Glucophage Prescription Online

Glucophage - Overview

Glucophage is the brand name for metformin, a commonly prescribed medication used for the treatment of diabetes. People who need a Glucophage prescription can use Push Health to connect with a medical provider who can prescribe Glucophage medication, including generic metformin, when appropriate to do so.

What Is Glucophage Used For?

Glucophage contains the drug metformin hydrochloride and belongs to the biguanide class of antidiabetic medications. Glucophage is used in people with type 2 diabetes to improve postprandial and basal glucose levels in the plasma. Glucophage works through three complementary mechanisms:

• Reduces hepatic glucose production. Glucophage decreases the amount of glucose the liver releases into the bloodstream - a key driver of elevated fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes.
• Improves insulin sensitivity. Glucophage enhances the body's response to insulin, particularly in muscle tissue, and helps cells take up glucose more efficiently.
• Reduces intestinal glucose absorption. Glucophage modestly reduces the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract after meals.

Unlike sulfonylureas or insulin, Glucophage does not stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Because it does not cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy, it is often a preferred first-line agent for type 2 diabetes. For complete clinical information on metformin - including use in PCOS, prediabetes, B12 deficiency monitoring, ER vs. standard, and full FAQ - see the metformin page.

Glucophage vs. Glucophage XR - What Is the Difference?

Glucophage (standard-release metformin) is taken two to three times daily with meals. The tablets release metformin relatively quickly after ingestion. Glucophage can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset when first starting the medication or increasing the dose.

Glucophage XR (extended-release metformin) is taken once or twice daily and releases metformin gradually over several hours. The primary clinical advantage of extended-release formulation is that it is associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than standard-release Glucophage. Both formulations are equally effective at lowering blood glucose. Patients who experience gastrointestinal symptoms on standard Glucophage are often switched to Glucophage XR.

Glucophage - Dosage and Cost

Typically, the starting dose of Glucophage is Glucophage 850 mg once daily or Glucophage 500 mg twice a day while the starting dose of Glucophage XR is generally Glucophage XR 500 - 1,000 mg once daily. However, some providers may use alternative regimens depending on the health characteristics of the patient and the judgment of the prescribing medical provider.

Generic metformin is one of the most affordable prescription medications available, typically costing under 10 cents per tablet at most pharmacies. A standard 30-day supply at 1,000 mg twice daily typically costs under $10. Branded Glucophage and Glucophage XR are more expensive. A prescription savings card or insurance coverage may help reduce costs.

Following oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are generally achieved within 2.5 hours for standard Glucophage and 4-8 hours for Glucophage XR. The elimination half-life is approximately 6 hours. Most of the drug is eliminated via the kidneys. As a result, Glucophage should generally not be used in patients with significantly impaired kidney function (eGFR below 30 mL/min).

Can I Buy Glucophage Online?

Glucophage requires a prescription to be dispensed by a pharmacy in the United States. As a result, Glucophage OTC is not available and one cannot just buy Glucophage online. The first step to getting Glucophage medication is consulting with a medical provider. People who need a Glucophage prescription can use Push Health to consult with a medical provider who can prescribe Glucophage medication, including generic Glucophage and Glucophage XR tablets, when appropriate to do so.

Glucophage - Side Effects

Glucophage prescription tablets can cause side effects when used. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and abdominal pain which particularly occur when starting treatment or increasing the dose. These gastrointestinal side effects can be reduced by taking Glucophage with food and/or by starting at a low dose. Switching to Glucophage XR is another strategy that often improves tolerability.

Lactic acidosis: Glucophage can rarely cause lactic acidosis - a potentially life-threatening metabolic complication. The risk is primarily elevated in patients with significant kidney impairment, severe liver disease, acute illness with dehydration, or excessive alcohol use. Glucophage should be temporarily held before procedures using iodinated contrast dye.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Long-term Glucophage use is associated with reduced vitamin B12 absorption in some patients. Periodic B12 monitoring is recommended.

Heavy alcohol use should be avoided while taking Glucophage, as alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis. Patients planning on light or moderate alcohol use should discuss their plan with a licensed medical provider. Glucophage should not be used by patients with kidney dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, or active liver disease. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to metformin or any ingredient in Glucophage should not use the medication. Other concerns should be discussed with one's medical provider before using the medication. For complete side effects information, see the metformin page.

How to Get a Glucophage Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Answer a few questions about your medical history, current blood glucose levels, kidney function, current medications, and the reason you need Glucophage - whether for diabetes, PCOS, prediabetes, or another indication.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether Glucophage (metformin) is appropriate and whether standard or XR formulation is the better fit. Same-day consultations are available.
3. Receive your prescription electronically. If Glucophage is appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
4. Pick up your medication. Generic metformin is available at most retail pharmacies, typically under $10 for a 30-day supply. No health insurance or subscription is required.

Medical providers are available now.

More Glucophage Information

• Glucophage - FDA