Metformin
Glucophage
Glucophage 500 mg — the globally trusted first-line diabetes medication for Type 2 Diabetes. Does not cause low blood sugar when used alone and does not cause weight gain.
💊 Active ingredient: Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
⏱️ Dosage: Start at 500 mg once or twice daily, adjusted by your doctor
🍽️ Take with meals or immediately after to reduce stomach discomfort
📦 Packaging: 1 Box (50 Strips) 10 film-coated tablets per blister strip
⚡ Highlights: World's #1 first-line diabetes drug — no hypoglycemia risk alone, weight-neutral, and heart-protective
🌡️ Storage: Below 30°C, protect from light and moisture
Shipping
Discreet shipping within Thailand — packaging does not identify the product. Customers can review shipping and return conditions per our store policy. Contact our team for any questions.
Product Description
Diabetes medication is essential for type 2 diabetes patients to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Glucophage is a diabetes medication in the Biguanide class, Immediate Release formula, containing Metformin HCl 500/850/1000 mg. Manufactured by Merck as the originator brand.
📊 Key Statistics
- Type 2 Diabetes — Affects over 5 million people in Thailand, a chronic condition requiring lifelong management
- Metformin is the first-line diabetes medication per ADA guidelines, with over 60 years of clinical evidence — the most extensively studied diabetes drug
- Glucophage is the Immediate Release formula requiring 2–3 daily doses, with faster absorption and potentially more accessible pricing than XR
- See other diabetes medications in the Diabetes collection
🏭 Glucophage is manufactured by Merck, a leading global pharmaceutical company. As the originator Metformin brand — the most widely prescribed diabetes medication worldwide — it is FDA and Thai FDA approved.
⚠️ Diabetes medication must be combined with diet control and exercise. Never stop medication without consulting your doctor.
About Glucophage
What is Glucophage?
Glucophage is an oral diabetes medication in Immediate Release formula containing Metformin HCl. It belongs to the Biguanide drug class and is manufactured by Merck as the originator brand.
Metformin works by reducing hepatic glucose production, improving insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells, and reducing intestinal glucose absorption. These mechanisms lower blood sugar without causing hypoglycemia when used alone.
Glucophage IR is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak levels within 2–3 hours. It requires 2–3 daily doses and is the original formula with the most extensive clinical evidence.
What is Glucophage used for?
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Metformin is the first-line treatment for all type 2 diabetes patients. Can be used alone or combined with other diabetes medications or insulin.
Prediabetes: Prevents progression to full diabetes, especially in overweight patients who haven't achieved adequate control through lifestyle changes.
PCOS (off-label): Helps regulate hormones and improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
IR formula advantages: Rapid absorption, flexible dosing, multiple strengths available (500/850/1000 mg), and potentially more affordable than XR formula.
How to Take Glucophage / Dosage
Starting dose: Take 500 mg twice daily with meals (breakfast and dinner) or 850 mg once daily with breakfast.
Dose adjustment: Your doctor will gradually increase every 1–2 weeks until blood sugar is well controlled. Maximum dose is 2550 mg/day divided into 3 doses.
Why take with food: Improves absorption and reduces nausea and diarrhoea. Do not take on an empty stomach.
If you miss a dose: Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Never take a double dose.
Important: Always take with food. Swallow whole with water. Take at the same times each day.
Side Effects of Glucophage
Common side effects:
- Diarrhoea — most common, especially initially (more frequent than XR formula)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain, bloating
- Metallic taste
- Loss of appetite
Serious side effects (stop and seek medical attention):
- Lactic acidosis — Very rare but life-threatening. Symptoms: rapid deep breathing, severe muscle pain, severe diarrhoea, unusual fatigue
- Vitamin B12 deficiency — monitor B12 levels periodically with long-term use
Tips to reduce GI symptoms: Start low, increase gradually. Always take with food. If intolerable, consider switching to XR formula (Glucophage XR) which causes significantly less diarrhoea.
Contraindications & Precautions
Do not use:
- eGFR below 30 mL/min (severe kidney impairment)
- Severe liver disease
- Acidosis (metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis)
- Allergy to Metformin
Use with caution:
- Stop 48 hours before contrast media injection — may impair kidney function and increase lactic acidosis risk
- eGFR 30–45 — do not start new
- Heavy alcohol use — increases lactic acidosis risk
- Elderly — monitor kidney function regularly
- Pregnancy — consult doctor
How Does Glucophage Compare to Other Diabetes Medications?
Glucophage vs. Glucophage XR: Same active ingredient by Merck. Glucophage IR absorbs faster, requires 2–3 daily doses with more diarrhoea. Glucophage XR is Extended Release — once daily with less GI side effects but may cost more.
Glucophage vs. generic Metformin: Same active ingredient. Glucophage is the originator at a higher price. Generic Metformin is available from various manufacturers at lower cost with equivalent efficacy.
Glucophage vs. SGLT2 Inhibitors: SGLT2i are newer diabetes drugs with weight loss and cardio-renal benefits but at much higher cost. Metformin remains first-line and can be combined with SGLT2i.
How Long Does Glucophage Take to Work?
Metformin IR absorbs rapidly, reaching peak levels within 2–3 hours. Half-life is approximately 6.2 hours, requiring 2–3 daily doses.
Short-term results: Post-meal blood sugar begins decreasing from the first week.
Long-term results: HbA1c typically drops by 1–1.5% after 3 months.
Doctors check HbA1c every 3 months. If targets aren't met, dose adjustment or additional medication may be needed.
Where Can I Buy Glucophage?
Glucophage is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.
Can I buy Glucophage online?
Yes. Order through Intimo Life — select the product, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home.
Do I need a prescription?
A doctor's prescription is not required, but the medication must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. At Intimo Life, our pharmacist will review your symptoms and health history to confirm suitability before shipping.
How does Intimo Life ship orders?
We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your symptoms or medication, always consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
References
- StatPearls — Metformin. Corcoran C, Jacobs TF. NCBI Bookshelf. Updated August 2023.
- Sanchez-Rangel E, Inzucchi SE. "Metformin: clinical use in type 2 diabetes." Diabetologia. 2017.
- Flory JH, et al. "Recommendations for Practical Use of Metformin, a Central Pharmacological Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes." Clinical Diabetes. 2022.
- Metformin — NHS UK.
- Metformin (Oral Route) — Mayo Clinic.
- Metformin — Drugs.com. Updated 2024.
- Metformin — DrugBank Online.
- Metformin — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Same active ingredient (Metformin) by Merck. Glucophage IR absorbs faster, needs 2–3 daily doses, and causes more diarrhoea. Glucophage XR is Extended Release — once daily with less GI side effects. If you can't tolerate IR, consider switching to XR.
Yes. The IR formula is rapidly absorbed, causing higher drug levels in the GI tract, leading to more diarrhoea and nausea. The XR formula releases gradually, causing fewer symptoms. Start low, take with food — symptoms usually improve within 2–4 weeks.
Metformin isn't a weight loss drug per se, but it helps with modest weight loss of 1–3 kg by reducing appetite — unlike some diabetes medications like Sulfonylureas or insulin that cause weight gain.
Same active ingredient. Glucophage is the originator by Merck at a higher price. Generic Metformin is Thai FDA approved with equivalent efficacy at a lower cost. Choose based on budget and doctor's advice.
Yes. Stop 48 hours before and after contrast media injection. Contrast may temporarily impair kidney function, increasing lactic acidosis risk. Resume after kidney function is confirmed normal.
Always take with meals. IR formula requires 2–3 daily doses — take with breakfast and dinner (or breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 3 doses). Take at the same times each day for consistent blood sugar control.
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