Can I crush tablets

[Flumpybumps24]

Hi
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 4 years ago and was put on Glucophage (metformin powder sachets) as I am unable to swallow tablets. They have ceased to be made now and I have been given 850mg tablets which say i should not crush. My chemist says I can but the instructions say not to. I have crushed some and they are very bitter and make me gag.My GP says it is too expensive to prescribe me it in liquid form. I have now stopped taking any and do not feel too good. Any suggestions and are they safe to crush?

 

[catherinecherub]

The fact that they are slow release means that they work over a period of time so crushing them is not a good idea.

This article tells you,

Glucophage SR tablets are usually taken once or twice a day. These tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink either during or just after a meal. They must not be broken, crushed or chewed.

Read more: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diabetes/medicines/glucophage.html#ixzz3OFHw74s3

Have you tried having a drink of water through a straw at hand and use this to help them go down?

 

[Flumpybumps24]

The fact that they are slow release means that they work over a period of time so crushing them is not a good idea.

This article tells you,

Glucophage SR tablets are usually taken once or twice a day. These tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink either during or just after a meal. They must not be broken, crushed or chewed.

Read more: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diabetes/medicines/glucophage.html#ixzz3OFHw74s3

Have you tried having a drink of water through a straw at hand and use this to help them go down?

I got the mg wrong they are Metformin 500mg tablets but do not say slow release on them. I had read that some are slow release and some immediate release. If mine are immediate I would assume I could crush but as I say the instructions inside state do not crush. I have a bit of a phobia of swallowing all tablets so a straw and drink would not help unfortunately.

 

[CarbsRok]

There is a cherry flavoured oral solution, is that what you were taking?
OK found this https://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/News/Discontinuation-of-Glucophage-Metformin-powder-in-the-UK/ there is a liquid form available
Just realised you have said GP wont prescribe it. I would argue your case with him or your ccg if you can not swallow tablets. The cost of complications will far out way the met costs.