Metformin

Metformin is a type 2 oral medication in the biguanide class of drugs. It lowers blood glucose by lowering the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It's the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. This medication is available in generic (metformin) and brand name (Glucophage); extended release in generic (metformin) and brand names (Fortamet, Glucophage XR, and Glumetza); and oral suspension in brand names (Riomet and Riomet XR). Because type 2 diabetes medications act in different ways to lower blood glucose levels, doctors will often prescribe multiple drugs to a patient. For example, a doctor might prescribe both a biguanide and a sulfonylurea. Several of the more popular combinations of oral drugs can be prescribed together in a single pill. Each medication has its own side effects. Read labels carefully to be sure you know what they are.