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Glucophage XR

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witsum

Active Member
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44
Hi
Have been taking Glucophage SR 500mg x2 with breakfast for 6 months now and never really had any problem with dicky tummy. However I have just had repeat prescription and on the box it says Glucophage XR and for past 3 days since taking it I have had the 'runs' and have not changed my diet or anything else different.
Is there any difference in SR to XR that may be causing this?
Thanks
 
Hi There
just checked on the mighty Google and Glucophage SR is a slow release metformin, XR is an Extended release type, maybe the slow release works slower longer, and the XR just works slightly longer than standard tablets, phone your pharmacist and ask his advice, as he shouldn't really be changing the type of medication your on without consulting
Crofty
 
Thanks Crofty. I don't know why pharmacist has given me the XR type when the prescription states SR.
On the XR box (manufactured by Merck Sante France) all the product details are written in foreign language (not French) but inside leaflet is in English and states that the tablets are " Glucophage SR 500mg Prolonged release tablets" (Boxes of 30 tablets)
The SR box (manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals UK) is all in English. The tablets are different shape and come in boxes of 56.
I am concerned that the XR tablets although of same composition as the SR may be working too much slower and longer for me-I am only taking Metformin as a preventative measure (family history etc - and have had no problems with the SR for the 6 months I have been taking them!

I shall go and see the pharmacist tomorrow but I will probably have to have a repeat prescription done (just annoying and wasteful that all those 7 unopened boxes of XR which I paid for will have to be thrown away!!!)
 
If the pharmacist gave you XR when your prescription said SR then they should change them free of charge .If they wont I would get in touch with the surgery that issued the prescription and explain that you have been given the wrong meds by the pharmacy and they may sort it for you but dont just pay for more .

CAROL
 
Hi all
Thanks for your responses.
Went to pharmacist today and got the Glucophage SR tablets (no charge)-although he was adamant that XR and SR are one and the same.
Following Crofty's reply I found on another thread that XR(Extended Release)is different because it releases the metformin for a lot longer throughout the day (hence it's name) and possibly explains why I may have suffered the 'runs' as too strong in my case as only taking it for preventative measures due to family history.
XR is manufactured abroad and is cheaper so no doubt pharmaceutical companies will be buying that instead of the SR-The pharmacist had to order the SR in from somewhere else as only stocking XR now!
Bowell-I have to pay as I am not actually diabetic so don't qualify for exemption.
 
I am on Glucophage and it's the first time I've heard of this SR and XR. Mine are 500mg ones and come in a box. They are also made in France but its all in English. I've just checked my box plus leaflet and it doesn't say what release they are. I also get the runs with them, but I did with 2 other types of Metformin I've tried.
 
Hi Witsum

My pharmacist has always provided Glucophage SR labelled as such on the box for my slow release Metformin. Looks like you might need to try a different pharmacist as this is what should be provided as standard for Metformin SR prescription.

Joely, if you get the runs with 'standard' generic metformin it may be worth discussing this with your GP and suggesting metformin SR as this can help with stomach problems, although it does cost the NHS a bit more.
 
Appears that xr and sr are one in the same:

"........ SR (slow release) or XR (extended release) was introduced in 2004, in 500 mg and 750 mg strengths, mainly to counteract the most common gastrointestinal side effects, as well as to increase patient compliance by reducing pill burden. "

XR seems to be more prevalent a term used on medicines produced in the mid and far east.
 
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