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Amount of Metformin taking

Jude270666

Jude270666

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi I'm curious to know what amount of Metformin others are on.
I started on 1 500mg in the morning then raised to 1 in morning and 1 at teatime. I suffered with upset stomach so was prescribed slow release which I've settled with better. Spoke to diabetic nurse this week and she raised it to 2 in a morning and 1 at teatime for a week and then I go to 2 and 2. She said she wants to get me upto 6 or 8 a day. Does this seem a lot?
 
Hi Jude,
I'm taking slow release, 1G in morning and 1G at tea time which I'm fine on. However, everyone is different and need different doses. I'm fairly sure no one would put you on a dose that you didn't need. However, I thought 2G was the maximum amount in a day for Metformin but I may be wrong I'm not an expert. Take a look on BNF (British National Formula) website, it gives you dosages and information on all medication including Metformin. It's the drug book used by most doctors. If you still have doubts and want a second opinion make an appointment with your GP after all they have over all responsibility for your care, and express your concerns with them. They will hopefully reassure you putting your mind at rest and confirm or challenge what you have been told by the diabetic nurse.
Good luck.
Maggie
 
I've looked at the BNF but dont seem to be able to access any information.
 
I agree with Maggie, the leaflet in my metformin box says max dose 2g a day which is what I'm on and was told this was the max dose, I'm also on Gliclazide and insulin but it's still all pretty new to me so I'd say ask your GP if you're concerned about the dose.
 
I was told to start with one, then build up to two and if I tolerated that then to try three but only after taking two for some weeks, and not to worry if I felt OK with the two - I'd be rather uneasy if prescribed two tablets a day by a doctor and a nurse wanted to increase the dose three to four times without reference to how I felt, or confirming the dose with a doctor.
 
I am on 1500 mg per day. I was told by my doc that 2g was the max dose per day. I am in Canada.
 
I think 4 x 500 mg tablets daily is the maximum also. That's what two of my doctors have told me. I was taken up to the maximum dose of Metformin and started on insulin at the same time. I mean I started with metformin 1 X 500 mg a day, then went to 2 x 500 mg a day, then 3 x 500 mg - then my blood glucose went out of control after a flu like illness and I was increased to 2 X 1000 mg 2x daily or total of 2000 mg per day and started on insulin at the same time. I would definitely check with my doctor before going beyond 2000 mg per day of Metformin. I am in USA.
 
4x500 is the max dose according to the leaflet. have you tried to support the metformin with lo carb? lower carb will make a huge difference, Even if you just drop rice, pasta, potatoes and flour products.
 
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