Metformin should be taken after having a meal or eating food, especially when you are first starting treatment. This can help reduce any stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or gas. These side effects generally go away within a few weeks after starting treatment.

Most people take metformin once or twice per day, but your dose may be different. If you take it once per day, it’s usually recommended to take it in the evening after dinner. If you take it twice a day, take it after breakfast and dinner.

Metformin is usually taken as a long-term medicine and may be combined with other type 2 diabetes treatments. Follow your doctor’s directions exactly.

Why is metformin prescribed?

Metformin is a prescription oral medicine used with diet and exercise to help control high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in adults or children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes. It is recommended in medical guidelines as the initial treatment for newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and regular exercise.

Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications. A brand name for metformin is Glumetza, but most people use the generic version which is typically more affordable.

Once you get over the initial stomach side effects, metformin is usually well-tolerated by most people and does not typically cause significant weight gain. It also does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used alone. You may experience low blood sugar if it used with other diabetes treatments like insulin or sulfonylurea-type medicines.

Related: Side effects and warnings with metformin (in more detail)

Metformin has been available for the oral treatment of type 2 diabetes since 1995.

This is not all the information you need to know about metformin for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full metformin information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.