm yourself; this is a normal part of the gel matrix design. The active medication has already been fully absorbed by your body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSide Effects \u0026amp; Safety Precautions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile Glucophage XR is generally well-tolerated, it requires careful monitoring:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ul1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCommon Side Effects:\u003c\/b\u003e Mild nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or a metallic taste may occur, though these usually subside within a few weeks. Long-term use can also lower your \u003cb\u003evitamin B12 levels\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBlack Box Warning (Lactic Acidosis):\u003c\/b\u003e In rare cases, metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a severe buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience rapid breathing, severe weakness, unusual muscle pain, or deep fatigue. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eContraindications:\u003c\/b\u003e You should not take Glucophage XR if you have severe kidney disease (eGFR \u0026lt;30 mL\/min), liver failure, or acute metabolic acidosis. Always inform your doctor before undergoing any medical scans involving \u003cb\u003eiodinated contrast dye\u003c\/b\u003e or major surgery, as you will need to temporarily pause the medication to protect your kidneys. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption while taking this medication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Optum Health Pharmacy","offers":[{"title":"60's","offer_id":67557805752620,"sku":null,"price":1165.0,"currency_code":"KES","in_stock":true},{"title":"10's","offer_id":67557805785388,"sku":null,"price":215.0,"currency_code":"KES","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0844\/6895\/7484\/files\/prescription-required.png?v=1745497922","url":"https:\/\/optumhealthpharmacy.com\/products\/glucophage-xr-1000mg-tablets","provider":"Optum Health Pharmacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}