glucophage or metformin

As far as I know Glucophage is metformin but is a slow release version so that it has less of a reaction on the stomach .I had terrible problems with the generic met but I am much better on Glucophage If you are ok with ordinary met I would say it is not worth paying more for Glucophage but that is only my opinion
CAROL

I thought that Metformin is just the generic name for Glucophage, which was the original branded form. Chemically it should be exactly the same thing, shouldn't it (give or take manufacturing tolerences)?

The drugs are identical, although there are slow release variants of both. I've read somewhere that some diabetics have reported different levels of success using different suppliers of Metformin, but I'm be surprised to hear a Doctor recommening one form of a supposedly chemically identical drug over another.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100001181.html

It's probably none of my business, but I wouldn't waste any extra money for a seemingly identical medecine, based on the anecdotal evidence of my Doctor's mum.

Hi

I changed to Glucophage SR, from generic metformin, yesterday (after 11 years). My BG is running approx. 2 mmol/L higher today than my 'normal' :shock:

Is this usual?

Peter

"Glucophage" is the branded version, containing basic metformin. "Glucophage SR" contains a modified formulation for "modified release", usually called slow release, and can be better for those who react badly to the basic metformin. In my opinion generic forms of the drug are just as good if you can tolerate the "bog-standard" stuff, and they are much cheaper than the branded Glucophage. But if you can't tolerate it, then Glucophage SR is worth a try. I was recently swapped onto this, and was supplied with branded Glucophage SR, but my prescription reads "Metformin MR tabs 500mg" which I assume is a generic description, so there may be a cheaper version of the slow release variant not bearing the expensive Glucophage label. According to my DN the slow release version (4 X 500mg each day) costs the NHS £59 a month more than basic generic Metformin, which is why its not prescribed unless necessary.