Fortamet

What Is Fortamet?

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.

 

 

Who Makes Fortamet?

The medication is manufactured by Andrx Labs, Inc.

 

How Does It Work?

Fortamet is part of a class of diabetes medications known as biguanide medications. 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.