Fortamet is often prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This long-acting form of metformin can decrease the amount of sugar made by the liver and reduce the amount of sugar absorbed into the body. By controlling blood sugar levels, Fortamet is effective in decreasing the risk of long-term complications that are associated with diabetes, such as heart disease.
Fortamet
® (
metformin hydrochloride extended-release) is a prescription medication licensed to treat
type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent
diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Fortamet is a long-acting form of metformin.
Although other long-acting forms of metformin are available (such as
Glucophage XR® and
Glumetza®), Fortamet is not equivalent to these products because Fortamet tablets are designed differently.
Fortamet is manufactured by Andrx Labs, Inc.
Fortamet is part of a class of diabetes medications known as biguanide medication.
Fortamet works in several ways. It decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. It can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, helping the body respond to its own insulin better. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels and lead to better control of diabetes.
Because Fortamet does not increase the amount of insulin produced by the body, it is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), as many other diabetes medications can do.
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