Fortamet

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 Drug Information

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.

(Click Metformin Uses for more information on what Fortamet is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

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.

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